1984 Opel Monza GSE review from UK and Ireland

Air conditioning not working when I purchased car.

Clutch thrust bearing started to make a whining noise.

Electric windows work slowly and at time require some playing with as wiring at hinge section of door is perishing.

LCD dash stopped illuminating unless side lights or headlights are switched on.

A very comfortable car that can rumble along steadily or jump into performance mode with a little right foot action. Even when using the cars higher end power, it never feels as though its strained. It just roars away.

Pleasantly surprised at its handling too. Cornering and driving along B roads is actually very good considering the cars weight and size.

Reliability has been excellent for me. No complaints at all, provided you keep them maintained like all cars.

Head room in cabin a little limited for those above 6ft2ish. Saying that though, the Recaro seats are wonderfully comfortable, and this car is nicely thought out. For example the air conditioning has an outlet in the glove compartment so that you can keep your cans of coke cold in the summer!

In terms of the cars shape I still can't quite figure it out. I can't say I loved the look of the car when I first saw it. My dad who was with me just said one thing..."Bullit" (referring to the Steve McQueen film), implying that this was a muscle car and that he could influence my emotions by this comment. He did. As soon as I heard the beefy roar of the engine, I almost let out a crazy chuckle and I began to grin madly. I love big engines and big cars, but the old seventies and eighties cars just hit that spot for me. We were at an auction at the time, and above the ruckus and noise of engines starting and being revved up, the Monza straight six power plant stood out a mile. People began moving towards the car and as usual, a small group of eager men were gathered around the engine talking over each other and not even listening to each other anyway. But, I was the one who ended up with it.

Each day I get into my Monza, she puts a smile on my face. Its one of those cars that once you have parked it and walk away to the office or what have you, you keep looking over your shoulder again and again to re-examine its shape, as you're not sure whether it is gorgeous, or just pretending to be!

These cars are cheap to pick up now, but you need to maintain them. The are beginning to get rare, and prices for good ones are picking up now. If you get one, check for rust around the front struts in the engine bay and down at the bottom of them too as this is a notorious place. Check for wear on the interior, and all the other usual things.