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Curated Auction

1986 Vauxhall Cavalier 1.8i Convertible

At a Glance

~24 Owned | Original and Rare Car | 1800i Engine | Recent New Hood | Fresh MOT

  • Mileage~87,222 on clock
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine1.8-litre
  • LocationAshbourne, Derbyshire

Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below – we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report – learn more

Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below – we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report – learn more

CURATED AUCTION

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CURRENT BID£1,000
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AUCTION LIVE

ENDS IN: 56 Days 12 Hr 51 Min 51 Sec

CURRENT BID

£1,000

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Video #2

Introduction

Paul Wright
Professional Consigner

Taking the ordinary family saloon to the next level with a 1.8-litre fuel-injected engine and making it a convertible.

The 1986 Vauxhall Cavalier Mk2 Convertible is a rare and stylish open-top version of the popular family saloon. Based on the second-generation Cavalier, it was converted by the German coachbuilder Hammond & Thiede and sold in limited numbers. The model features a manually operated soft top offering dependable but modest performance. The model retains the front-wheel-drive layout and practical design of the standard Cavalier, with added flair from its open-air driving experience.

Though not a sports car, it blends '80s British motoring charm with everyday usability, making it a unique classic - it's unlikely to see another coming the other way!

This particular example comes fresh-to-market from 24 years of ownership (yes we did say 24 years) - it has the larger 1.8-litre engine and the performance of an SRi, but with the added bonus of being a convertible.

This listing was written from information supplied by Paul after meeting Mark the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Video #2

Meet the owner

After an incident with some black ice saw a dry stone wall approach rather quickly, which put an end to my previous Cavalier convertible.

Luckily for Mark, the day before, he had spotted another Cavalier convertible for sale in a showroom not too far away. Promptly, he set off to purchase another Cavalier exactly the same and even in the same colour. That was ~24 years ago, so he has a total of ~36 years driving Cavalier convertibles,

Mark has now decided to have a change and focus more on his other classics, plus a new addition of a British classic too.

Mark
Vehicle Owner

Ask Questions

CONTACT OWNER
EXTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Exterior

With very few produced the Cavalier Convertible was a great addition to the Vauxhall line-up.

Wheels and Tyres

Fitted with the original cross-spoke alloy wheels, these are finished with a diamond-cut face. There is some age-related tarnishing and the lacquer has peeled off in places, but with a quick dip at your local wheel refurbisher, these would be as good as new in no time.

All of the tyres have a good amount of tread remaining.

Please see the image gallery for detailed shots.

image

Bodywork

Walking around the car, the panel gaps align well. The rear arches were replaced several years ago as these had started to blister, and Mark felt it better to get it done sooner rather than later.

High-resolution images and videos have been provided, so please review all media to assess the car’s condition thoroughly.

image

Paint

Finished in light silver/blue, the paintwork is in good condition. There are some minor age-related marks here and there in keeping with the age of the Cavalier.

Images are taken from multiple angles to give you a realistic impression of the car, just as if you were standing beside it. Please take the time to examine these high-resolution images and videos to assess the condition for yourself.

image

Glass and Trim

All of the windows are in good condition and free from any noticeable scratches, and the window seals and trims are in good condition.

A new roof has been fitted in 2024 by Don Trimming - this fits very well and is in excellent condition.

The headlights, spotlights and rear lights are all in good condition, with no splits or cracks to the lenses.

The bumpers are looking a little light but it's an easy fix with some nourishment product.

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INTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Interior

The Cavalier i Convertible had some of the SRi features, like the Recaro-style seats.

Seats and Carpets

The front seats are in good condition for their age - there is some age-related sagging to the material and a small split which has been stitched on the driver's lower bolster - the rear seat has also suffered the same.

Throughout the cabin, the carpets are in relatively good condition with no excessive wear and inside the boot, the spare wheel is present.

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Dashboard

The dashboard is in good condition with no damage.

Instruments are working correctly, with the odometer showing a reading of ~87,222 miles at the time of our visit.

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Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The factory steering wheel and gear knob are in good condition with minimal signs of heavy use.

Please refer to the interior gallery for more images.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO
Video #2

Mechanics

Fitted with the 1.8-litre fuel-injected engine, the same as the SRi - the convertible was no slouch.

Engine and Gearbox

The Cavalier fires up without hesitation and comes quickly to a smooth idle, and runs with no issues reported - the 1.8-litre engine produced around ~113 bhp in the brochure.

