View Full Version : Intersting Nova Facts
This (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayne_Cherry) guy designed the Vauxhall Nova
Way way back circa '83 Bill Oddie (Bird spotter and wine connisuer) Virginia Wade and Bonnie Langford were all used to promote the Nova's sales pitch.
According to Autosport magazine the first 2.0 8v Nova was built in early 1989, and the first XE in cery late '89. One was a Red Mk1 SR, the other a Red GTE (apparently)
The above should make for an intersting thread.......
In 1987, Vauxhall sold 42,659 Novas in the UK.
All the dealer sport GSi's and some of the Sport are registered as Red not White ;)
a very rare estate version was released over in spain
G970 YKX - Dealer Sport GSi only ran out of tax 29/5/98 despite disappearing circa 94 when the Corsa's came into Group A under 1600.
some interesting factory conversions
http://www.opel-corsa-a.com/index_e.php?seite=Modelle/Umbauten/Artz/Artz_e.htm
http://www.opel-corsa-a.com/index_e.php?seite=Modelle/Umbauten/Gilbert_David/Tropica_e.htm
some that never made it into production:
http://www.opel-corsa-a.com/index_e.php?seite=Prototyps/Facelift_e.htm
http://www.opel-corsa-a.com/index.php?seite=Prototyps/Eco3_e.htm
the whole development of the nova
http://www.opel-corsa-a.com/index_e.php?seite=Entwicklung/Entwicklung_e.htm
the Zaragonza plant where all novas were produced
http://www.opel-corsa-a.com/index_e.php?seite=Zaragoza/Zaragoza_e.htm
all courtesy of duick :thumb:
a very rare estate version was released over in spain
FAAAALSE!!!
Only a few were converted in Germany by Artz
http://www.opel-corsa-a.com/index_e.php?seite=Modelle/Umbauten/Artz/Artz_e.htm
the tolerances on the nova are appauling!
for example the gaps between thedoor on one side can be as much as 5mm out from the other! They are on my car anyway!
london_chris
14-05-08, 02:13 AM
this is a very interesting topic here and i hope it becomes even more crazy whilst true facts.
its weird and wonderful to see the nova in its design stages and i think some of the earlier designs were better than the final one tbh.
anyway a few little queries for the topic.
once upon a time i heard that some guys at lotus were bored one lunch time and thought it would be an idea to use the nova shells across the road and fit in some XEs. is there any proof of this?
also i heard that somehwhere there is a lot of mint nova shells just standing doing nothing but rotting away. is this true?
lmfao, I was wondering when the Lotus Nova and Field of Novas would come up lol
This kind of thread has been done before though iirc.
Anywoo. The saloon is 30cm longer than the hatch (in Mk1 guise). Thats an extra 8.2% of Nova for only 5Kg more of weight.
Actually, there is a roumer of a warehouse in Spain hopusing the last of the Nova/Corsa A shells that were unbuilt at the end of production.
Fintona Auto Spares in Co.Tyrone, NI, had several Brand new shells until recently. They were all sold
They still do Cav GSI and Astra GSI Body shells in stock.
Actually, there is a roumer of a warehouse in Spain hopusing the last of the Nova/Corsa A shells that were unbuilt at the end of production.
That is in fact a rumor, same as the Lotus Nova.
ALL warehouses for Nova/Corsa A parts in Spain are empty now, I talked to the guy last month who is responsible for arranging to get the parts to Germany. And there were NO !!! shells. Also no RH doors :cry::cry::cry:
As Jack said, there was already this thread http://www.pngclub.com/forum/showthread.php?t=90421
The last of the line Body shells must have gone somewhere though.
Onto the road somewhere most likely. I can't imagine GM allowing warehouses being left full of bodyshells sitting around, thats dead money sitting there. Even if they sold them at dealerships as end of line discounts with marginal profits, its still profit nonetheless.
What model is this? :eek: Full Cage as standard? Recaros :D
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e46/jays_nova/84-220Sprint20Group20B2001.jpg
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e46/jays_nova/84-220Sprint20Group20B2002.jpg
tom_beverley
14-05-08, 12:07 PM
Less of the rumours, we need FACTS ;)
Onto the road somewhere most likely. I can't imagine GM allowing warehouses being left full of bodyshells sitting around, thats dead money sitting there. Even if they sold them at dealerships as end of line discounts with marginal profits, its still profit nonetheless.
