Why This 25 Year Old Vauxhall Astra Van is Worth More To Me Than Any Ferrari
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- Опубликовано: 6 сен 2024
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Today, the story of "Grandad's Van".
#Vauxhall #Astra #vanlife
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The 1.6 Twinport petrol models offer a lusty 105hp and 150Nm of torque and is smoother than the 1.7 DTi and 2.0DTi units. Power here is 75hp and 82hp respectively while torque is 165Nm and 186Nm. The new 1.7CDTi is an exciting development. The diesel is a smooth common rail unit which lacks the rattliness of the old engines and offers 80hp and 170Nm of torque.
@@JayEmmOnCars get hold of viking detail. They can polish up the oxsidized "resale red" clear coat needs respray on pillar but still saveable.
Another suggestion: put your channel details on the side of your van.
That is the 2.0 DI (not DL) model. There was also a 2.0 DTI. Both are turbo diesels. The one you have is the small turbo one, officially known as the Y20DTL (low) which has 80hp. The DTI is the Y20DTH (high) and has 99hp. I had both back in the day. The 2.0 DI is definitely not built for speed, but perfectly acceptable for running about locally and was a very reliable engine in my experience. The DTI could really motor along but I had a lot of problems with mine, but might have just been a bit of a lemon.
Granddad WASN'T a Ford man (like mine) but never judge a book by its cover. He's up in heaven, arm-wrestling Colin Chapman, Ayrton Senna, etc.........
* P.S:- I'd wager he got that Celica sideways (for fun) on those British roads! 😂😂😂
If you squint hard enough, it looks like a Ferrari F12
More like GTC4Lusso 😉
And if you poke an eye out a CRX
Ff
True, can confirm 👍
More reliable
An AstraVan is the fastest car in the world, judging by the number of them that have zoomed passed me on the M25 in the last 40 years!
Were they white ??
@@Billy2w A white work van will be tailgating waiting impatiently to pass while you are driving at top speed in a Bugatti Veyron. No matter HOW FAST you go, a white work van will be behind you wanting to pass...
I'm going to be unpopular here, but *don't* restore it other than getting rid of the rot. It looks wonderful, it's had a life and shows that life in all its glory.
That was (as someone else has said) the best video you've made. It came from the heart.
I'm with you - I think a polish and a clay bar to stop the rust getting through to the metalwork and leave everything else alone
Good point imo, it adds character.
I agree too . Sort the mechanical aspect of it, but keep it looking like this! The ageing process is part of the story!
I agree, the paint should be left. Its part of the character and history of this van!
Nice to see a fellow organ nut here!
When I was 15, the Ferraris and Aston Martins were interesting. Now, approaching 40, this is the type of video I go for.
It's funny how that works
Oh James, you've just made my heart melt. I love vehicles like this. They aren't just cars (or vans), they're members of the family, a bit like a cat or a dog. I feel exactly the same about my 2003 Nissan Micra. It's my best mate, and will be my car until the day I die.
Thanks Matthew :)
I agree a vehicle can hold so many personnel memories that they become a part of the family that we don't want to part with .
I Have a 2003 Astra van that I've owned for 14 years.
I have owned many vehicles in my 63 years on this planet including some calibre cars .But this van tops them all ,it's just been such a reliable , economical fun van to drive ,hence that's why I've kept it so long .
I bought it in 2010 with just 43k on it ,it's now done 154k in my ownership.
In that time apart from normal wear n tear items it's not needed much ,and is still running on the original clutch and exhaust system 😁.
I love it ,and it also has sentimental reasons as to why I'll keep it going for as long as possible.
I have kept it factory spec engine wise ,but I have upgraded it cosmetically inside and out .with a sportier look .ie. Gsi front bumper and irmscher rear bumper and roof spoiler .
I'll add a short video
ruclips.net/video/QCkgwDAOc2E/видео.htmlsi=oJc1vAz5K9Y0raAf
I think your Grandad visited you during that video, James. 4:22 in, Mr Robin red breast appears in the background. I was always told that, when talking about the deceased if you see a Robin red breast, they're there with you.
good eyes
Oh the Joy's of being a "passenger" in the back of a van ( mini van for me lol)
That's the brilliant thing about cars , the memories they hold or conjure.
Haha, mini van for me too. Dad had carpet and cushions in the back for our school run
Ha ,my sister and I used to be in the back of our mini pick up .We did at least have the tilt over it .We had a couple of cushions but we would be swung about every time we went round a corner.Sometimes we even had a sheep in with us we had to hold.
