Anyone had experience with Mk1 Cavaliers?
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Anyone had experience with Mk1 Cavaliers?
Couldn't really get a straight answer elsewhere on the Internet, but does anyone know from personal experience what a Mk1 Cavalier is like to drive or drive? With trying to sell the 220, I've been on the lookout for a 70s car, to use regularly in conjunction with the blessed(hopefully ) Wedge, and the Cavalier appears to be a fairly useable car from
that era
Any one have any tips? I have asked HubNut and he has said they are great cars, but a little under geared
Many thanks
Ben
that era
Any one have any tips? I have asked HubNut and he has said they are great cars, but a little under geared
Many thanks
Ben
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- Can tell where the 480 was built
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Re: Anyone had experience with Mk1 Cavaliers?
They are fairly nippy for their time but if you think a 480 rusts , you ain’t seen nothing yet! Used to own a mk1 it was four years old and riddled with it. Also the interiors were shoddy and fell apart.
Re: Anyone had experience with Mk1 Cavaliers?
Ah ok, thanks for the heads up, I suppose it all depends on what I get for the Rover, but I'll see what I can get for the money, don't think I'm ready for another 480
A Scimitar may be nice but I may have missed the boat for a running one for 2.5k...
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Re: Anyone had experience with Mk1 Cavaliers?
Does it have to be 70's?
I maintain that the mid 80's early 90's were the peak of motoring; Enough improvements to make cars reliable, but not enough to warrant a trip to the computer to be scanned and told a bulb has failed...
I maintain that the mid 80's early 90's were the peak of motoring; Enough improvements to make cars reliable, but not enough to warrant a trip to the computer to be scanned and told a bulb has failed...
Re: Anyone had experience with Mk1 Cavaliers?
Funnily enough that is my view exactly, you never got a better combination of character, performance and reliability than the 80s and 90s. That being said, I often hold around 1973 generally as the cut off for most cars being able to be used daily on modern roads, though there are exceptions on either side of that. Basically I want a 70s car as I have got the Volvo to represent the 80s at the moment (though I intend to always have the 480, as a cornerstone of my future collection), and I have had the Rover for the 90s experience, it seems natural that the 70s is where I aim next.
But then if an affordable Audi 80 Quattro B2/3 comes up, all that goes out the window until we get it or it eludes us
As is typical for me, I've just rediscovered this, and it has me thinking: https://classics.honestjohn.co.uk/revie ... v-da1-da4/
Still would like a 70s car, if nothing to have something that goes with my eclectic collection of Blazers and Ties
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Re: Anyone had experience with Mk1 Cavaliers?
Frankly I've never driven a Cavalier, but many times the Opel version of it. If you like rear-wheel drive cars they are good and fun to drive. Make sure to have one with a bigger engine though.
after over 10 years parted with the 1995 Volvo 480 ES 2.0
- brinkie
- 480 Connoisseur
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Re: Anyone had experience with Mk1 Cavaliers?
I've driven Opel Ascona B (the LHD version of the Mk1 Cavalier with different grille and headlights) when they were still abundant, in the late 80s, early 90s. Found them surprisingly nippy with their 1.9 litre engine, but then again, EVERYTHING was nippy compared to my dad's Mk3 Escort 1.1 Laser. They were very basic so there was nothing what really go wrong. This is why Opel was so popular in rural areas of the Netherlands. But yes, they rust and rust even more, then they rust; there are almost none left.
Robert.
Present cars: 1994 Volvo 480 GT 2.0i, 1999 Volvo S70 2.5 Europa, 2010 Volvo V70 2.0F Momentum
Present cars: 1994 Volvo 480 GT 2.0i, 1999 Volvo S70 2.5 Europa, 2010 Volvo V70 2.0F Momentum
Re: Anyone had experience with Mk1 Cavaliers?
Interesting to hear, I imagine everything of that era does really. I adore old cars, and my father says I need to experience what they are really like, but so far the 480, Quattro and Rover have all been brilliant, so he's yet to be proven right at this point. I'm also curious to own an allegro and Marina at some point, as I'm sure they can't be that badbrinkie wrote: ↑Sat Aug 08, 2020 3:49 pmI've driven Opel Ascona B (the LHD version of the Mk1 Cavalier with different grille and headlights) when they were still abundant, in the late 80s, early 90s. Found them surprisingly nippy with their 1.9 litre engine, but then again, EVERYTHING was nippy compared to my dad's Mk3 Escort 1.1 Laser. They were very basic so there was nothing what really go wrong. This is why Opel was so popular in rural areas of the Netherlands. But yes, they rust and rust even more, then they rust; there are almost none left.
