My 40th Birthday Present

Mark1GTE · Posted: Tue Jul 09, 2013 11:02 pm Post subject: My 40th Birthday Present

After over 8 Years of no useable Retro Car I have gone and bought this below for my 40th Birthday in 3 weeks, unfortunately I couldn`t find a decent road worthy MK1 so I bought the next best thing a MK2 Astra GTE big grin

and thankfully being one of the newer versions has little luxuries like Power Steering, Elec Windows & Mirrors and a Sunroof

I collect it on Friday from Englandshire, it was fully restored about 5 Years ago but has been in dry storage for the last two years unused however recently it has under gone some recommissioning fitting new items like the Timing Belt, Water pump, Radiator, Exhaust etc and today the Seller put it in for a MOT which it unfortunately failed for a nick in a Track Rod End Rubber Boot but that was it and the Tester commented that she was a solid old bus Very Happy

However I`ve still to satisfy myself on that fact.So it will be repaired and retested Tomorrow before I collect it on Friday cool

Plans are to keep it completely standard so that means finding and refitting the Rub Strips on the side and anything else I might notice to put it right then I will just enjoy going for Drives in a useable Retro Car while I get on with GTM which I am hoping should restart this Autumn in my newly built Garage

DeadEye · Posted: Tue Jul 09, 2013 11:09 pm Post subject:

Cool present!

big grin

glenn · Posted: Wed Jul 10, 2013 9:48 am Post subject:

I like that idea of a present! Makes turning 40 almost bearable big grin

4 years 'til I hit 40, hmmmm what shall I buy....

mark1 · Posted: Wed Jul 10, 2013 9:59 am Post subject:

That's nice Mark, I also got one in white waiting on a XE transplant big grin

Mark1GTE · Posted: Wed Jul 10, 2013 10:10 am Post subject:

Thanks Guys smile

I toyed with idea of buying a modern Car like an Audi or a BMW or even a Route 66 Driving Holiday then this sort of fell in my lap on Ebay on Sunday during one of my little window shopping sessions so I put in a cheeky last minute bid and Won cool

Strange thing is I have bought this one from a little Town in Lancashire that I bought a GTE in before so possibly fate meant I was to buy this one aswell laughing

Hope it turns out to be as good as the Seller says but having spoken to him twice now on the phone he seems a very genuine and helpful guy so fingers crossed that it is

Not quite as good as a MK1 GTE but still it`s little Sister cool

Clive · Astra Craftsman Joined: 07 Jun 2005 Posts: 80 Location: MK

Nice car. I used to have these as Roll Plan (company) cars when I worked for Vauxhall and they were stolen so often it was a joke. So, get yourself some security on it.

Cheers,

Clive.

Ash · Posted: Wed Jul 10, 2013 7:51 pm Post subject:

I think I recognize the area and its a nice place. Just off the A6 as you leave Carnforth.

mitch1965 · Posted: Wed Jul 10, 2013 8:06 pm Post subject:

Very smart. Cool

Mark1GTE · Posted: Wed Jul 10, 2013 9:00 pm Post subject:

Thanks Folks smile

Seller Phoned and it passed it`s MOT Today

I then did all the proper checks through HPI and it came back completely clear No Accidents, No Thefts and everything was good including matching all the Document Numbers for the V5 etc

Then I checked the Current MOT issued Today & the MOT History which goes back to 2006 and no fails since 2007 and that was only for split CV Boots and a clean run ever since until yesterdays fail for a split Track Rod End Boot

No mentions anywhere of any Corrosion or advisories for anything so maybe I have stumbled across a good one

So I have done every check possible and everything has come back fine so Insurance has now been paid in full with an agreed valuation on a Classic Policy and i`m off to collect it on Friday via the Local Post Office to get it Road Taxed before I drive Home Very Happy

GT/Estate · Posted: Wed Jul 10, 2013 9:49 pm Post subject:

sweet ride mate

Ash · Posted: Wed Jul 10, 2013 11:17 pm Post subject:

Keep going and come to billing! Be spontaneous!

Mark1GTE · Posted: Thu Jul 11, 2013 9:14 am Post subject:

DeadEye · Posted: Thu Jul 11, 2013 9:32 am Post subject:

Mark1GTE · Posted: Fri Jul 12, 2013 7:51 pm Post subject:

Drove Home without a hitch lovely little Car that just needs a little attention to detail to make it proper nice cool

Passed Jonsr heading South on the M6 through the Road Works near Appleby as I was heading North at about 4pm today, first I have seen his Car but it looked great although only a quick glimpse smile

Jon_Kadett · Astra Legend Joined: 29 May 2005 Posts: 4087

Seen you aswell, although you should have been heading south to billing.