I saw one the other day and was amazed at how tiny the thing was .I know we were young but to think the whole thing might have carried 2 adults,2 children and a sheep!
It was in the back of a Triumph Spitfire 1500 for me. On shopping runs or trips to be dropped off at football. No back seats, just a carpeted shelf!
i spent the entire trip from coast to capital in the back of my father's Caddy. worked perfectly, i dont get why it's so problematic nowdays. but nothing wrong with it. nanny state breeds a generation needing nannies.
Turn on the ignition, wait 3-5 seconds for the glow plugs to warm and boom, starts on the button 😂 bless your grandad.
sidenote, on 1:57 it's actually not DL but DI, the underline is there so the letters and numbers don't have to be separate badges
This is so much more interesting than any modern supercar.
I really appreciate the fact that you treat a ratty AstraVan with just as much affection as your Scuderia or DBS. Even if it's based on old memories with nan and grandad. But then again you also did it with your old ZT-T so I guess it's just in your nature. Good man!
Brilliant, I have a ‘99 astravan 1.7 with rear drum brakes. I don’t think many people realise what a fantastic van this is. Handling is great, engine smooth and decent power, wonderful controls and butter smooth gearbox and clutch, it’s such a pleasure to drive. It’s had a pretty hard life as a gardeners van hauling a trailer most days, it’s on its third or fourth clutch (can’t even remember) and honestly performs as well as the day I bought it. It’s currently on about 230k and has only had the sills replaced in terms of corrosion (it lives outdoors). Still my daily driver and absolutely love it, thanks for the video!
I have a 2003 astra van 1.7 dti that I've owned for 14 years.
It's been a brilliant vehicle,as you say a great vehicle to drive, reliable and economical.
Bought mine on 43k now on 154k still running on the original clutch and exhaust system 😁
It's had a pretty easy life though ,a plumber owned it before me ,and I've used it mostly as a daily driver
3 years ago I did the back out as a small camper van
Yeah, "Policeman, duck kids!" was a part of the growing up years for many people in their 50s and 60s (and younger of course)
This is the stuff I love this channel for, the normal cars, the shit boxes, the daily rippers and unlikely obscurities.
What a beast 👌
The parts that haven't faded are likely lacquered which may be why those parts haven't faded. The rest that's gone pink is likely single stage paint with no lacquer hence it's been battered by UV and why it's faded over time. You can buff the single stage and it'll look great for a week then it'll likely fade pink again.
I’ve not been turning up for the supercars, as I was drawn to the channel by the hot (and cold!) hatches. But this, this drew me in right away.
I’m so sorry your granddad died like that, my brother’s best pal lost his leg in a motorbike accident in 99 or 00, but he lived to tell the tale.
I’ve been getting a bit bored with the Ferrari and Aston podcasts so something completely different lije this Vauxhall was a welcome change. Such an honest and honorable little car tgat has made so much contribution to your life deserves respect and I thank you for presenting it, James.
As an ex-Royal Mail driver, the Vauxhall Astra Van and Combo were always present, as were Escort vans. I loved the Combo, respected the Escort, but always hankered after the sportiness of the Astra Van!
You could feel like it wasn't working, if you had a decent radio, comfortable seats, and the Astra Van was the only petrol van on the fleet! IT SHIFTED! (even in 1.7 diesel too!) I lusted after one for nearly a decade after I left Royal Mail, as the tailgate made me think it would make a great camper for weekends away, somewhere remote! (seated on the back, you wouldn't get wet!) The load bed was JUST long enough to get a sleeping bag unfurled!
Try and find a rust free example today! Try and find one without dents! I'd love a 1.7 Isuzu turbo oil burner powered one! A decent set of new wheels and a solid and VERY shiny body would be the only other dream addition! (maybe a towbar?)
So true! My Dad used to borrow a 1.7 Diesel Astra Van from work when I was a kid - the thing flew!
As someone who drove an Opel Combo for a while, I can't imagine liking that car 😭 it's one of the worst i've ever driven. It utterly refused to die though, they're very reliable and just keep on going.
@@googleuser7763 The Combo was the perfect urban delivery vehicle, being tiny (and highly manoeuvrable as a result!) outside and capacious inside! Like you said, many were unloved, but the 1.7dti was bomb proof, and later models lasted quite well against the dreaded rust!
I have a 2003 astra van 1.7 dti Isuzu engined model .it's rust free still and in great shape . I've owned it for 14 years.