As said, Fintona Auto Spares bought up all the last of the UK Shells, and still do buy last of the line Shells as well.
Thats a Fact.
Another interetsing fact about Novas, most if not all Nova/Corsa A owners have at least once thought, "Why the **** did I buy this?"
What model is this? :eek: Full Cage as standard? Recaros :D
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e46/jays_nova/84-220Sprint20Group20B2001.jpg
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e46/jays_nova/84-220Sprint20Group20B2002.jpg
Thats a Sprint IIRC
Less of the rumours, we need FACTS ;)
nova's a rubbish built car :roll:lol
Thats a Sprint IIRC
It's the Sprint prototype of 1983 http://www.opel-corsa-a.com/index_e.php?seite=Prototyps/Sprint_e.htm
It's in the Opel Oldtimer Collection and in fully working state. Saw it in February when I was there and they even started the engine for us :D:D:D, will never forget that sound
Nova's rust!!
Thats a Dirty Lie, you take that back. :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:
Novas are uncomfortable!
ah that depends what model you got, the sr/gte and gsi are so comfey and have fell a sleep in mine on many occasions lol
Nope drove them all and there uncofmy, and im only a slight chap!
tom_beverley
14-05-08, 01:20 PM
You're a very lucky man if you have the prestigious LM (Lee Mitchum) Edition Nova
Colin McRae's first rally car was a Nova :)
Saloons are better than hatchbacks, FACT
Saloons are better than hatchbacks, FACT
Another total myth, hence why Vauxhall never made a sporty saloon.
Red Novas are the Best. FACT
Some Novas can actually eat Mercadies SL's whole. FACT
mk2's rust more than mk1's.
@jaysnova: i know there's a complete nova sprint bodykit for sale in belgium, just under a 1000 euro's.
Have to say all std nova seats are very very comfy!
I could never get comfy in my omega with its million way adjusting seats. I cent get comfy in our MK4 astra and its got half a million way adjustable seats... The VX is marginally as comfy at a nova but the passenger seat in the VX is better. Our recent Luxe purchase is sooooo damn comfy its like sitting on a sofa :D
I'd sooner restore a MK1 than a MK2 due to the evil corrosion issues that a MK2 can chuck up (dirty gypsy GM for using tinfoil thickness steel on the MK2's lol
BEN187NOVA
14-05-08, 04:27 PM
Nova are better than saxos, rs turd blows ,and scoobys fact
~~joycey~~
14-05-08, 04:29 PM
in some cold countrys nova's had heated front seats and the switch for it is next to where the wiper/rear fog switch :D
Another total myth, hence why Vauxhall never made a sporty saloon.
Pfft, we don't need our faux "sporty" models to feel good about our saloons, none of this stick on tat like spoilers and big bumpers for us :D
craig green
14-05-08, 04:40 PM
Jack your transparent ramblings fool nobody.
Saloon Novas made Jack Ghay (er?)
Actually, there is a roumer of a warehouse in Spain hopusing the last of the Nova/Corsa A shells that were unbuilt at the end of production.
Fintona Auto Spares in Co.Tyrone, NI, had several Brand new shells until recently. They were all sold
They still do Cav GSI and Astra GSI Body shells in stock.
Are you being serious?
Not saying your wrong but, JEBUS! I find it so hard to believe. As I am in there quite a bit and none of the guys mentioned anything of the sort. How far back are you talking?
Red Novas are the Best. FACT
Sorry to quote you again but, I agree!! :cool: Red Novas r la sex
Saloons are better than hatchbacks,when fitting an air bed in the back FACT
:thumb:
Are you being serious?
Not saying your wrong but, JEBUS! I find it so hard to believe. As I am in there quite a bit and none of the guys mentioned anything of the sort. How far back are you talking?
Yeah, you know the place? As far as i mind, they sold the last shell several years ago. But Mk3 Cav and Astras can still be gotten there. There's probably more but I never enquired about them.
A fresh Cav GSi shell would be ace!
Colin McRae's first rally car was a Nova :)
untrue.......
he had mucked about in an escort, a hillman hunter with a bda & a talbot sunbeam before he tried the british championship in the nova sport..........
