MEET THE OWNER – CALLUM ANDERSON AND HIS VAUXHALL ASTRA EXP

Marvel at the Hazelnut Metallic paintwork. Thrill to the Antique Gold side stripe and wheels, glass sunroof, front fog lamps and tinted windows. Then savour the decadence of the Chevron Tweed upholstery. In 1982, to spend £4,995 and upwards on a Vauxhall Astra EXP was to be a member of the suburban elite – i.e. the sort of person who had a Sony C7 video recorder in their living room. And today Callum’s rare surviving example instantly attracts attention,

The Astra was the first Vauxhall-badged car with front-wheel drive and the first Griffin-badged car not to be sold outside of the UK. It debuted in November 1979, predating the Ford Escort Mk. III to the pleasure of management at Luton. However, the initial line-up was extremely limited to avoid it clashing with its Kadett D parent model. In 1981 Vauxhall and Opel merged their UK dealerships, as announced by this hilariously dire commercial -

The first Astras were imported from West Germany and Motor found it “in some respects even better than the Opel Kadett from which it is derived”, By 1981 production had transferred to Ellesmere Port, with the line-up now consisting of a three or five-door hatchback, a five-door estate and, the saloon combining the hatchback’s styling and a separate boot. Power for the cheaper model was from the Opel 1.2 litre OHV engine, with a 1.3 litre OHC plant for the more expensive versions.

When the EXP made its bow the Astra was a best-seller, and, along with its Cavalier Mk. II stablemate, helping to re-establish the Vauxhall brand with fleet buyers. It is also a prime example of a limited edition model riding the mid-term profile of a popular model even further. Buyers could choose from the EXP 1.3 litre three and five doors, or even the 1.6 litre -litre three-door EXP ‘S’.

Most importantly, the EXP was “the Astra that sets you apart, the model that reflects your own high values”. So, picture the scene – a drab afternoon at the A32 branch of the Little Chef, when a new EXP enters the car park, with Dire Straits’ Tunnel of Love blaring from Radio One. Its Antique Gold side stripe instantly bedazzles all Escort owners, while Austin Allegro and Talbot Horizon owners cease eating their Jubilee Pancakes in awe.

Vauxhall made approximately 2,800 EXPs and Callum’s example has been “my pride and joy for 20 years now”. He finds it “Surprising sprightly. So light and they handle very well”. The fascination of his EXP is not just in evoking memories of early 1980s kitsch – although that is an element of its appeal – but in being a rare surviving Astra Mk. I, the car that helped redefine one of Britain’s oldest marques.

Besides, who could resist the “thoughtful detail features” such as the remote-control driver’s door mirror, the cigar lighter and even a rear wiper and washer?

With Thanks To: Callum Anderson