Current Jobs to do (23/1/22):
Fix Central Locking
Fix drivers side speaker
Annoying Scratching Squeak
Water leaks
Complete Front O/S rebuild
Fix Central Locking
Fix drivers side speaker
Annoying Scratching Squeak
Water leaks
Complete Front O/S rebuild
- brinkie
- 480 Connoisseur
- Posts: 867
- Joined: Mon Apr 21, 2014 11:20 am
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Re: Anyone had experience with Mk1 Cavaliers?
There are many YouTube videos on how the Allegros and Marinas are. They have become virtually extinct, especially in LHD countries, so I'm following quite a lot of channels on 1970s and 1980s British cars...
https://twitter.com/idriveaclassic/stat ... 3898962947
https://twitter.com/idriveaclassic/stat ... 3898962947
Robert.
Present cars: 1994 Volvo 480 GT 2.0i, 1999 Volvo S70 2.5 Europa, 2010 Volvo V70 2.0F Momentum
Present cars: 1994 Volvo 480 GT 2.0i, 1999 Volvo S70 2.5 Europa, 2010 Volvo V70 2.0F Momentum
- dragonflyjewels
- 480 Is my middle name
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Re: Anyone had experience with Mk1 Cavaliers?
The least said about Allegros the better - mine was AWFUL. And as for the Scimitar Al bought, complete and utter rust bucket.
Sylvia
Snazzy - 1993 Paris Blue ES red dipstick 2.0i bought 2001
Lethal Lily - 1991 White Turbo
Paris the Unicorn - 1991 Paris Edition
hubby has
Sven - 1994 Racing Green GT
Evil Eva - 1992 Paris Blue Turbo
no previous 480s - can't bear to sell any
Snazzy - 1993 Paris Blue ES red dipstick 2.0i bought 2001
Lethal Lily - 1991 White Turbo
Paris the Unicorn - 1991 Paris Edition
hubby has
Sven - 1994 Racing Green GT
Evil Eva - 1992 Paris Blue Turbo
no previous 480s - can't bear to sell any
Re: Anyone had experience with Mk1 Cavaliers?
depends on vintage, type four seat or two seat, SS1, Se5 , Se6, GTC etcdragonflyjewels wrote: ↑Sat Aug 08, 2020 6:16 pmand as for the Scimitar Al bought, complete and utter rust bucket.
early SS1 were 'mild steel' chassis, later 87? onwards galvanised.
Se5, Se6, GTC etc then any metal WILL be needing a little TLC as they are > 30 years old!!!
up side is that chassi on ALL types is all weldable with some care even with GRP body in -situ.
for fun Se5a with V6 is loads of grunt, but you need a deep pocket to keep it running, Se6 got teh 2.8 EFi.
SS1 then anything from 1300 CVH to 1800 ti, and with a Ti approx 180BHP is easy to achieve, getting it to stay on a the straight & narrow, well that's different i think some guys have 'tweaked' to > 240BHP, in a 800kg car
ask if you are serious, or check out the Scimweb ( http://www.scimitarweb.co.uk/ )
Alan
480 ES 2litre 'Celebration' ? , C30 1.8ES, SS1
480 ES 2litre 'Celebration' ? , C30 1.8ES, SS1
Re: Anyone had experience with Mk1 Cavaliers?
Incidentally the GTE is a car I've always fancied, and having spied that early 1969 one up for auction, fancy very much, though I doubt my budget will stretch to thatAlan 480 wrote: ↑Sun Aug 09, 2020 3:38 pmdepends on vintage, type four seat or two seat, SS1, Se5 , Se6, GTC etcdragonflyjewels wrote: ↑Sat Aug 08, 2020 6:16 pmand as for the Scimitar Al bought, complete and utter rust bucket.
early SS1 were 'mild steel' chassis, later 87? onwards galvanised.
Se5, Se6, GTC etc then any metal WILL be needing a little TLC as they are > 30 years old!!!
up side is that chassi on ALL types is all weldable with some care even with GRP body in -situ.
for fun Se5a with V6 is loads of grunt, but you need a deep pocket to keep it running, Se6 got teh 2.8 EFi.
