1985 Opel Monza GSE - The Ultra Rare BMW Rival That Nobody Bought

[@Kelveron]

Utterly love the look of this car. Such a shame that lovely GT coupes like this hardly sell anymore, as opposed to those overweight, overgrown SUV things that plague the roads these days.

[@OldSonyMan]

It occurred to me (quite recently) that maybe the move to SUV shaped cars is all about having a shape that allows the floor to be raised and 'stuffed' with batteries. i.e. to deflect negative comments when the EVs come along. (This thought popped in my head whilst gazing at a jaguar e-pace)

[@matty6848]

Yeh. Most cars are boring today. I don’t even like modern Lamborghinis or Ferraris they’re just too boring. I want something that is more brutal, visceral like this👍🏼

[@germanguywithjumpercables7955]

@@matty6848 Same here, I don`t like Ferrari`s design after the 430, they don`t trigger any "would like to have"-feeling any more in me as the older models did.

[@matty6848]

@@germanguywithjumpercables7955 yes agreed. I would still rather have a classic Ferrari from the 80s/90s than a modern model. The modern Ferrari’s aren’t even head turners these days. They definitely don’t have the road presence that like the old models did. The modern models are almost cheap and tacky today. Don’t know perhaps it’s just me, but I don’t like them.

[@martijnlangeveld817]

Very well said

[@matthewgodwin3050]

The best thing about a car like this is that you can drive it to any car show, and nobody else will have one except you. I love it for that alone.

[@jrgdrumsandwatches]

I love the Monza, brings back lots of memories. My father had a 3.0E when I was a child, I loved the sound of that motor.

[@andyjones5192]

Growing up close to the Opel plant in Rüsselsheim we of course had a Monza in our family garage. The GSE was a very fast car for its time. I remember going over 200km/h on the Autobahn with it and there was basically nobody able to follow. Stopping the car was a different thing. Brakes were poor and it was eating brake discs like crazy. The also often warped and prices for spare parts were unreasonably high.

[@copatpila]

In Brazil, we had the Opel Ascona C rebadged as a Chevrolet Monza and sold till mid to late 90s. They even had some limited edition blue and green colours for the 94 world cup. My mom had a green one

[@norwegianzound]

Of course.....

[@a64738]

For some reason Opel breaks are horrible... I had a 1993 Opel Astra and tested the acceleration on a airport runway, after slowing down from 130km/h and turning around and testing the speed the other way I found out the breaks was overheating when I tried to stop the second time and barely managed to stop before going into a ditch with the last 20 meters being on gravel... After that I ordered new dirt cheap break disk that was NOT Opel original and ordered break pads meant for racing. Those racing brake pads was immune to overheating, I tried breaking from 120km/h to 0 four times in a row and no sign of brake fade. But one side effect was that they needed to heat up before giving full effect, which meant that when starting to break you had to use all your power on the break pedal and then ease of as it did heat up, this was actually perfect and gave really short breaking distance.

[@Raffles-68]

James has it right. I own a very original manual GSE. Decent box, but this is very much a good GT car not a sports car. Loved these in the 80’s - I mean, digital dash!! - so it’s a very affordable classic. The Royale Coupe is off to a seventies party. The Monza GSE is ready for a night at Ritzy’s. That’s the only meaningful difference. Take your pick.

[@stephenconway2468]

"Monza GSE".... please.

[@danielrussell446]

Both please

[@cbrboy76]

Did'nt they fit the same digital dash to the astra GTE? Just like knight rider, lol if you were a child of that era. Affordable classic if you can find one, proper hens teeth car.

[@danielrussell446]

@@cbrboy76 very similar display I think they were different sizes the Carlton GSi3000 also had a similar digital display and I think some of the newer senators

[@cbrboy76]

@@danielrussell446 yes i remember the top spec senator having the digital dash. Nearly bought one in the early 2000's when you could pick one up for £500.

[@pedward1313]

One of the best looking cars of the 80’s. I wanted one then and I want one now!

[@gar4132]

I've still got one my dad bought new back in the day.. it starts first time every time and has never let me down.. unlike some of the modern cars I've had.. I absolutely love the Monza

[@alanhunter2009]

Had a Vauxhall Cavalier Coupe, (Opel Manta) in the early eighties and always hankered after a Monza, but as they were as rare as truthfulness from Boris, opted for the saloon equivalent. (Senator). Great car, quick, very smooth 6 cylinder 3 litre engine. Very underated car, due to the badge.

[@iangillett2488]

I had a Cavalier Sportshatch, aka Manta GTE, looked good in the day, my friend's dad had a gold Vauxhall Royal, which was a nice looking car, that people would admire. In truth we all considered the Opel equivalents as a rung up.