About the field of shells... Most manufacturers keep a few years worth (based on parts sales) of shells for each model after the model is discontinued for the insurance repair market.. I remember once seeing an ad in autotrader for a salvage yard in manchester that had some brand new saloon shells.. but it was about 13 years ago
my brother smashed the passenger side seat back adjuster off my first nova with his knee whilst helping to conceive my nephew. he walked with a limp for a week, & I wouldn't let him borrow it again.
/\/\ does that qualify as a nova fact.
Yeah, you know the place? As far as i mind, they sold the last shell several years ago. But Mk3 Cav and Astras can still be gotten there. There's probably more but I never enquired about them.
Yeah I know the place well! Its not far from me at all. Just picked up some Corsa brakes recently for the Nova.
Yeah even a brand new Cav shell would be nice, but to be honest, I can't see a market for them just yet?
london_chris
15-05-08, 02:24 AM
anyone have any pics of rare sporty genuin novas that were produced?
I said Colin McRae's first rally car, not the first car he drove off road lol Even said himself it was his first http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=uEpHqd-cSEE :)
A fresh Cav GSi shell would be ace!
Yeah even a brand new Cav shell would be nice, but to be honest, I can't see a market for them just yet?
They have a brand new GSi 4x4 Shell in storage for the measley fee of £1000. Brand new, un registered, unprimed, no bolts, wires, clips of any sort on it. They also have Cav Hatch and saloon shells in the same state for sale.
As soon as I gather the funds, that 4x4 is mine!!
Only problem with that is it would be a Q plate. Say hello to difficult insurance!
I said Colin McRae's first rally car, not the first car he drove off road lol Even said himself it was his first http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=uEpHqd-cSEE :)
And if you had read his obituary in autosport, you would have found he was entering local rallies in the cars I listed, before his dad, Jimmy, who was a works gm rally driver for years, advised him to use a current car to further his career, and entering the grp. A up to 1300 class on the british rally championship.....he then used sierras & subaru legacys until a legacy finally won a round of the WRC then they could use the imprezza.
ps. I am 39 & actually remember seeing colin in that nova.
Have it in front of me now, which does mention cars before the nova that he owned and raced, along with a couple of borrowed cars ... which makes me wonder why he mentions the nova as his first rally car in that video? :confused: He may have meant his first World Rally car maybe?
edit: Actually mentions the sunbeam in that video, I managed to mistake it for a Nova as i had the sound low, even thought it looked a bit odd but figured it must have been whatever mods had been done to it ! :tard:
The Nova was however, his first world rally car... so at least that's a Nova fact lol
Yea Jack, but we dont have Q plates over here!!
I'm wondering how you'd go about registering a brand new shell. Would it need to be registered as a new car, ie 08?
Yea Jack, but we dont have Q plates over here!!
I'm wondering how you'd go about registering a brand new shell. Would it need to be registered as a new car, ie 08?
the only way to get a new shell registered as a new vehicle in the uk is if all of the other major components are proven to be new & it passes an sva test.....
The Nova was however, his first world rally car... so at least that's a Nova fact lol
running at around number 120 on an fia championship rally hardly makes a 1.3 group a car into a world rally car...................but i will give up arguing because you are quite persistent
Yes, but I'm in Ireland :D
They have a brand new GSi 4x4 Shell in storage for the measley fee of £1000. Brand new, un registered, unprimed, no bolts, wires, clips of any sort on it. They also have Cav Hatch and saloon shells in the same state for sale.
As soon as I gather the funds, that 4x4 is mine!!
ooooooohhhhh how much for the cav saloon shell ???
Yes, but I'm in Ireland :D
You asked a load of english people what to do......I can only answer what I know. Check your local registration office, there must be a kit car type rule
novacabrio
15-05-08, 11:21 PM
Irmscher only ever converted 6 right hand drive Nova Spiders. First 2 cars being on a B reg, and based on 1.3 SRs as they could not get 2 delete option cars in time. They got drove to Germany as a SR and drove home as a spider, the other 4 cars got sent direct to Germany from the Factory. The last UK car was on a F reg but was still early spec with brown trim
Only 1 dealer could supply you a New spider, Steve Thompson Cars. They had 2 branches and are still there in Lichfeild and Walsall. At the time they were the only Irmscher importer into the Uk and also the only agent to sell you your New Manta 400.