I still absolutely love it
1:57 - That's actually DI, not DL. If the badge is correct (and I believe it is), this one is the 2.0 with 82 hp. Every Diesel on this generation of Astra had a turbo, this one just doesn't have an Intercooler. The 2.0 with Turbo and Intercooler is the DTI with 100 hp and the 2.2 DTI has 125 hp (and a variable geometry turbocharger, at least on the Vectra C, not sure about the Astra G).
Just the lettering is confusing, having DI and DTI may lead some people to think the DI has no Turbo, but it does. The letter T actually denotes having an intercooler.
James, as I'm not on social media I had no idea about your story, maybe it's not out there so forgive me but telling us about your personal life makes you that much more human, I'm sure it wasn't easy!
Have a great day and thank you for the continued content👍👍
My fathers first new car was 2000 Opel Astra. 1.6 NA 16v engine. Quality of the car is probably clouded a bit by the beautiful memories we had with it as a family but to this day nothing came close to it. She is still alive with 300k kilometers. Car was looked after and regularly serviced and never had any major issues and car never left us in the middle of the road. Great video as always, kind regards from Croatia!
Had many an astra van absolutely love them vauxhall have shot themselves in the foot discontinuing them. No other manufacturer ever made anything comparible. I bought as brand new 2010 astra vxs van seawood vauxhall special at a cost of £22k 1.9cdti 205bhp i was the fastest gas engineer in the south east
Just get it detailed James. That should mop up really easily and come out really well. Reds polish up superbly.
Then watermark 4 days after and fade back to obscurity
Trust me I sold mk3 mk4 mk5 astravans and I sold more used astravans than my local lookers Vauxhall commercials
I´m so with you in this!
My parents bought a brand new blue Volvo 145 Estate on the 11:th July 1969. I was 3 years and five days back then. The car stayed in their use as their only car until 2005, when it was put into storage. Me and my two siblings all learned to drive in it. And as you James, we also used to travel in the back.
I`m now the caretaker of this nice unrestored container of memories and events from my childhood and adolesence.
Look at the blending on that two-tone red and pink -car- van! Must have cost a small fortune to get a colour gradient that smooth.
I still believe the next generation astra van is one of the nicest looking vans ever made. Especially with the x pack
There were a couple of vxr converted ones round by our ends. Looked and sounded great!
i have a 2012 sportive .
This is the best one you've done James - from the heart. I saw a similar one years ago when Jeremey Clarkson did one on the Ford Cortina E - his Dad's car. Always enjoyed watching your channel (just on the telly you can't comment - but I'm listening in on my laptop as I work, so could do it on this occasion). Keep up the good work!
I have a 99 Vauxhall Astra 2.0 SRi that I helped my late Grandad choose new, he picked me up the first day he had it, and then he passed it on to my late stepdad, and now I have the vehicle. So many memories wrapped up in it, could never let it go. Took it to the Nurburgring last year to make some memories of my own and I know they both would've loved to have been there with it.
I recently started looking through old photos to see cars owned by my parents. Difficult to do when photos were much rarer than today. Even in the late 80s and early 90s. So, I get it. The memories from just photos are important. I can’t imagine having the chance to own one of them. Thanks for sharing.
I remember the AstraMax van. I swear that thing was driven faster than anything else on the road.
My old man had a B reg Astra van which his company had no use for anymore, so he had it resprayed by Charlie Magri, yes the boxer he had a car repair business. He hadit serviced and i put in Bluespot speakers along with a house speaker which was fitted in between the two front seats. It was boarded out, had a carpet laid down and me and my mates went everywhere in it! It got named the passion wagon! Bit of action did go on! Great van, great times and great times.
I had the exact same vehicle. Bought it for £15 with 3 weeks mot and an electrical fault. Drove perfect but the lights would flicker at night. After a couple of days realised it was a corroded earth wire. Fixed that and put it through an MOT expecting a fail. Passed with flying colours. Kept it for a couple of years and gave it to my Dad who had pestered me about it relentlessly. Great vehicle.
Great memories of camping and being the king of the tip run 😂
My father was a mechanic, welder and teacher who always had various mobile projects on the go. From the time I was big enough to "assist" he involved me, much to my sister's annoyance at being excluded. My favourite was a two seat dune buggy based on a VW Beetle platform that was built while he was still teaching. When I was small we would go on trips and I would sit in the passenger footwell. I fancied the day I could drive it... but it was sold to his friend's son. Who not long after crashed and damaged it. But we still have memories...
Wonderful story.