[@patagualianmostly7437]

The build quality on the Vauxhall Coupe was never a match for the Belgian-made Manta.... I've had both: Chalk & Cheese. I guess that's what Ian Gillett above/below is saying. So sad because I'd always wanted to buy "British Built" cars at that time, if possible. (c-1982) Many years later... I met a bloke who had worked at the Vauxhall Ellesmere Port plant as an electrician at that time, some of the stories he told me about the relations between management and the shop floor....well, they simply explained it all. Pathetic as pathetic gets. There was a "Red Robbo" in every UK factory it seems to me, looking back. Terrible times. And we all paid the price. Irrespective of your position in the manufacturing industry. So many opportunities. Wasted.

[@alanhunter2009]

@@patagualianmostly7437 My Cavalier Coupe was made in Germany as there were numerous Russelsheim stamps embossed on the car. I believe that all Coupes were made by Opel, (alongside the Manta), either in Germany or Belgium. The saloons were mostly made in Luton.

[@MIK23458]

The Senator was a seriously good car. Very smooth in terms of engine and ride, it didn’t have stupidly oversized wheels to ruin the ride like most cars today I suppose.

[@darrenowen3338]

@@patagualianmostly7437 I had a Cavalier coupe, before several Mantas. They were all built in the same factory.

[@derekhunt6943]

I have and continue to specialise in these cars now for around 35 years and I actually retailed this particular featured car some years ago to an accountant possibly around 20 years ago, the wine sounds is more likely to be a rear wheel bearing given the odometer reading, the 4 speed auto gearbox are generally very robust and reliable The 30K Monza you refer to I also looked after for the past twenty years, in which it underwent a mechanical upgrade in the form of a Reconditioned 3.0L 24 valve engine and matching auto gearbox with sport mode from the Vauxhall Senator/ GSI Carlton (24v) this example should still be found in remarkable outstanding condition. Good to see one on your channel.

[@aquitania015]

Glad to hear you are still a Monza enthusiast Derek. Do you still have the Patrick Collection FF? All the best from Alan from Stroud, Gloucestershire (one of the RMOC founder members and owner of various Monzas)

[@johang7498]

That CIH-6 cylinder-engine sounds so good and suits this beautiful, sleek looking coupé especially well. I'm not going to claim to be an expert on Opel, but I do know quite a bit about its history. You can view them as a "generalist brand" in much the same way as Ford, with a range in the 1980s that started with the little corsa (nova at Vauxhall) going all the way up to the senator and this monza. The senator and monza were the last cars in a long-standing tradition of rivals for the smaller Mercedes-models, sometimes even the S-class. That tradition went back all the way to the 1930s, to the very first kapitän and admiral. Up until the mid-1960s, the kapitän especially was very popular, usually outselling its similarly-sized, but more expensive Mercedes rivals to head its class. I seem to have read somewhere that, at one point it was the bestselling 6 cylinder-car in Europe. That was back when BMW was a struggling company that didn't really offer a comparable car and when Audi only just got its restart, replacing the smaller 2 stroke-DKW-cars. So it was only logical that Opel liked to continue that line, but unfortunately for them, after introducing the kadett and other smaller models, Opels image went more downmarket, while new competitors with big saloons and coupes came. Sales of the bigger Opels suffered and so the last senator-models of the early 1990s ended the long tradition. There was of course still the omega (carlton at Vauxhall), but that succeeded, the smaller, less up-market rekord. I hope this explains somewhat what Opel was about and why they continued making big, quite expensive cars for so long. It pretty much was the German/continental Europe-equal to Vauxhall (until the mid-1970s the 2 brands were rivals, offering entirely different but conceptually similar cars).

[@Bonzoguy66]

They even made Diplomat’s ,with 5.4 V8 , and the Commodore 2.8 GSE.

[@torbenanschau6701]