The Spider conversion was the only Vauxhall reconised conversion, despite the Hutchinson selling more cars as it was cheaper.
novacabrio
15-05-08, 11:25 PM
Corsa A Production started in 1982 and they didn't start importing Novas into the Uk until 1983
First fact: red ones go faster, y0!
second fact: The brake system was made of a very rare kind of cheese that could hold DOT4
running at around number 120 on an fia championship rally hardly makes a 1.3 group a car into a world rally car...................but i will give up arguing because you are quite persistent
True I guess, wasn't arguing, you were quite right to correct me, I made a major balls up with what I thought I saw on the video :thumb: With some rewording I'm sure we could hit something that is a nova fact but I think I've worn that one out a little for now lol
Corsa A Production started in 1982 and they didn't start importing Novas into the Uk until 1983
you sure ??? i had a B reg nova registered in 84 but ive also seen old style Y reg novas so surley they were early 83 ??
novacabrio
15-05-08, 11:47 PM
Y is the earliest Nova youwill find registered in 83
82-Y
83-Y
83-A
84-A
84-B
85-B
85-C
86-C
86-D
87-D
87-E
Etc etc so yes you may have a had a B on 84
fairy muff
i only paid 250 for it, 34,000 genuine miles part ex at my local dealers, i put another 4500 in 5months then ripped the front crossmember off when i nudged a kerb at 70mph lol
ripped the front crossmember off when i nudged a kerb at 70mph lol
Novas do this, FACT.
Nova GSi interior is also known as "Rio Pattern" and SR style interior is known as "zipper pattern".
do nova/corsa a differences also count?
a corsa A sr was only made in 83 and 84, and only in red and in white.
also this had a snowplough front bumper with fog-lights, and a recaro interiour.
Was there ever a concept Saloon SR or have i been led up the garden path???
While we are on the subject of Nova facts... was there ever a 1.2 OHV Nova made? I thought there was only 1.2 OHC.
I keep seeing water pumps etc on ebay, listed as fitting Nova 1.0/1.2 OHV models:confused:
novacabrio
18-05-08, 10:10 PM
Europe I belive
Ah so is that the same engine as used in Chevettes? 1257cc or something
Ah so is that the same engine as used in Chevettes? 1257cc or something
similar to the 1256, the 1.2 ohv was used in mk1 & 2 astras but as far as i know, it was never fitted in a nova.. dunno about corsa A, but it would seem daft to built 2 completely different engines with the same cc for the same car
but saying that, it never stopped ford with their amazing range of 1.6 engines.......
my fave amazing nova fact is that dave metcalfe managed to finish the manx rally in 4th place in a grp.A 1600gte (with about 155bhp) .
it was an all tarmac rally held on dry roads & the 1st, 2nd, 3rd,5th,6th placed cars were 300+bhp tarmac spec cosworth sierras
I know the man was a driving god, but the car must have contributed a lot to the placing.
paulnova
19-05-08, 01:36 AM
my fave amazing nova fact is that dave metcalfe managed to finish the manx rally in 4th place in a grp.A 1600gte (with about 155bhp) .
it was an all tarmac rally held on dry roads & the 1st, 2nd, 3rd,5th,6th placed cars were 300+bhp tarmac spec cosworth sierras
I know the man was a driving god, but the car must have contributed a lot to the placing.
lol ive got that manx rally on video from when i was a kid, the nova was flying lol
a corsa A sr was only made in 83 and 84, and only in red and in white.
also this had a snowplough front bumper with fog-lights, and a recaro interiour.
No. The SR was made until May85, then it was named GT. It was also available in other colours, i.e. Jamaican yellow.