Similarly my late wife's Mini Convertible shall never ever be sold.
Nine years now - in her and my hands - as the daily drive.
So many memories of fun days.
My grandfather had from new a 1978 3 door 1.1 Mk2 Escort when he died in 1992. Unfortunately the car was sold shortly after his passing. I was only 12 so the option to keep the car was never presented as an option, I'd absolutely love to have it now. I'm glad you still have your grandads car James, I have pictures of the car parked outside my house but even after all these years, given the chance I'd run straight past it to give my grandad a hug.
The first thing i thought when i saw it. Festival of the Unexceptional. Lovely story.
My dads dad had a bright red Reliant Robin van. Glad you kept your family heritage.
Live your life in such a way that family and friends love you like JayEmm loves his grandfather.
What a nice video
My grandad was my hero and my best friend
Probably one of the best videos you ever made buddy
Did you ever look for the old van?
I never knew this festival of the unexceptional ever existed so thank for the enlightenment.
Please keep going. Really enjoy your posts. Thank you
Jay would watch you butter toast, you are so pleasing to the ear. The fact you speak about automobiles and find memories is just a bonus -
What I love is there are cars in all petrol heads lives where there’s a human story. It doesn’t need to be flash, but the memories that bit of material holds means the world.
You’re right with the rest of the fleet - they’re all either exceptional in their own right, or exceptional examples / models.
Astra G's are such work horses, still see plenty on the road in 2024. Love to see it!
Lovely story - thank you for sharing! I too have a soft spot for this generation of Astra, the automatic saloon. I remember, as a 7 or 8 year old, on holiday in Cyprus, peaking into the window of someone’s Astra, it was an automatic. The “S” button on the gearstick has always stuck with me, and for that I’ve always liked the car.
I hope you and Chris enjoyed the festival!
I've got one of those, but mine is an H version (2008) and it's absolutely......brilliant!!! I use it as my daily driver for me and my husky, we go camping in it too because it's long enough to roll out a sleeping bag in the back!! Nice to drive, brilliant on fuel and cheap as chips to service and maintain. It's also going up in value strangely. Great video pal and sorry for the loss of your nan recently because I didn't know.
This is such a cool story. I’m inclined to say to not change how it looks. It has so much history and it shows in the little bumps and dents as well as the paint. It adds character. Reading other commenters similar stories has been so cool as well, it makes me wish I had a story like this but alas, I don’t.
I love this. I too grew up travelling around in the back of my Dad's Vauxhall vans, Chevanne, then each generation of Astravan. I've always said i would get one myself one day, just for sentimental reasons, as he passed away in 2008.
But I also drive my late wife's Signum, and have her grey Nova too.
I'm currently dailying my dads old X reg Astra G Estate 😊 its starting to look worse for wear but I love it
What a wonderful video! I have a 35 year old Cavalier and a 22 year old Corsa C, so I know exactly where you are coming from. Parkers suggest 98bhp by the way.
James, I had a mk2 Astra van purchased from a concrete depot. It was going to be my detailing business van. I ditched the whole idea and went backpacking to Australia. I've seen a lot of this planet but still miss that white 1.6 van 😢😂
I did many thousands of miles in my T plate Railway Astra, Bright yellow, not red of course. Brought back many memories seeing around this one James..Thanks very much. Love your story too!
Robin from Viking Detailing could have that looking like new if you really want it to. He literally managed to wash rust off of Taylor's Allegro. It was like witchcraft. Although personally I love a bit of patina.
I can see that getting more attention than the Ferraris would at a show, so many people have fond memories of driving those.
Been following you for a while, James. This is hands down my favourite video you’ve done. My grandfather also had an Astra, albeit a 2003 Saloon (AF53 PFA), whom was also a mechanic for most of his life before going on to work with my dad as an electrician in his later years. When he passed, my grandmother couldn’t bare to see the car everyday, so asked if I would take stewardship of it. Completely coincidentally, I had just blown my VR6 up and was in need of a car… funny how things just happen (she had no idea about my Golf moneyshit fiasco).
Keep that thing going as long as you can
The fact it was serviced by your grandad's apprentice really got to me for some reason.
Just past my 10 year anniversary with my 18 yr old focus mk2.
This is so, so relatable. I drive my Nan’s 2006 mk5 Golf which she owned from new, I grew up with the car and have many fond memories of it and yearned for the day I could finally drive it.. It’s old, but I LOVE IT! My Nan is 83 now and I intend to keep the car for absolutely as long as I can
I Hope we can drive our 99 Opel Astra Caravan many more winters! We love it!
