humbucker's 1994 Vauxhall Cavalier Turbo 4x4 (Turbo #2)

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Re: humbucker's 1994 Vauxhall Cavalier Turbo 4x4 (Turbo #2)

Post by humbucker »

A selection of pics from Turbo #1's first Rockingham outing (photos taken by automotive snapper extraordinaire, Ade Brannan, with a couple of my own thrown in for good measure!).

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As you can see, Turbo #1 wasn't the only Cavalier in attendance!

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Yup, it's NickSRi's fantastic plod squad Mk3:

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Time for a game of cops 'n' robbers!

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Giving it some beans:

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I appear to be very upset by the fact that a chuckling Nick has apprehended me :lol:

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Re: humbucker's 1994 Vauxhall Cavalier Turbo 4x4 (Turbo #2)

Post by NickSRi »

Remembering a brilliant day out at Rockingham .... Loved it!
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Re: humbucker's 1994 Vauxhall Cavalier Turbo 4x4 (Turbo #2)

Post by Cavalier342 »

Awesome photos, can't believe the detail in the panning stills.
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Re: humbucker's 1994 Vauxhall Cavalier Turbo 4x4 (Turbo #2)

Post by planetc »

I'll have to come out to play and take some pics one day Dan. Looks like fun.
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Re: humbucker's 1994 Vauxhall Cavalier Turbo 4x4 (Turbo #2)

Post by humbucker »

NickSRi wrote:Remembering a brilliant day out at Rockingham .... Loved it!
It was good fun. It's a shame you couldn't make the second outing (there were close to a hundred cars in attendance). That said, it's nice to have been involved with the launch event, especially so since it has evolved into 'Retro Cars Live': http://www.retrocarslive.co.uk/
planetc wrote:I'll have to come out to play and take some pics one day Dan. Looks like fun.
Definitely. You can give me some photography tips at the same time! 8-)
Cavalier342 wrote:Awesome photos, can't believe the detail in the panning stills.
There is/was a full set of pics (on Facebook) detailing all the cars that were in attendance. I'll hunt out the link if you're interested? I can always post a few of my own photos on here if the link has expired (I think the 'official' pics were posted on a Facebook event page). Here's one of 'em:

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Re: humbucker's 1994 Vauxhall Cavalier Turbo 4x4 (Turbo #2)

Post by humbucker »

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Re: humbucker's 1994 Vauxhall Cavalier Turbo 4x4 (Turbo #2)

Post by humbucker »

I haven't forgotten the fact that this thread is supposed to be about Turbo #2! An update will follow shortly...!

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Re: humbucker's 1994 Vauxhall Cavalier Turbo 4x4 (Turbo #2)

Post by Telegram Sam »

I reckon that I must have spent at least 10 x as much on restoration on mine than its "market value" [judged by the latest eBay offerings], and my outlay must pale in comparison with what the likes of you and Ads & co have invested. How do you manage insurance wise? Even with an agreed value from somewhere I doubt you/ we would get back more than a fraction of what you have spent, in the event heaven forbid of the car getting nicked or written off. Substitute faith hope and a prayer?
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Re: humbucker's 1994 Vauxhall Cavalier Turbo 4x4 (Turbo #2)

Post by humbucker »

Telegram Sam wrote:I reckon that I must have spent at least 10 x as much on restoration on mine than its "market value" [judged by the latest eBay offerings], and my outlay must pale in comparison with what the likes of you and Ads & co have invested. How do you manage insurance wise? Even with an agreed value from somewhere I doubt you/ we would get back more than a fraction of what you have spent, in the event heaven forbid of the car getting nicked or written off. Substitute faith hope and a prayer?
I wouldn't be so sure - my agreed valuation more than covered what the car owed me, even including its original purchase price. The same applies to my MV6 project. I suppose there probably is a point of no return, but an agreed valuation with an insurer should reflect how much it would cost you to replace 'like for like', rather than a figure based on market value. That's where specialist/classic insurers come into their own.
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Re: humbucker's 1994 Vauxhall Cavalier Turbo 4x4 (Turbo #2)