The fog lights were an option.
my fave amazing nova fact is that dave metcalfe managed to finish the manx rally in 4th place in a grp.A 1600gte (with about 155bhp) .
it was an all tarmac rally held on dry roads & the 1st, 2nd, 3rd,5th,6th placed cars were 300+bhp tarmac spec cosworth sierras
It really doesnt surprise me. i mean its probably 1/2 the wieght of a Cossir, and if you work it out, per ton, its probably the same power. Not only that, but the Novas are nimble, light and very good at cornering as where you have a 300bhp RWD on a twisty road and you're going to loose time through wheel spin and tailing out. What an achievement all the same.
dutch_c20xe
19-05-08, 01:42 PM
similar to the 1256, the 1.2 ohv was used in mk1 & 2 astras but as far as i know, it was never fitted in a nova.. dunno about corsa A, but it would seem daft to built 2 completely different engines with the same cc for the same car
but saying that, it never stopped ford with their amazing range of 1.6 engines.......
I'm from Europe (the Netherlands) and i can confirm that the 1.2 ohv was used in the Opel Corsa A. I'm building a c20xe corsa A and the car i picked as my donor vehicle has this 1.2 engine. It's got the same output as teh 1.0 ohv however (45 hp), the reason i believe they produced this engine is that with it's very low compression ratio (1:8,8) it can run on low octane petrol. Not that that has ever been available in the Netherlands... The minimum octane number here is 95.
It really doesnt surprise me. i mean its probably 1/2 the wieght of a Cossir, and if you work it out, per ton, its probably the same power. Not only that, but the Novas are nimble, light and very good at cornering as where you have a 300bhp RWD on a twisty road and you're going to loose time through wheel spin and tailing out. What an achievement all the same.
most tarmac cossies weighed in around 1300kgs with 300bhp
so a nova must weight 650kg with 150bhp........
I think most nova gtes were more like 850-900kg which means it ought to have had 195bhp to get the same performance, which it did not. that is why I am still impressed.
As of 1st April 1991, Nova prices ranged from £6480.00 for a Trip 1.0 3dr to £11105.00 for a GSi in a non metallic paint. The metallic was an optional extra at £155 for a two coat metallic, £155 for silk voilet and £110 for metallic black
a very interesting read this one!!
especially checking the pics of wat different thoughts they had for the nova
i want a cav loon shell :( brand new :( oohhhh i want :(
My nova is the most reliable car ive owned.
and the only one to get robbed
the nova came with a 6 year rust warrenty!!
i got through an original sales brouchure and that is true.
( it was guaranteed to rust within six years lol )
the 1.2 will do 120mph...proven many a time lol
wasn't that the warranty where every year you had to go to the dealer & get all the body damage fixed at your cost, & if there was a rust 'hole' after 6 years, they fixed it????
carmine red sr novas came with grey interior??
( mine was brown but the factory says it was ment to be grey )
the 1.2 will do 120mph...proven many a time lol
1 cough, 2 cough, 3 cough, what comes next.........?
craig green
04-06-10, 05:28 PM
1991, Nova prices ranged from £6480.00 for a Trip 1.0 3dr to £11105.00 for a GSi in a non metallic paint.
And yet 9 years on, Citroen were doing a Saxo VTR for £9995 lol
The Nova seems somewhat Gucci in comparison.
dave watson
04-06-10, 05:31 PM
the nova came with a 6 year rust warrenty!!
i got through an original sales brouchure and that is true.
( it was guaranteed to rust within six years lol )
haha 6 year my gran bought a 1.3 sr in jamecan yellow brand new and she was tellin me it had to go to the body shop because of rust before she could pick it up haha
saloons get lower mpg.
corsa A sr (snowplough) is the best.
the CW for the saloon is 0.38, the normal hb is 0.36 and the corsa a SR is 0.35!
so, with facts above... a snowplough will improve you 0-60, and have better mpg.
:D
Novasport
04-06-10, 10:00 PM
Nova GSi interior is also known as "Rio Pattern" and SR style interior is known as "zipper pattern".
And earlier SR was 'Daytona Check'
Nova_Tek
04-06-10, 10:21 PM
the tolerances on the nova are appauling!
for example the gaps between thedoor on one side can be as much as 5mm out from the other! They are on my car anyway!
Maybe some Novas had an accident in the factory.
FAAAALSE!!!
Only a few were converted in Germany by Artz
http://www.opel-corsa-a.com/index_e.php?seite=Modelle/Umbauten/Artz/Artz_e.htm
That is soooooooooo bad, the back end doesn't look like it lines up at all.
http://www.opel-corsa-a.com/Modelle/Umbauten/Artz/Caravan1.jpg
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