SS1 then anything from 1300 CVH to 1800 ti, and with a Ti approx 180BHP is easy to achieve, getting it to stay on a the straight & narrow, well that's different i think some guys have 'tweaked' to > 240BHP, in a 800kg car
ask if you are serious, or check out the Scimweb ( http://www.scimitarweb.co.uk/ )
Current Jobs to do (23/1/22):
Fix Central Locking
Fix drivers side speaker
Annoying Scratching Squeak
Water leaks
Complete Front O/S rebuild
Fix Central Locking
Fix drivers side speaker
Annoying Scratching Squeak
Water leaks
Complete Front O/S rebuild
Re: Anyone had experience with Mk1 Cavaliers?
My first Scim was an SE5A, 1973 vintage, then led me to the 480.
avoid auction, go and check out those for sale on ScimWeb
generally a friendly bunch and they will keep you right, cars appear for sale there BEFORE in public, and usually for a 'better' price
I think if I had spac then torn between the Se5A as it bit more 'nimble' or the advantages of the Cologne engine in later versions. Essex engine is 'old skool'
Alan
480 ES 2litre 'Celebration' ? , C30 1.8ES, SS1
480 ES 2litre 'Celebration' ? , C30 1.8ES, SS1
Re: Anyone had experience with Mk1 Cavaliers?
Ok thank you for the advice. The fact of the matter is I'm hesitant to actually move too fast, for fear of 1 of my two current aspirational cars (Audi 80 Quattro B2 or Isuzu Piazza Manual) come up soon after making a purchase of something else as if just to tease meAlan 480 wrote: ↑Sun Aug 09, 2020 6:39 pmMy first Scim was an SE5A, 1973 vintage, then led me to the 480.
avoid auction, go and check out those for sale on ScimWeb
generally a friendly bunch and they will keep you right, cars appear for sale there BEFORE in public, and usually for a 'better' price
I think if I had spac then torn between the Se5A as it bit more 'nimble' or the advantages of the Cologne engine in later versions. Essex engine is 'old skool'
Current Jobs to do (23/1/22):
Fix Central Locking
Fix drivers side speaker
Annoying Scratching Squeak
Water leaks
Complete Front O/S rebuild
Fix Central Locking
Fix drivers side speaker
Annoying Scratching Squeak
Water leaks
Complete Front O/S rebuild
Re: Anyone had experience with Mk1 Cavaliers?
my first car was a 1975 Allegro in poor condition - written off in a crash after 6 months. OK, it got me started in car ownership but that's about all I'll give the old girl.dragonflyjewels wrote: ↑Sat Aug 08, 2020 6:16 pmThe least said about Allegros the better - mine was AWFUL. And as for the Scimitar Al bought, complete and utter rust bucket.
On Ben's original question, if you want my view on Mk 1 Cavaliers I'd simply say "think again"...
My second car was a Mk5 Cortina - now there's a car I wish I still had!
David
Current: 1994 480 GT, 1996 460 CD & 1997 440 LE with lots of optional extras & 2007 V50 SE Sport
Previous: Celebration 331 (re-homed with Richard S), Celebration 467 (returned to Martin Mc); Celebration 346 (re-homed with Alan480); Celebration 269 (scrapped abandoned project), Celebration 73 (sold on after 6 years), 1992 ES, 1988 ES - and numerous other non-480 Volvos!
Previous: Celebration 331 (re-homed with Richard S), Celebration 467 (returned to Martin Mc); Celebration 346 (re-homed with Alan480); Celebration 269 (scrapped abandoned project), Celebration 73 (sold on after 6 years), 1992 ES, 1988 ES - and numerous other non-480 Volvos!
Re: Anyone had experience with Mk1 Cavaliers?
First car I had was a Ginetta G26, on a Cortina running gear with a Sierra gearbox, that was actually a nice drive, although I never drove it on the road:dcwalker wrote: ↑Tue Aug 11, 2020 8:28 ammy first car was a 1975 Allegro in poor condition - written off in a crash after 6 months. OK, it got me started in car ownership but that's about all I'll give the old girl.dragonflyjewels wrote: ↑Sat Aug 08, 2020 6:16 pmThe least said about Allegros the better - mine was AWFUL. And as for the Scimitar Al bought, complete and utter rust bucket.
On Ben's original question, if you want my view on Mk 1 Cavaliers I'd simply say "think again"...
My second car was a Mk5 Cortina - now there's a car I wish I still had!
David
Of course I do have a soft spot for the MkV 'Tina, however I would never feel comfortable using it, as in my mind Ford = Getting nicked if you leave it for 5 minutes, especially with that model, however would like a Sierra Ghia, pre facelift, with pepperpots (yes my ebay saved searches list is a classic car directory in itself). I am always one for quirky cars, as such I see the Cav as a left field alternative that is just as good to drive, if not better, and has 'underdog' status for being not in the Cult of Ford, after all, the 480 is an 'underdog' and I think it's a very fine car, so popular opinion is often unfairly shaped
Of course, it's all subjective, I haven't had my car for that long and It may just be a good one, though it hasn't been trouble free...