In the 80s my Dad didn't think twice about me travelling in the back of his VW Transporter. Better times!!!
the 2.0 DI Astravan is actually quite rare . Most commen ones are the 1.7. I had a T reg Astravan 2.0 DI myself . What makes the cool is the 5 stud hubs with disc brakes all around you can put SRI Wheels on it and smart it up a bit .
Lovely to hear your memories of your grandad, James. He plainly meant a great deal to you and the love you have for him shines through this video. I think that he'd be extremely proud of you and what you have achieved.
As always a great video James. I love the link you have to the history of the van that was your late Grandad's. Thanks ever so much for sharing your family story. Astramax vans are now a rarity for sure. Plus what a great machine to take to the festival of the unexceptional too. they for a time were the fastest cars you saw travelling on the road!! The paintwork looks like it needs a bloody good T cut but I'm sure theres people out there that can help restore it to its former glory. Red Vauxhalls often suffered with faded paint for some reason.
James, this car deserves a restoration, it’s been an absolute joy hearing this story. I’m certain that your grandfather would be so happy that you still have it. And I think to restore it would such a labour of love that you’d never part with it and find a greater love for this van
The same ducking and diving happened in the back of my grandfather’s Morris Oxford Shooting break , when it was full. Those were the days when N Wales was a long trek and Cornwall took more than a single day. No ducking and diving one Wednesday afternoon , I simply fell out of the passenger door. Unlike you I don’t have that car, but at 72 perhaps that isn’t surprising. Thanks for the story .
It's such a good show, you'll have a great time - gutted to be missing it this year. Folks will read the story if you print it, it's a really relaxed and friendly crowd.
I remember sitting in back of my dad's van too 😂 I love these types of vans for the same reasons. Such a lovely story and so nice to see you have kept it. The top coating buffed away will restore but I think it should stay exactly as it is, but that's just my opinion 🙂
The reason for the paint being like it is is because in the 90s and early 00s, single-stage paint was quite commonly used. Normally the paint is applied, then a lacquer to shine and protect it. Single stage combines the lacquer with the paint. Saves money. Unfortunately it is very susceptible to UV damage over the years, red for some reason getting it the worst. It actually looks like the plastic pieces on this car, like the side trim and the front bumper, were given a proper two-stage paint, which is why they've fared better; you can see the lacquer peel on the side trim. As for the bootlid, I'm not sure. Maybe the robots just hit it with a more dense coat?
see if you can get in touch with everyday detailling. He's done a faded red combo before so he has experience.
Thanks for the tip
Used to rid in the back of my dad’s Ford Transit van with a motorbike in the back of it when he used to go racing. Back in the mid 80s. No seats obviously. Big tool chest strapped down spare wheels tyres etc. Was great fun!!
Give it to Not Economically Viable to restore, would be a great series.
Lovely video, my grandads last car is still in the family and we’ve vowed to always keep it so 😊
Damn we had an Astra van growing up, I used to get to drive it as a learner, I remember it would shut off when you went downhill and refuse to run until it leveled out 😂
my mother had a mk4 astra 1.7 dti ls hatch and it was my childhood car that went to the scrap,real sad
I can really relate to this. My grandad, back in 2002, bought a brand new astra estate in red, identical to yours (but obviously an estate). Interestingly, you said you thought the paint fade was a van thing, I can assure you, it definitely wasn't. According to my Mum, I was almost born in in as well! Then in 2009, my parents needed a new car, so they got the red astra. My family are Vauxhall family, as my great grandad worked at Vauxhall, so my grandad went straight back to the the dealership in 2009 and once again bought a red astra estate, by this time the next gen. The original 02 astra trooped on until, I think, 2015. When it went, I was heartbroken. It was the car I had grown up with, and gone everywhere with. But nonetheless, it was replaced as it gad failed an mot, and was uneconomical to repair. Unsurprisingly, it was repeced with another astra estate, but in grey. Both that, and my grandads red one, are still going, both doing over 130,000 miles, however, they too are getting on, and are probably reaching the end now. Maybe though, my grandad will still have his when I pass my test, so I can have it. Hopefully...
The 2.0 di Vauxhall engine was never offered as naturally aspirated, at least not in the UK. It was offered in light pressure turbo (82PS, 137 lbft) and higher peessure (100PS, 151lbft later increeasing to 170 lbft )
Your one will be the 82 ps in all likelihood , not sure if 100PS variant was offered in the van.