Post by humbucker »

News flash! Turbo #2 updates will now be appearing in each forthcoming issue of Performance Vauxhall magazine (as opposed to Retro Cars where the background to the project was originally being published). I've been carrying out a lot of work on all of my motors over the past few months, but I'm unable to post the details until the corresponding mag features have hit newsstands. Fortunately, the switch to PV will mean more regular project progress reports, and I'm looking forward to finally being able to post updates on the forum about Turbos #2 and #3!

With that in mind, I'll update this thread with a bit more background info (essentially an overview of my time with Turbo #1).

In other news, Turbo #3 will no longer be treated as a parts donor for my other cars! My intention is to transform it into a dedicated track weapon. More on that to follow...
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Re: humbucker's 1994 Vauxhall Cavalier Turbo 4x4 (Turbo #2)

Post by humbucker »

A return trip to Rockingham with the Retro Cars crew followed my day out at the track with Nick SRi. Sadly, Mr Taylor and his plod squad Cavalier were unable to join us, but plenty of rare and special machinery found its way onto 'the fastest racing circuit in Europe' in his absence. Pics (by Chris Frosin) lifted from the Retro Cars Facebook page:

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Can you spot Turbo #1 in this shot?!

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Re: humbucker's 1994 Vauxhall Cavalier Turbo 4x4 (Turbo #2)

Post by humbucker »

I also spent time playing about at Santa Pod while waiting for "the quickest Mk3 Cavalier in the world" to arrive for its Total Vauxhall magazine photo shoot. Snapper, Chris Wallbank, was keen to take some test shots, and Turbo #1 was only too happy to step forward for its close up!

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Headlamp protectors, Team HEKO wind deflectors and a Renault Laguna splitter were all present and correct at this point:

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Spot the difference:

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:lol:

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Re: humbucker's 1994 Vauxhall Cavalier Turbo 4x4 (Turbo #2)

Post by humbucker »

Not long after I bought Turbo #1, Practical Classics asked me if I would be interested in participating in a feature photo shoot that one of the magazine's writers was arranging. 'Tight Budget Turbos' was meant to star a diverse selection of forced induction four-wheelers that won't break the bank, but only half of those scheduled to appear actually came good on the day. I was in attendance with Turbo #1. A Fiat Uno, a Citroen CX and a Toyota Supra also made the trip down to the shoot's setting on a wind farm in the East Midlands. It was cold, it was wet and (to my knowledge) the feature never did make it to print.

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Re: humbucker's 1994 Vauxhall Cavalier Turbo 4x4 (Turbo #2)

Post by humbucker »

It was a long day!

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Re: humbucker's 1994 Vauxhall Cavalier Turbo 4x4 (Turbo #2)

Post by humbucker »

The fact that I had Cavalier Turbo #1 taxed all year round encouraged me to make good use of the car, and I found myself driving it at every available opportunity. In doing so, the Satin Red stunner accompanied me on various feature photo shoots, occasionally being thrust in front of the lens while my photographer and I await the arrival of whichever star motor is getting ready for its close-up.

Consequently, these unplanned shots of my car have cropped up in various magazines when articles have name checked the Cavalier Turbo 4x4. A personal favourite ‘outtake’ sees my six-speed saloon getting comfortable with what is probably the most valuable Vauxhall of them all – 1970s track attacker, Baby Bertha (the Droop Snoot Firenza made famous by the joint efforts of tuning legend, Bill Blydenstein, and ‘the racing driver’s racing driver’, Gerry Marshall).

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Putting the Cavalier through its paces without regard for the weather has certainly taken its toll on the appearance of the ol’ girl, and it was with that in mind that I decided to invest in a dual action polishing machine. It’s a purchase that I’ve been considering for a while, not least of all because I tend to spend days cleaning and polishing my cars, only to stand back and wish that elbow grease coupled with a healthy dose of determination was enough to eliminate those inevitable hard-to-eradicate swirl marks and light scratches in lacquer.