I think that sums it up well, what's to be added, the KAD-Line (Kapitän - Admiral - Diplomat) really could match the S-Class like you mentioned. With that 5.4 liter it indeed was another luxury car. Back then in Germany, Ford hat nothing to compare, the BMW 3.0 was rather a sporty limousine and VW did not have anything luxurious at all, Audi did not have the 200 ready yet and even that wasn't at the S-Class level. So in that Class in the 70s you've had Opel and Mercedes. Which now seems like an odd thing to think of. In the class below (we call it oberklasse=upper class) Opel more or less had two models the Rekord which was like the tame and solid car and the Commodore which was the sport version of that with the 6-Cylinder. And these competed with the W115/W123 by merc, the Ford Granada, BMW 5 Series. So the Senator and Monza were more in respect to the oil crisis and the force to be more economical than the Diplomat had been. The size was somewhat in between these classes, bigger than the W123 but smaller than the W116/126. The image already couldn't live up to the S-Class anyways. But still Opel did have their customers of that KAD-Line which they've tried to satisfy and that's why they offered it. They never had an 8-Cylinder in these, but the room and space certainly was up to the W126. I think the market for Opel with practically at least the whole european continent plus several other places in the world made it reasonable for GM to give them their own way of design and production. Things got actually more weird when the Opel Omega showed up as the successor of the Rekord. The size already was on W124 level, enginges had 4 as well as 6 cylinders with some sporty models. But it wasn't seen as exclusive like a Merc BMW or Audi. It rather was compared with the Ford Scorpio (I think still Granada in UK). So they came up with that Senator B which was a somewhat bigger and more refined alternative to the Omega. And that was compared to Cars like Merc 300 E, Audi 200 but also cars like the Saab 9000, Volvo 760, Lancia Thema etc. Sales were rather poor though. And there was no Coupe in that range anymore. I think at the end of the 80s with the 6-Series fading out, Mercedes was the only manufacturer with luxury coupes in that range, maybe the Volvo 780 and the Honda Legend were some really rare alternatives. The Omega B then was the last attempt for Opel to compete in the upper class segment. Sized even bigger than the Senator it was one replacement for both. It had its sales (especially as Caravan), but qualitywise it failed to compete with the now dominating premium brands Audi A6, BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class. What came after that were cost savings and huge quality issues for the whole brand of Opel, from Corsa till Omega. From the mid 90s on Opels were known to be plastic cars that you would see on the sidestrip of roads and also having rust and electronic problems. They've tried to solve it by replacing the Omega with the Signum, which was a van version of the Vectra C - failure. Opels attempts to see upper or even luxury class were finally at their end. They are trying now with the signum.

[@johang7498]

@@torbenanschau6701 Beautiful cars, the KAD-models. Really classy. I noticed prices for nice examples have gone up quite drastically in recent years, especially for 5.4-diplomats. To the point sometimes that V8-S-class saloons of the same era in equal condition will cost you less. Rarity is probably the reason for that, but I'd like to think there's a sense of rectification in it as, as you say, they were very much S-class' equal. I would say the also handsome looking BMW 3.0 competed quite well with a 2.8-admiral or a Mercedes 280, but not so much the higher spec versions.

[@adejenkins]

@@torbenanschau6701 great summary. For English and Americans, the Caravan here means the Estate or Station Wagon version.

[@peterdevreter]

Love it! Owned 5 of these, and still drive one from time to time. A white GSE 4 speed automatic with recaro interiour. I know these cars from A to Z.

[@peterdevreter]

A video from long ago if someone is interested kzbin.info/www/bejne/qnKZZn-sfMqHr7c

[@domtiv5915]

I'm not sure about the 20 left quote, I think it's a few more than that. GM gave dealers strict rules on the sale of Monzas and Royales (coupé and saloon) they weren't to be sold to just anyone, they were extremely expensive. A Monza in 1979 was £10500, about twice the price of a Manta, a Royale Coupé was £8660, still hugely expensive. They weren't to be displayed outside dealers, they had a special showroom space, even a dedicated workshop space. Unsold cars had to be transferred to a different dealer after 6 weeks. The plan didn't work unfortunately and many later cars were issued to management. Royale coupé production ended in early 82 after barely 4 years with only 2029 built, around 9 survive in the UK. I have one that now has the 3.0 24V dual ram engine and manual box from a Carlton GSi 3000 - it's quick. The UK specialist is GM6 in Cornwall.

[@agera_r8798]

Hi, I'm German and there aren't many Monzas wich still exist but more then 500 just in Germany

[@samholdsworth420]

These things rusted out long ago he's probably right on that 20

[@domtiv5915]

@@samholdsworth420 HML currently shows 54 taxed. altogether there's probably about 300 in the uk

[@agera_r8798]

@@samholdsworth420 as I said in Germany there are way more

[@alexjaybrady]

IIRC when i had mine there were 53 left in the UK on the road, that was a long time ago tho, 2006 or so

[@captgutter]

I have always loved the Monza GSE. A Monza was up for sale near me and lusted after it for months until it disappeared. Having owned an Astra GTE 16v, a lot of the interior and style is very familar. Gorgeous car.

[@ollieo6681]

The Aussie version was proposed by Holden Dealer Team HDT. The straight six was replaced by the Group 3 spec 5 Litre V8 which was actually lighter than the original engine and sat further back in the engine bay, thus giving the car better front-to-back weight distibution. The transmission was a Borger Warner T5 but the modifications didn’t end there. Corvette style finned callipers were added to the front, along with a new brake booster, modified steering rack and much more, but unfortunately this car would never make it into production due to the cost and hassles associated with meeting the Australian Design Rules.

