1985 Vauxhall Cavalier

Vauxhall Cavalier Mk2 (Saloon), 1981-1988

The Vauxhall Cavalier Mk2 was in production from 1981 until 1988. Styled in-house, it is a front-engine, front wheel drive saloon range seating five adults.

The Cavalier Mk2 was a new start for Vauxhall and Opel. Where previously the range had been rear wheel drive, the new car embraced front wheel drive to maximise space in the cabin and boot of what was rapidly becoming a fleet favourite. From launch the range consisted of a two and four door saloon, and a five door hatchback. Subsequently, there would also be a cabriolet based upon the two door shell, and an estate derived from the Holden Camira range. These shells were imported from Australia and assembled as Vauxhalls in Luton. As time passed the range grew - especially at the top end, where once the upmarket models had been powered by 1.6 litre engines, that grew to 1.8 litre injected units for 1983 and further to 2.0 injected units for 1987. The sporting model developed too - from 1.6SR to SRi, then to SRi130.

The most desirable Mk2 Cavaliers today are the convertible and the rare, Tickford styled Calibre model. Based on the SRi130, the Calibre was fitted with an Irmscher bodykit and trimmed with uique seats. Just 500 were made, all painted in Carmine Red. A similar model was available on the continent, badged the Opel Ascona Sprint. These cars were effectively run-out specials, created to use up a surplus of four door saloon shells before the launch of the Cavalier Mk3.

The Ford Sierra was the closest rival in period, though its advanced shell and conservative mechanicals were the polar opposite of the Vauxhall. The Austin Montego was also a keen rival in Britain; with dependable engines and an uninspiring shell it nonetheless offered practical motoring. The idiosyncratic would have chosen the Citroen BX, while the Francophiles in search of a more conventional car might have considered the Peugeot 305 or the Renault 18. Volkswagen's Jetta and Passat were both targeted at a similar market. If you needed a car of similar size with a larger boot, Vauxhall itself could offer the Astra Belmont as an alternative with a smaller cabin but vastly improved boot space.