1987 Vauxhall Senator 2.5i

Seeing that there's been some interest in my old Rekord thread, it's a good time to introduce my latest retro ride. I need another car like a hole in the head, but I couldn't resist this one at £102 with 3 months MOT. One elderly female owner since 1990 but no history, so I can't tell if the 68,000 on the clock is genuine.

The 2.5 straight six starts on the button and revs well, but the clutch has had it - hence the price. Made for an interesting drive back to Newbury from Sutton yesterday, but as long as you don't give it too much juice it's OK.

As you can see, it cleaned up pretty well (these photos taken after a good 5hr cleaning and polishing sesh) - the paintwork's really good, but it has a number of carpark dents down the nearside and the front bumper has taken a thump at some point as it is cracked clean through under the driver's side headlight. There's a big dent in the nearside front wing under the bumper as well, plus numerous scrapes. Old people eh? Plus the usual rust in the rear arches. No sign of any previous welding though. And only a bit of surface scabbing round the strut tops. Result!

Mmm...dark brown crushed velour. Very comfy. Seats are unmarked. Headlining was grubby, but has cleaned up well. Sunroof works!

Faults:

- Front passenger and rear driver's side electric window don't work
- Heater fan dead (on all of the settings - I've checked the fuse too)
- Central locking only works from passenger door

Anyway, plan is to fit the new clutch (£15 off eBay) in a couple of weeks, rectify as many faults as possible, try to straighten out the bumper, and then get out there and enjoy it. Oh, and get my Belmont finished so this can take up rightful residence in the garage...