[@RoverWaters]

cool story bro the soviets had a proposed version too... but unfortunately this car would never make it into production

[@TheWretchedWorld]

lol

[@550r]

They actually did build one, which still exists: kzbin.info/www/bejne/roaucqJnlL6Mg68

[@TheWretchedWorld]

@@550r don’t bother, guy sounds like a wanker

[@Berniessen]

@@550r kzbin.info/www/bejne/eXu7dZuYh8R8nrc Its not the only Monza V8 out there with a Holden V8 right now its getting a exhaust custom made and then it needs a wheel agliment and then its ready to go on the road kzbin.info/www/bejne/rV6odH2ggZZsZ5I

[@chalkster4723]

Proper trip down memory lane. Loved this review. I started my career working on Vauxhall/Opel at a main dealer in Southampton in '87 Fond memories of the Monza, as well as the Senator, Carlton, Manta, Astra GTE etc. The huge leap in technology from the mid 90s is similar to mobile phones. Likewise It's easy to compare reliability issues between New & Old. Modern vehicles are absolutely crammed with every conceivable electronic feature. Subsequently multiple system fault codes on most modern cars are a very common problem to address. 35yrs as a Mechanic! How things have changed.

[@Muckyfellrunner]

I worked at a freshly opened Vauxhall/Opel dealership in the mid-80s as a service receptionist. The highlight car of the new dealership was an Opel Monza in red. It took pride of place at the front of the showroom. Sat there for about 18months, unsold, before it was shifted off somewhere else (another dealer). I loved it due to the squidgy rear spoiler that I gave a squeeze every time I walked passed it. Was told off by the sales manager if he caught me doing so! Thanks for the review and memories.

[@ard674t]

Nice video, thanks. I actually own one in the US - same silver but mine's a manual with A/C and ABS, and now converted to a 3.6 (still CIH though). The extra capacity and 5sp manual make it reasonably quick. We've driven it down to LA from San Francisco many times and even after 450 miles you get out of it feeling pretty good, those Recaros make it great on a long trip.

[@markdoyle6414]

I think these are a fantastic shape, always loved the look of them.

[@watchthesky.]

If you like these you would like the Holden LX Torana SS Hatch 1977/78 model.one recently sold for nearly 300,000 aud.

[@simono.sniper3214]

Interesting review, Jay. In 1984 I owned an 'A' plate Senator 3.0E-CD, and a mate of mine had a Monza 3.0E too. In their day, they had a good presence on the road, and I was very happy with the levels of performance and comfort. Make great long distance rides. FYI, the SOHC 3 litre was improved with a 24valve head and 200bhp in the mid-eighties.

[@tim1polman]

Funny.. the vr6 is often mocked for having a low hp/liter ratio. But if a 3 liter 24v did 200hp, i dont think 190hp from a 2.9l 12v is too bad. Man, I love 80's and 90's cars. Even the ones I never paid any attention to when I was a kid seem cool now. Love to see cars of this era. 😄

[@simono.sniper3214]

@@tim1polman That VR6 engine was a silky smooth gem, that's for sure. The inline 6 fitted to the Opel under discussion was a bit 'industrial', but was smooth and reliable and had a 'decent' specific output for the era, better than the 4.2 Jag, anyway.

[@TheChill001]

@@tim1polman I think the whole low output thing is kind of bad, especially when people seem to lack comparative engines. Here's a good comparison: the 3l 6cyl of BMW in 1984 made 185 bhp, the 3l 6cyl of Mercedes-benz made between 180 and 210 depending on the model and opel's 3l 6cyl made between 170 and 200 bhp depending on model. So in hindsight, not that bad of a specific output. A worse example would be the PRV, which was much less potent

[@SB-vb8ch]

The 24v was a quick thing in the real world much like the VR6. Peak numbers only tell a small part of the story but are unfortunately what people obsess over. The 24V had the dual ram intake which gave really good torque spread.

[@dj_paultuk7052]

A good power output for its time, if you consider say a 2005 Renault Laguna II 3.0 V6 24v VVT was 204bhp some 19yrs later !.

[@pavelnedelev9353]

I've always known these to exist, but have never seen one on the road. I have a soft spot for Opel's designs in the 80s: the Rekord, Kadett D, Ascona, Vectra A, Omega A and Senator were all great. The Monza was best.

[@andi-ih3jj]

Back in those days I used to work for a small company and the owner had a Monza, he was a rather distinguished older gentleman who was a bit fed up with his son because that one that made a lot of dumb decisions regarding the company. So I got a job upgrade which meant I had to drive every day in the morning to his private address and then chauffeur him to the company and be ready to drive him wherever he had to go. Sometimes, to the dismay of his wife, I even was allowed to keep the car overnight. Those were a great times especially since I was a Opel guy back then, owning as my personal car a Opel Admiral at that time. (A predecessor to the Senator) Thank you very much for bringing back those memories

[@tomanderson6335]

The first time I saw one of these (in a classic cars book) I was blown away at how much it resembled a scaled up version of the 3-door J-bodies we got here in the States (Chevrolet Cavalier, Pontiac J2000/2000/Sunbird, Oldsmobile Firenza and Buick Skyhawk). Obviously a very different car mechanically, yes, but also an undeniable family resemblance in terms of styling. Also, the Chevy Monza you alluded to was essentially a restyled and re-engined Vega. So close was the resemblance, in fact, that the Monza Wagon looked pretty much identical to its Vega Kammback predecessor, not sharing any exterior panels with the Ferrari-esque Monza hatchback and booted Monza Towne Coupe.