My Irmscher MV6 project (viewtopic.php?f=47&t=13593) has benefitted greatly from the application of products found in the extensive catalogue of car care company, Autobrite Direct, and it’s the Staffordshire firm’s celebrated DA-21 dual action orbital polishing machine that has found its way into my arsenal of detailing gear. Powered by an 880W motor with six different speeds, the unit’s unique 21mm correctional throw removes swirls, scratches, defects and holograms faster and easier than most conventional dual action detailing devices. Better yet, as someone that had zero experience of using machine operated polishers prior to parting with my hard-earned, the DA-21 offered a safe, low risk solution that would forgive my lack of know-how.

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I’m delighted to report that getting to grips with my new toy was a doddle, and I was quickly applying a multi-stage paint correction process to the Cavalier’s bodywork. Autobrite head honcho, Mark Moss, was on hand to offer advice regarding different grade waffle pads, cutting compounds and polishes (and the order in which to apply them!), and I embarked upon an intense three-day detailing session that saw the car’s cosmetic condition vastly improved thanks to a range of shampoos, fallout removers, degreasers, clay bars, ‘Restore’, ‘Enrich’ and ‘Final Finish’ heavy duty polishes, ‘The Abyss’ synthetic paint sealant, special blend ‘Car Care Enthusiasts’ carnauba wax and luxury detailing spray.

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I’ve been documenting my progress in the form of a project thread on the recently re-launched Mk3 Cavalier Owners Club forum (http://www.vauxhallcavalier.com) where I was taken aback by a private message from a fellow member who expressed more than a passing interest in relieving me of the car that I’d spent so long cleaning! He was offering strong money for a motor that he’d only ever seen in photographs, but we chatted extensively about the car’s history, its exceptional condition and – most importantly – whether or not I’d be prepared to part with it. I must admit, I hadn’t entertained the idea of selling my trusty Vauxhall up until that point, not least of all because I was getting ready to prepare it for the Retro Cars Euro Rally. That said, the prospective buyer stressed that he wanted to make the car the centrepiece of his already-impressive private collection of turbocharged vehicles from the 1990s, and he assured me that my Cavalier would be treated just as well as his minty fresh Renault 5 Turbo, his Ford Escort Series 2 RS Turbo and various other immaculate forced induction four-wheelers that he was in the process of acquiring.

It was at this point that I began to evaluate Turbo #1’s role in the Furr fleet; my Saab 95 Aero HOT estate performs admirably as a long-suffering (but stupendously reliable) workhorse, my MV6 project will (eventually) become my daily driver, I have another Cavalier Turbo (Turbo #2) that is to be the subject of a long-term restomod project, and my recently-acquired Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow II handsomely fulfils the role of ‘Sunday Driver’. With another three cars set aside as donor vehicles (including Turbo #3) and my fiancée, Sharon, expressing an interest in obtaining a project car of her own, it became clear that Turbo #1 was in danger of becoming supplementary to requirements.

After a few more forum exchanges, I agreed to sell the car. A vehicle transportation company was charged with the task of shifting it from my Cambridgeshire residence to its new home in Northumberland, and I bid my great Griffin a fond farewell as its freshly polished paintwork disappeared into the distance. :cry:

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Within an hour, posts on various Facebook groups were alerting me to the fact that the Cavalier was safely making its way Oop North; fellow Vauxhall enthusiasts were unwittingly tracking the car’s progress by registering sightings at various points along its journey. These unexpected announcements were quickly followed by a mass of messages that were keen to fill my inbox, each expressing concern for my mental wellbeing. “Are you mad?” was the question repeatedly fired in my direction. “Probably,” I replied.

