NOVA HISTORY - PAGE 1
After an early launch in 1983, the Vauxhall Nova quickly established itself as a contender in the small hatchback market. At the same time Vauxhall's sister company (Opel) released the same car under the name of Corsa on the continent. The Vauxhall Nova is General Motors UK version of the identical Opel Corsa and shares many mechanical components with the Astra & Cavalier range (which is handy to know when your modifying your car).
The model line-up includes 2 and 4 door saloon (which isn’t very popular), 3 & 5 door hatchback versions, available with a choice of 1.0 litre ohv and 1.2, 1.2i, 1.3, 1.4, 1.4i & 1.6i litre ohc engines, and lastly a few diesel models as well. The Nova was practical yet stylish and it's own distinctive arches soon made it one of the classic hatchbacks.
Various levels of trim and optional equipment are available depending upon the model selected from the range. For example the low 1.0 litre is not very refined, but the new GSi 1.6 litre models have a lot of mod cons. Fortunately the Nova is of a straightforward design and build, with easy access to major components and service parts from dealers to scrap yards.
But a firm favourite is the 1.3 Nova SR. Make no mistake this is no standard car with a few stickers and a different colour scheme. The SR was the only Nova to be given the Astra/Cavalier 1297cc cross flow engine, also included was a 5 speed gear box, uprated stiffened suspension to improve handling, RECARO racing seats, bodykit with rear spoiler and a dashboard with more dials than you could shake a stick at. The SR was soon to become the popular "boy racers". Which is unfortunate, as there are a lot of thrashed SR’s out there.
In June 1988 Vauxhall realised they were onto something good so they brought out a more serious Nova, the GTE. This was similar to the SR but it had a few modifications like electric windows, alloys (both came as options), side skirts, body coloured bumpers, sunroof (optional on the SR) and the main being a 1.6 litre 100 BHP engine. In a car as small as a Nova a 1.6 litre engine creates one flying machine. A standard GTE will do 0-60 in 9.1 seconds compared to the 11.8 of a SR and will hit 119 mph top end, 17 mph more than the SR.