Current Jobs to do (23/1/22):
Fix Central Locking
Fix drivers side speaker
Annoying Scratching Squeak
Water leaks
Complete Front O/S rebuild
Fix Central Locking
Fix drivers side speaker
Annoying Scratching Squeak
Water leaks
Complete Front O/S rebuild
Re: Anyone had experience with Mk1 Cavaliers?
Given the other thread we are chatting on as well, I'd certainly agree that the Cavalier falls into the same box as the 440/460 - worthy enough, did their job, but never "loved". Good point about nicking Fords, but somehow even though it was the ultimate "rep-mobile" the Cortina was also loved...
When I was very young (early 20s) I had the opportunity of buying a Sierra XR4x4 - lovely car and drove so so well; I simply couldn't afford the insurance
Thinking "rep-mobile" but coming up slightly newer, I had a couple of Rover 600s back in the day (one after the other, not at the same time - I didn't collect cars up then!) and they were very nice cars indeed. I was not alone in believing that when BMW took over Rover the reason that the 600 was the model they killed off almost immediately was because it was the one model Rover had that offered some genuine competition for the 3 & 5 series.
Ah, happy days...
David
When I was very young (early 20s) I had the opportunity of buying a Sierra XR4x4 - lovely car and drove so so well; I simply couldn't afford the insurance
Thinking "rep-mobile" but coming up slightly newer, I had a couple of Rover 600s back in the day (one after the other, not at the same time - I didn't collect cars up then!) and they were very nice cars indeed. I was not alone in believing that when BMW took over Rover the reason that the 600 was the model they killed off almost immediately was because it was the one model Rover had that offered some genuine competition for the 3 & 5 series.
Ah, happy days...
David
Current: 1994 480 GT, 1996 460 CD & 1997 440 LE with lots of optional extras & 2007 V50 SE Sport
Previous: Celebration 331 (re-homed with Richard S), Celebration 467 (returned to Martin Mc); Celebration 346 (re-homed with Alan480); Celebration 269 (scrapped abandoned project), Celebration 73 (sold on after 6 years), 1992 ES, 1988 ES - and numerous other non-480 Volvos!
Previous: Celebration 331 (re-homed with Richard S), Celebration 467 (returned to Martin Mc); Celebration 346 (re-homed with Alan480); Celebration 269 (scrapped abandoned project), Celebration 73 (sold on after 6 years), 1992 ES, 1988 ES - and numerous other non-480 Volvos!
Re: Anyone had experience with Mk1 Cavaliers?
I saw in a magazine article, that a family in Switzerland uses Marinas on a daily basis, one for each member of the family, all year round. In the summer they take them to Skegness for sand and fish and chips apparently, and the Marinas are perfect for their use, indeed the guy was saying his job involves driving all around Switzerland. They have other cars, but all old British tatbrinkie wrote: ↑Sat Aug 08, 2020 5:24 pmThere are many YouTube videos on how the Allegros and Marinas are. They have become virtually extinct, especially in LHD countries, so I'm following quite a lot of channels on 1970s and 1980s British cars...
https://twitter.com/idriveaclassic/stat ... 3898962947
Current Jobs to do (23/1/22):
Fix Central Locking
Fix drivers side speaker
Annoying Scratching Squeak
Water leaks
Complete Front O/S rebuild
Fix Central Locking
Fix drivers side speaker
Annoying Scratching Squeak
Water leaks
Complete Front O/S rebuild
Re: Anyone had experience with Mk1 Cavaliers?
and why did you not keep the Ginetta?
GRP, sturdy chassis, cheap mechanicals, unusual, all the boxes ticked
GRP, sturdy chassis, cheap mechanicals, unusual, all the boxes ticked
Alan
480 ES 2litre 'Celebration' ? , C30 1.8ES, SS1
480 ES 2litre 'Celebration' ? , C30 1.8ES, SS1
Re: Anyone had experience with Mk1 Cavaliers?
...pourous bodyshell, incomplete and mouldy interior, lack of PAS and general safety: What more could I want? (turns out a 480)
Current Jobs to do (23/1/22):
Fix Central Locking
Fix drivers side speaker
Annoying Scratching Squeak
Water leaks
Complete Front O/S rebuild
Fix Central Locking
Fix drivers side speaker
Annoying Scratching Squeak
Water leaks
Complete Front O/S rebuild