[@stephhamilton8100]

Back in the 80's Vauxhall/Opel were making some good and interesting cars. The brands was the same for me, they were sold in the same garages and no one thought there was much of a difference. If I remember rightly, the marketing was Vauxhall Opel as in the two insignia together. The Manta was the one to have because of Rally pedigree but the Cavalier was a nice car, especially in SRI trim. The Nova was also a sort after car for the young lads. Being a young lad in the North East in the 80's, Ford and Vauxhall were the cars to have. BMW, Merc & VW were for your southeners

[@RoverWaters]

Vauxhall is niche brand no one heard outside UK

[@rrshowtime3900]

Agreed.. I also had a Manta GTE in the late 80's. I had an Opel Kaddet 1.3SR as my first car too.

[@owenhughes2653]

I feel like Opel had separate dealers?

[@joro5748]

@@rrshowtime3900 Opel Kadett 1.3 SR? What kind of power did it make? I had never heard of SR with a 1.3. My first car was a 1986 Kadett 1.3 S with 75 hp.

[@patagualianmostly7437]

​ I got switched on to Opel from buying a "sleeper" Ascona...1975.... 2.0 With LSD! Boy, did it love the bends. (On the test drive, I scared the salesman shitless.) Then I found a Manta Berlinetta, (1978) in black..... beautiful looking car and I rather strangely picked it over a 3.0 Monza that was, I was told, rather "Pepped-up"....engine & suspension wise, by the salesman. It put me off a bit I guess, thinking it had been thrashed. And as we all did back then, was a bit apprehensive as to running costs. It was 1981...... But, apart from the looks, comfort & build quality..... the Manta was no match for the earlier Ascona wolf-in-sheep's clothing.! Years later... I had a Cavalier SRi..... very quick and good all-around....but such a let-down on build quality.

[@catharinacarroll7908]

This is the car i have the last 11years 1981....i have pulled the 3.0 inline 6 to replace with a 3.0 inline 6..... Stock motor was 185hp 4speed. swap is stock 320hp 2jzvvti (Toyota aristo) full body in line-x ( bedliner). Money spent @ this point 20.000€. 2jzvvt motor/PMC motorsports adapter plat stage2 flywheel clutch/BMW 5speed gearbox/EBC breaks/R888toyo. Happy Day's!!!

[@DjBonsay83]

My Neighbour had the Opel Monza GSE, with LCD Tachograph, black rims and car was white paint.. same is Commodore or Rekord and Kapitän ... my last Opel was an '82 Kadett D, 1.6SR .. bought to 1.8GTE

[@jiriillovy233]

i have a one of a kind opel monza with a 3.9 litre bitter engine. They are lovely cars

[@skylined5534]

I wouldn't say forgotten (depending on who you talk to of course) but it definitely doesn't get as much love and recognition as it should. I loved this era of Vauxhall/Opel stuff and these are no exception, what a heroic looking machine! Great upload, great to hear you go in depth as usual on lesser and more well known cars.

[@marvinsamuels1237]

Hearing that exhaust note as you drove off brought back so many memories. Both my parents drove Senators of the same period (my dad was a Vauxhall fan boy). My mum had a Senator 3.0 CD auto (which was essentially a 4 door version of the GSE without the firmer suspension) and I occasionally got to drive it. It was a big heavy beast at the time, but that straight 6 was so creamy smooth and sounded gorgeous! I’d love to stick the later 24v engine and gearbox from the later generation to one of these. Would make a great cruiser.

[@johnj3577]

My parents had 3 x 3.0CD Auto Senators too, the earliest being an '85 and the other two later shaped cars. They were great solid cruisers with a good turn of speed if needed. Guess thats why the police used them on the motorway. The engines were absolutely bomb proof too, our C plate senator had 275,000 miles on it and it was still silky smooth and pulled like a train. Alas, the strut tops rusted through but I reckon it would still be running now if we still had it.

[@marvinsamuels1237]

@@johnj3577 my dad had 3.2 24v Omega Elite, that was fantastic to drive and very quick for the size and power on offer.

[@donaljamescaddye3805]

Austin McHale rallied one briefly in the mid 80s - it was an ungainly but in the fast stuff it was really good ! The service crew took the tailgate off as this was a big weight saving !! He said it was rattling !! This was Dealer Opel Team Ireland response to Per Eklund and Team Toyota GBs Toyota Supra 2.8 ! We seen these in the Circuit of Ireland and they sounded so good ! Thanks for this memory !!

