Vauxhall launched the Cavalier Mk II at just the right time as the seventies saloon the Ford Cortina was pretty much dead in the water and the Ford Sierra had a ropey start the Cavalier was the go to replacement for family car buyers and company car drivers alike.
Car sales topped 100,000 in 1982 showing the start of Vauxhalls success through the eighties with the Cavalier out selling the Ford Sierra in 1984 and again in 1985. With original choices of a 1.3 and 1.6 engine Vauxhall expanded the range to include a 1.6 Diesel and a 1.8 and a 2.0 petrol model to increase customer’s options. 2 door, 4 door and 5 door choices were available with an estate version following a year later.
The Cavalier Mk II was given two face lifts in its life time. Firstly in 1985 revisions were front grill, rear lamp cluster, steering wheel, upgraded instrumentation and upholstery options and then in 1987 further instrument revisions and front grill and rear lamp cluster changes to keep in line with other models.
The Vauxhall Cavalier stayed true to its identity in Mk II form and by December 1989 became the third most popular car on British roads showing no signs of slowing in Mk III form.
Buyers Guide
Typically with most cars produced in the eighties rust could be a problem. Check the car thoroughly even bits you can’t see like the bulkhead, chassis legs, boot floor and inner arches for rot.
Many Cavalier Mk II examples will have been rep mobiles in another life time so high mileage cars have to be expected. Check the cars documented history to make sure the mileage is accurate. As long as it has been correctly maintained this shouldn’t be a problem.
Engines don’t normally have many problems just remember to check on the history to ensure the timing belt has been changed every 40000 miles as part of the routine maintenance. Other than that these engines are reliable and strong.
Interiors are robust although it does seem a little dark inside a Mk II Cavalier, these rep mobiles are hard wearing.
Mk 2 SRi 130 Specification
| Years Produced | 1981-1988 |
| Performance | 0 - 60mph 9.1sec / Top Speed - 115mph |
| Power & Torque | 115bhp / 111Ib ft |
| Engine | 1796 cc four cylinder / 8 valves |
| Drive-train | front engine / FWD |
| Transmission | Five speed manual |
| Weight | 1060kg |
Valuation
| Launch | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concourse | £6,588.00 | £3,500.00 | £4,500.00 | £6,000.00 | £7,000.00 | £8,000.00 | £10,000.00 |
| Excellent | £2,000.00 | £2,500.00 | £3,000.00 | £4,000.00 | £5,000.00 | £7,000.00 | |
| Good | £1,250.00 | £1,500.00 | £1,750.00 | £2,500.00 | £3,500.00 | £5,000.00 | |
| Fair | £600.00 | £800.00 | £1,000.00 | £1,500.00 | £2,000.00 | £3,000.00 |
Interesting Fact
There are now less than 200 Vauxhall Cavalier Mk II Sri’s registered in the UK making these cars a sound investment for the future. So buy now while prices are low, if you can find one.
Mark Wilkinson, Managing Director Says:
“The 1980’s saw advances in car design and engineering with a keen eye on practicality. The Vauxhall Cavalier was the right car at the right time not only as a successful family car but also as a company car.”
