Vauxhall Astra Mk1

The story

The Astra replaced the Viva with a thoroughly modern hatchback shared with the Opel Kadett. It handled crisply and its new engines were smooth and willing. The Astra name has been built on Merseyside ever since.

Inside

Clear, logical and solid, with plenty of room for four and a low loading lip.

In period colours

Tap a colour to respray the drawing.

Meanwhile, in 1981

Prince Charles married Lady Diana Spencer, and the first London Marathon was run.

Best-selling single of 1981: Don't You Want Me by The Human League

Before you buy a 1980s car

• Check for rust in the usual places, though many cars from this decade were better protected.
• Electrical and fuel system faults are common, so test everything.
• Parts for mass-market cars are usually easy to find.

General notes, not specific to this model. Check the model's own history before buying.

Rivals of its day

Picked automatically: cars on sale at the same time with similar size, speed and price.

See the real thing

These open in a new tab: the car on Wikimedia Commons, the interior and the badge as Google image searches.