[@johnduffin710]

Came here to say this very thing...looked a bit big for the lanes but I'm sure Austin was comfortable at least.

[@paulypilot]

Good video, thanks for making it. I absolutely love the shape of the Opel Monza, and have always thought of it as one of the most beautiful cars of the era. It was highly desirable when new, but as you say, was too expensive for what it was. The best bit of this video? The gorgeous soundtrack of that 6-cylinder engine, it sounds glorious!

[@jockihm831]

I saw two of these sitting in a yard in barbados years ago, both GSE manual. Only time I ever saw one

[@markleadbeatter6196]

This upload really brings back some great memories for me, as I loved my GSE Monza, a 1986 manual model in Graphite. It had Bilstein shocks and a PMC tuned engine that put out 205BHP, so it was plenty lively enough for me back in the day. I would love another one but it seems they are a very rare thing these days. In fact, if I won the lottery, I would have one of these parked alongside a Kadett C GT/E and a Manta 240i in my dream garage. Thanks for posting!

[@TheMadTatter]

Very cool to see something a bit obscure, you're really smashing the content these days! When I was a kid my dad had an Opel Manta A series, absolutely stunningly beautiful car, something I would kill to own today but they are like hens teeth now, but that early exposure definitely bred in me a love for the Euro Opel coupes and 70s/80s Vauxhall's

[@benzinapaul7416]

Bit of useless info but someone who works for Network Rail in Wigan uses a Monza GSE as a frequent daily driver, it's often visible in the car park adjacent to platform 5, always cheers me up when I spot it whilst waiting on one of Englands coldest stations!

[@benzinapaul7416]

Always liked these, I always remember my uncle having a Metallic Black one back in the mid 80s, to me they were more upmarket than a Capri 2.8 but not quite a 6 Series BMW. He had an XJS V12 before it which he sold due to the ruinous running costs and the Monza replaced it.

[@okeyezeilo6187]

The Ascona, the Manta & the Monza. The '80s holy trinity of Opel...

[@Haroosh20]

My Dad had a Manta and I always loved the bigger Monza GSE. Great to see a nice one still on the road.

[@northeastlower]

my Dad had a 1983 3.0E with the manual 5 speed gearbox. It was a good gearbox and utilised the power better than the auto box. Lovely car. Would love to have owned one myself. Always turned heads as they were quite rare and the Monza sounded great with that big Six.

[@kirklamplugh5062]

Love these. My dad worked for a Vauxhall dealer in the mid 80s and managed to run a GSE for a few weeks. Compared to his normal Astra or Cavalier. As a 9-10 year old I loved it. That kickdown coming off a roundabout felt amazing.

[@oscardean6351]

Monza 3 L injection big hatchback I’d say they Were very underrated friend of mine had one I loved it he swapped it in in the end for the original RX7 myself I went for the Rover SD1traded mine in in the end for a Granada Giha 2.8 used to love big auto cruises in those days 😂👍

[@lesrogers7310]

I absolutely love these cars and was fortunate to own one in the 90s. At this time the used price had fallen enough for me to afford one. It was also a GSE but the body colour was the same as the wheels on this one. Performance was poor for a 3.0 straight six, but i didn't care. The ride was good, build quality was best described as adequate and corrosion was a real problem. I eventually sold it after realising it wouldn't run properly on unleaded fuel. I must it alot....

[@stephenboulton1347]

Remember seeing 1 in a showroom and thinking 1 day i will own one of those. Has always been a dream to this day. Proper stunning coupe

[@kukko83]

I'm an (RWD) Opel nut but I've never really had the eye for a Monza. I've driven one really nice example, that was fitted with a 4.0l 24V Irmscher six, mated to a Getrag 265 manual. That was a pleasant experience. Nice to see a classic Opel getting exposure, but there's certainly room for more Opel love in media today.

[@markmushypeas313]

Would touch 150mph on speedo. I worked for Vauxhall and regularly gave one a thrash. Seats were awesome. Seat lower extends to knees was so comfortable. I thought a great grand tourer. Fond memories. You are so on the money re nostalgia buyers. Love it.

[@rekleif]

This car with the 24v engine become a lot more fun. In europe/germany you could get this with the 4.0 irmcher engine with something like 272ps if I remember correctly. But this as a sleeper with the Lotus 3.6 tuned to 500hp would make for an awesome sleeper.....

[@markpantony7232]

These were never built with a 24v engine those you see are conversions

[@realMaverickBuckley]

@@markpantony7232 I thought that was what he meant?

[@torbenanschau6701]

@@realMaverickBuckley I think that's mixed up with the Opel Omega. I don't think the suspensions and steering were ready for such big engines in the Senator A or Monza.