At one time, the car did have an LPG conversion and this has since been removed, although some of the components are in place

The 5-speed gearbox has a smooth change, with the gears easily selected, and the car pulls well through the entire range.

image

Suspension and Brakes

On the road, the Cavalier is a smooth ride and one of the things which originally attracted Mark to the car.

No knocks are coming from either corner of the car, and the brakes bring the car to a stop as you would expect.

image

The Drive

Driving the Cavalier is a nostalgic, laid-back experience. With its soft suspension, front-wheel drive and the modest 1.8-litre fuel-injected engine, whilst not fast by modern standards, it’s built for cruising, not speed, yet still performs well enough to keep up with modern-day traffic.

Top-down, it offers classic '80s charm and open-air enjoyment, perfect for relaxed drives on sunny days.

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Electrics and Other

All of the switchgear appears to be working correctly and has minimal signs of wear to the switches.

The head unit has been upgraded in favour of a JVC unit which has Bluetooth, making it useful for hands-free calling.

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Video #2

History and Paperwork

Enjoyed thoroughly for the past 24 years, the Cavalier will be missed by Mark.

A handy Haynes manual is included for those who fancy some DIY maintenance, and both keys are included.

A true time warp classic, the Cavalier Convertible, with so few numbers produced, deserves to live on and be enjoyed, just as Mark has been doing for the past 24 years.

We’ve carried out our usual seller checks, including verifying photo ID, the V5C, and an HPI check. This confirms the car has not been stolen, written off, or has any outstanding finance. Please note: This check does not include mileage verification.

We’ve summarised the car based on the seller’s information above. As always, we go to great lengths to photograph and film the car in high-resolution detail so you can make your own informed assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So grab a cuppa, relax, and enjoy reviewing everything in this listing.

Viewings are welcome for all our listings. Please get in touch to arrange a time – we just need to speak with you first and receive valid photo ID before confirming.

If there’s anything you’re unsure about, no matter how small, please ask the owner in the comments section below before placing your bids, as bids cannot be retracted and form a binding contract if you win – just like in a traditional auction house.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
26.06.2025 MOT 87,186
06.06.2024 MOT 86,189
26.04.2022 MOT 85,454
23.04.2021 MOT 84,522
16.08.2016 MOT 84,142
31.07.2012 MOT 82,674
19.04.2011 MOT 81,445
07.04.2009 MOT 80,206
16.05.2008 MOT 78,608
03.08.2006 MOT 77,202
02.08.2004 MOT 69,121
15.03.2003 MOT 58,943
14.12.2001 MOT 50,724
07.12.1999 MOT 27,480
14.12.1998 MOT 25,716
15.12.1997 MOT 24,617
16.12.1996 MOT 23,169
20.12.1994 MOT 19,361
VIEW ALL
Key Details
  • Model Cavalier 1800i Convertible
  • Transmission Manual
  • Reg. Date 01.11.1986
  • CC 1796
  • Mileage ~87,222 on clock
  • Colour Light Silver
  • Interior Colour Grey
  • Interior Trim Fabric
  • Chassis # W0L000081G6072331
  • Engine # 14320918
  • MOT Yes Exp. 25.06.2026
  • MOT Exempt Next Year
  • Road Tax Exempt Next Year
  • HPi Clear Cat D - 2001
  • Former Keepers 1
  • # of Keys 2
  • LHD or RHD RHD
  • Visited Yes
  • Sale Type Private
  • Owned ~24 Years
  • Key Feature Rare Car
  • Vehicle Registration D945 LNM
  • Driver’s Side Right
  • Fuel Type Petrol
  • Body Type Convertible
  • Auction ID 2952
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VIEW ALL
Video #2

All Images

Exterior

Interior

Mechanics

History and Paperwork

All Videos



Vehicle Location

Ashbourne, Derbyshire

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    Insurance Quote


    Average annual insurance premium for a Vauxhall like this is £TBC via our trusted partner ClassicLine.
    GET AN INSURANCE QUOTEAnd get 10% off when you mention us.

    *Quote is based on a garaged vehicle in CV32 5QY (Leamington Spa), travelling 3,000 miles per year, 1 driver who is 45 years of age and is free on accidents and convictions – valid Summer 2025.

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    Vehicle Location

    Ashbourne, Derbyshire

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