153 replies to this topic

[The Matt]

I've wanted a MK1 Astra since I first started driving, so I found one on ebay and thought "sod it, BUY IT NOW"

There's only actually 7 of these left on the road in the UK (MK1, 3 door 1200SL) so it's a pretty rare beast to be honest.

 

Anyway, look what I've committed to buying.  It's being picked up and delivered for me next weekend by a mate with his trailer.

 

 

 

 

 

Something missing from in here

 

Needs some general tidying and some welding too:

 

 

 

 

 

Comes with a load of spares and all of the panels required to restore the shell.

 

 

 

 

I've also bought a complete, running C20XE Red Top (early type with the Coscast cylinder head).  I've also got some really good mates with MK1s and one of them is a right hoarder.  This car doesn't have any interior so he's got one I can have.  But I'm seriously thinking of just having cage, harnesses, pair of bucket and nothing else inside.  Part of me wants to build a sleeper, leave it burgundy, slap some gold-painted steelies on it and call it Ron....part of me wants to go full cage etc.  Need to decide which way to go yet.  Looking at various sites, upgrading things like brakes to bigger, vented up front, discs at the back is easy and cheap.  Converting the engine is as easy as can be.  The whole thing shouldn't cost me that much (saying that, I've committed to a grand on it already this weekend)

 

I'm not going mad on starting it yet.  Just going to get it dropped off at the unit and leave it there for now.  Once the Mini is all welded and painted and back together, the Dis-Astra can be started.

BWAARP

 

My inspiration and THE ultimate MK1 Astra.

 

Sy's has a 350bhp+ C20LET in it, it's immaculate and it's my all-time favourite retro car.  He's owned it for about 20 years now (it was his first car).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[megamini_jb]

Love these.

I always see a orange one driving around

[Anthony30]

Not considered a Saab B204 engine? Good look anyhoo.

[The Matt]

I can't even believe how loooong I've wanted one for.  I had a Mk2 when I was 17, but really wanted a MK1 GTE.  I've got so many mates that own them now, I thought it was about time I got one too!

 

I reckon some gold BBS style 16" rims would look amazeballs on it with that burgundy.  I've done rear arches on these before, so that's not too bad.  The front panel should be easy enough too.
 

[The Matt]

Not considered a Saab B204 engine? Good look anyhoo.

 

Yeah, I did think about it.  But I think I'll run a set of TBs or pair of Weber DCOEs on the redtop and it'll be pretty pokey anyway.  Nothing like Sy's white one, that thing is just mental.

[Anthony30]

 

Not considered a Saab B204 engine? Good look anyhoo.

 

Yeah, I did think about it.  But I think I'll run a set of TBs or pair of Weber DCOEs on the redtop and it'll be pretty pokey anyway.  Nothing like Sy's white one, that thing is just mental.

 

I believe you can get around 200BHP with ITB's and cams ect. I would go for a fast/mild road spec  so you can drive the car around town. I'm sure it weighs sod all, compared to my tank, so 200BHP should be good fun.

[The Matt]

Got a mate that had 260 from his JRE-built red top.  But that was a £10k+ build and revved like cray...totes cray!

[Tamworthbay]

My first ever car was a mk1 Astra 1.2. I despised it with a vengeance and couldn't wait to get rid. I always fancied a GTE but was put off. It will be interesting to see what it's like when you finish it. There are very few about now so it turn heads when you are out and about I'm sure.

[The Matt]

I just love square, ugly cars

 

Pulsar GTI-R is also on my list of wants for this reason, ugly as sin.  Might buy one soon as part of my mid-life-crisis thing 

 

[Ben_O]

Like it

 

[Ben_O]

I just love square, ugly cars

 

one day id like a Matra Rancho 

 

Always loved them...ugly square things...

[Tamworthbay]

I just love square, ugly cars
 
Pulsar GTI-R is also on my list of wants for this reason, ugly as sin.  Might buy one soon as part of my mid-life-crisis thing 

is there a secret Lada love affair you would like to admit to?

[The Matt]

I'd love a Rally spec Riva!

[Ben_O]

I had a Riva....

 

Lets just say a 1300 lump in a car that weighs the same as a small country is not a good combination

[myredmini]

Nice! I done exactly this the other week but with a Renault 21 Savanna. Always wanted one because my dad had one yearrrsss ago when i was young. Uber rare sight nowadays so i hit the buy it now! Supposed to be less than 100 on the uk roads and only 16 of this model (RT)





Sorry to go off topic!