Truth be told, the sale of Turbo #1 has released welcome funds that can be ploughed into my other automotive projects, and the car’s departure left a space on the driveway big enough for Sharon to coin a retro ride of her own. She’s opted for a classic (pre-GM) Saab 900 S 16-valve turbo convertible that has been tuned by Abbott Racing, and she’s very kindly agreed to lend it to me for the duration of the aforementioned Euro Rally. Preparation for the trip is well underway, with new wheels, tyres, brakes, suspension, polybushes, lights and ICE being bolted onto the Swedish stunner in advance of its mammoth voyage across the continent. I’ll be sure to report back with a road trip diary, and I’m also looking forward to introducing you to Turbo #2 at long last! Watch this space!

--

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Re: humbucker's 1994 Vauxhall Cavalier Turbo 4x4 (Turbo #2)

Post by Ads »

Hi Dan sorry to see turbo 1 go but by the sound of it , its gone to a good home, do we know who the new owner is, is he a member on here or on CTOC,, I am not prying into your business, but I like to keep track if possible where these iconic car are going, Ads
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Re: humbucker's 1994 Vauxhall Cavalier Turbo 4x4 (Turbo #2)

Post by humbucker »

Ads wrote:Hi Dan sorry to see turbo 1 go but by the sound of it , its gone to a good home, do we know who the new owner is, is he a member on here or on CTOC,, I am not prying into your business, but I like to keep track if possible where these iconic car are going, Ads
Hi Ads. The car is now in the custody of a member on here (danc03). It sounds as though he has quite a collection!
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Re: humbucker's 1994 Vauxhall Cavalier Turbo 4x4 (Turbo #2)

Post by Telegram Sam »

Northumberland is just up the road. If the destination wasn't highly classified I wouldn't mind popping up for a look!
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Re: humbucker's 1994 Vauxhall Cavalier Turbo 4x4 (Turbo #2)

Post by uncle_sam »

humbucker wrote:


Turbo #3: 1992 (K) Spectral Blue. Bought to be used as a parts donor for Turbo #2 and my Irmscher MV6 project:

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I think that that colour its perfect for de cavalier, one off the moste beautiful cavaliers than ive seen in a long time.
without neglecting the other two cavaliers off course
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Re: humbucker's 1994 Vauxhall Cavalier Turbo 4x4 (Turbo #2)

Post by humbucker »

uncle_sam wrote:
humbucker wrote:
Turbo #3: 1992 (K) Spectral Blue. Bought to be used as a parts donor for Turbo #2 and my Irmscher MV6 project:

[ Image ]
I think that that colour its perfect for de cavalier, one off the moste beautiful cavaliers than ive seen in a long time.
without neglecting the other two cavaliers off course
a greeting
Thanks! I'm not too keen on it tbh, which is why the car will be getting a new coat of colour as soon as the structural work / roll cage is in place.
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Re: humbucker's 1994 Vauxhall Cavalier Turbo 4x4 (Turbo #2)

Post by dycie »

Keep it up mate it's looking good
She doesn't do many miles to the gallon but she does loads of smiles to the mile.
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Re: humbucker's 1994 Vauxhall Cavalier Turbo 4x4 (Turbo #2)

Post by humbucker »

And so it begins...

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Re: humbucker's 1994 Vauxhall Cavalier Turbo 4x4 (Turbo #2)

Post by Lowrider Dave »

Good man, although given the amount of projects you have on the go at the moment, a slightly mad move! Looking forwards to another Fabulous Furr Creation.
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Re: humbucker's 1994 Vauxhall Cavalier Turbo 4x4 (Turbo #2)

Post by dycie »

Yeah Dan great idea having another project hahahaha! Cause that was what's missing in your life! Onwards and upwards my friend!
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Re: humbucker's 1994 Vauxhall Cavalier Turbo 4x4 (Turbo #2)

Post by humbucker »

The first published Turbo #2 project update has hit newsstands! Hoorah! You can read it in the latest issue of Performance Vauxhall. Grab a copy of the mag in WHSmith, Tesco etc., or click here to download. :)

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