[@drummmadude]

I thought they made a 204 hp 24V version last year of production but i guess it was only Senator who got that upgrade in end 80s. Shame they stopped producing this great car, one of the best i had in the 80s! (Manual 1985 GSE)

[@sunsetrider45]

Spent many hours in a Senator 3.0. What a great car that was, and impressively reliable.

[@7rorre]

I used to own a 1976 Opel Commodore 2.8 litre 2 door coupe. Beatiful looking car, wish I still had it.

[@jboi9309]

Wow.. what a blast from the past!! I remember these like it was yesterday.. The GSE's were rare as hens teeth.. I never saw many of these on the roads.. but when I did I had to do a double take.. In their hey day they were fast.. 180hp back in 1986 was more than enough power.. The Vauxhall Carlton GSi 3000 24v was another hot rocket..

[@jo05dk]

I was def. annoyed by that whine. ..but you managed to get some decent shots of engine sound/exhaust note in there, to keep me mostly happy. I do love the sound of that straight six. ..and: I'm born in 1970. The Monza was a VERY cool car back then. We all loved the lines of it, and - again - the 6 cylinder engines. Looking at it now it has aged. Think i'd prefer a Commodore B GS/E instead now, but the Monza will always be a cool car to me

[@sonofjak1971]

My old man had a silver Royale on a W plate 1981 with wine red velour interior. I loved riding in that car because even as a nipper it felt very exclusive. I don't remember seeing another.

[@brianiswrong]

I had a school friend who's dad was a car dealer and bought a royale brand new on a T plate (I think ,it was a long time ago) he was going to buy a Granada Ghia,but tested the royale (and lived near Luton ) and was sold on it. As a 12 year old lad,it was a treat to get a lift to football and back in it 👍

[@seankearney6915]

I got an Ex BAC (before it was BAe) managers car at 3 years old OFR 57 X as FR was local to Preston where the BAC factory was. Loved it and it would tow anything.

[@ct-bq5rs]

This Channel brings out some real automobilistic gems! I knew this Car, because here in Germany at least some have been sold. Brings out some memories as a father of a dear friend owned one quite a long time, before rust took it apart! Thx for showing 👍🏼

[@davekennedy6315]

As it basically had the same base engine, I dreamt about fitting the Lotus Carlton engine, gearbox, brakes etc. Make it a insane high speed mileage muncher!

[@stephenconway2468]

Nice idea.

[@davekennedy6315]

@Richard Harrold yeah I remember reading about the 4ltr conversion back in the late 80s/early 90s. A 4.2 sounds even better, the Lotus engine was a 3.6 with 410lbft torque so that 4.2 has to give over 500+lbft with the right turbos. Just imagine driving a sorted one down the autobahn at 180+mph!

[@davekennedy6315]

@Richard Harrold woah, now that's what I'm talking about! Over 1000bhp and probably 1000lbft in a lovely looking, heavily modded Monza would be staggering. I'd settle for a low psi 4.2 with a unstressed 500bhp (maybe a twin charged with turbos and a supercharger for instant low down torque?) this would be more than enough to kill me haha! But what a way to go! I am amazed that Monzas weren't more popular back in the 90s during the Fast Car, Max Power days (Carltons appeared here and there with Max Power making their own bright yellow Lotus kitted turbo) They have the cool coupe looks, a big engine and rwd with plenty of scope for mods.

[@stephenconway2468]

@Richard Harrold Very nice too.

[@davekennedy6315]

@Richard Harrold right, it's decided then (I've just always liked the idea of twin charging) turbos it is!

[@gtclondon7000]

First time I saw a dark red Monza on the road I was in awe. Couldn't afford the GSE so settled for a 3.0E auto. Best car I've ever owned. Would start to shake a bit when you hit 120. Still remember the Reg. GKR 5Y. Loved the drive but bodywork was a weak point. Vertical weld in the sill was a guaranteed rust magnet. Apart from that, never had an issue.

[@patl709]

I nearly bought one of these 3.0 cars when they were in production. However, I ended up with the more sensible, but less interesting, Audi 80 1.6. The Monza still looks good today and it is a shame there are so few of them left. Thank you for reviewing this car and reminding me of what might have been!

[@adamw2911]

Superb car back in the day. I owned a 1983 Monza 3.0E. The one thing that stood out about it was how utterly tough this car was. As a youngster I was pushing my luck owning a big Luxury car like this and probably couldn't afford to service it properly. However it soldiered on and took some real stick too. Could embarrass plenty of hot hatches mid range and above.

[@martinfrost4089]

I enjoyed watching this, I have a Black 3.0E series 2, I have had it since 1994 and have noted how many comments there are on here from former owners who got rid of their Monza's after rust got through the front turrets! When I bought mine, one of the first things I did was to fit the wheel arch liners off the later Senator. And have had no issues with rust there since. My car originally had the 3 speed auto box, but changed to the 5 speed Manual a few years back, and have to say the acceleration is better with the manual box, it is also a lot more economical as well. I also think GM produced a Monza equivalent in North America, If you look at the Clint Eastwood film "Sudden Impact", look at the car that Sondra Locke drives! it even sounds like it has a straight six in it as well.