What a lovely story. Shows how a car's true value isn't monetary but it's the memories it helps you make.
In the 60s my dad had a Thames Trader van. He made little stools for my sister and me. We sat on those in the back between racks of forklift parts. Mum had the baby on her lap and off we went to Margate from London. No seatbelts on any seat.
Best video yet! I have my mums old 2007 faded red honda jazz which had 27,000 miles in 2021 (and dont bother - faded is faded so you stand back proud and its faded a week later) and as i leave the house all too often its the Jazz keys (value 50 quid on a good day) rather than the keys to the M2 im carrying!
Oh man, the astravan. I had one of these (with the much more common 1.7 diesel, the isuzu one the hotrodders love). Cheap to run, buy, fix, tough as nails, and not terrible to drive.
I bet that ecotec goes well!
i Get this My dad had a 2010 Yaris 1.4 , he used to be a mechanic and my love of cars grew from him, i prefer to drive around in the yaris then my 911 , as it feels like im going for a drive with him
My very late grandad in my time knowing him had a blue Morris Minor, grey MK1 Ford Escort, Blue 1256 Viva HB and last of all a gold Viva HC 1256.
That Viva my mum had for many years. Not quite sure where it went but my late father like all the cars under his wing were well cared for.
So thanks for those lovely shared memories.
Best van I've ever owned 186k on the clock and been faultless
Wonderful. I can hear in your voice James how much you loved him.
Thanks for the story of your van really enjoyed it , I’ve owned and sold many brilliant cars over the years and never given it a second thought but when ulez came in I had to sell my old caddy van which I had for 7 years which is the longest I’ve ever owned a vehicle I was truly devastated like loosing an old friend .Like you said it’s the memories we connect with certain times and objects , keep the van always 👍ps I’d happily restore the paintwork for you 👍👍
Thoroughly enjoyed this episode! Don’t ever sell memories. You’d regret it.
Yay FOTU! Was there with Matt as we enjoy it. We did see ya but there was already a bit of a queue of people wanting a chat 😂
My grandad was originally a coach builder. I feel so privileged coming from an era when our grandad’s had trades that involved using their hands and the knowledge and experience that they were able to share with us, their grandchildren.
Love the one I had for work, 1.9 turbo diesel. 'minty'. Always thought the mk after them looked great.
Well done James..A nice story and full of special memories to share with us. I have lots of things from my parents and family but they face being thrown or sold off as there is nobody after me so nobody to treasure them. That you have your childhood van is wonderful….make sure it is carefully preserved forever.🙂🙂🙂🙂
The best thing is that it is £2000 every year just in road taxes and that you have to stay outside any city, because it is not a Euro 5 or better.. Good luck driving around in your back yard :D
Spotted the van at FOTU. Read the entire board next to it, before I saw your logo at the top!
Fascinating story behind it.
Thanks for sharing with us
Jay Emm... Thank you! Great video. All of our love for cars comes from stories like this. Keep your good work going! (TIP: don't restore the paint. Treat it, but keep it faded. Is part of it!)
What a truly beautiful and wonderful video and story. My Grandad was equally as educational as yours and I miss him terribly, but there's so much knowledge I can pass onto my kids, thanks to him. Keep up the great work!!!!!
I had a mK3 Astra Estate Diesel, £250 very well spent. I now have (amongst others) a Saab 95 Estate, which seems to have LESS storage space despite being a larger car. It would also do 70mpg, and even when the fuel pump started to leak it still returned 50mpg. Something my 95 ( which is a 2.2TiD) can only JUST touch if driven VERY economically.
A teacher at the college I worked at had a Mk1 Astra from new and she did 300k in it and still sold it. She loved that and replaced it with another mk2 which didn’t fare so well. Was a 1.3 petrol I think. She absolutely loved that car. I loved your story,I loved both my grandads dearly and am now 66 myself
Nice one James. Back in the 1990s , my brother got an Astra. I challenged him to unlock a door with his key faster than I could unlock another door with a 12" plastic ruler. I won! So secure were Vauxhalls back then.
What a great story James, I very much enjoyed watching the video. Looking forward to seeing more van content.
What a lovely story so touching .your grandad sounds like he was a amazing chap and no one can ever take away your memories. Take care buddy.
The reason the paint has faded like that is the red is a single stage paint. It's easy enough to restore, it just needs a reasonably aggressive compound and polish.
I had a W reg one with the same soft blown 2.0 lt engine, mine was one of my favourite cars I have ever had, lovely torquey engine nice handling, nice to drive.