[@amoebavirus1508]

Fell in love with this car working on one in 1989 in the motor repair trade, I always wanted one.

[@sfoster5737]

I had a gold 3.0E in the late 80s, awesome car, electric everything with Ronal alloys! Hugely comfortable motorway cruiser, massive boot under that fastback - top spec for its day. 3.0 straight 6 had great burble at the kerbside. Usual problems with steel brake lines, rear disc callipers sticky, Sun roof leaking and rust in the wings and sills. 2 serious issues were the fuel lines perishing to the injectors resulting in fuel dripping onto the exhaust manifold below, rapid pull over and off engine required! Second issue was loss of metal from the cams. Had to have the camshaft replaced, with the garage informing me it was a well known problem. The old camshaft had lost significant shape from the cams - never found out where all that metal went! Camshaft replaced, restored performance, kick down on the auto ‘box impressive! Replaced shocks and ran on Pirelli P6 205s. Last time I looked less than 300 left in UK. Would have another if I had the space…

[@diede2308]

60's, 70's, and early 80's big Opels are just epic cars! You should check out the Commodore A and Admiral/Diplomat B. Just stunning looking cars.

[@a5cgb]

Manual xjs with uprated dampers was an absolute joy to drive both for a quick blast and as a long distance cruiser. Surprisingly economical on a long run too!

[@mcmondo]

What a blast from the past. Although I've never owned a Monza but always wanted to after seeing one in my local Vauxhall dealership in the mid 80s. I did however own 2 Senators back to back when I was 21-22 years old, both 2.5 ltr straight 6, first one manual, second one auto. The baffles always used to go in the back box so anything above 3000rpm gave the car a nice rasp. At that age owning and driving such a beast made me a much better driver and gave you so much confidence. A small bracket which was factory spot welded to the bulkhead and carrying the entire weight of the clutch mechanism snapped off, forcing the clutch to smash into the clutch plate costing nearly £500 to repair. I wasn't what you'd call "Flush" whilst owning those cars but the fun made up for it. I went on to own a Carlton 3000 GSi 24v, a different beast altogether.

[@liverpoolred2834]

I had an old Senator in the 90s.....2.5 Ltr - Loved that car...cost me £400 and lasted for years! Great ride & handling for a big saloon

[@TheMrFishnDucks]

Never knew this car existed. Nice video. Thanks for showcasing it. Keep up the good work.

[@spencerabaker]

Wow! I’ve not seen a Monza for many years, I LOVED them as a 12yr old kid, I remember very vividly being out on a school “Field trip” and seeing one drive by, and falling for it way back then in 1985. Yeah, maybe not a tonne of shove, but who cares, what a thing to take on a long-legged jaunt across Europe! Not overly big to become a pain to drive through towns, comfortable to be in for hours…just great! It would also make a great resto-mod….a sleeper restomod of course, just some breathing on in the engine department (which would also likely help alleviate the parts obsolescence)…but with the rarity of them, probably kept as-is and cherished. Kudos to Richard, a lovely example sir!

[@Simon_PieMan]

Great to see reviews of 70s/80s cars.

[@paulyjd]

I bought my beloved metallic red ‘86’ Monza GSE in 1990 and traveled from Glasgow to the Earls Court motor show to see the Lamborghini Diablo in the same year in my personal best time of 5 hours 10 minutes. Still proud of that! 😁😁😁 Great car, the best feature of the digital dash was being able to change the speedo to kilometres and frightening the hell out of your passengers ‘Are we doing 200???’ 😂 forgot all that, thanks for the memories James.

[@th3b0untyhunter]

Back in the day a popular mod was to drop in a 3.0 24v from a Senator/Carlton

[@vidtech2630]

I still can't believe, why Holden didn't capitalise on this body style ....! And yes I'm aware of Peter Brock importing few and fitting the 5.0 V8 and a 5 speed gearbox.

[@lewis72]

These class of cars were the sort that your dad had or your friend's dad had. Back in the '70s, Opel were generally sold as higher-spec Vauxhalls. The Royale Coupé was a 2800 carb, the Opel Monza a 3000 injection. Ford sold a "Granada" in Europe and the US, being totally different cars.

[@drewsimpson5967]

Late model Royale's were available with the 3 litre injected engine. Possibly because they had run out ot the 2.8CIH

[@lewis72]

@@drewsimpson5967 Yes, I was aware of that. I think that the Royale Coupe is cooler than the Monza. Then there's the Viceroy, which was a half-way house between the Carlton and the Royale. Why have 1 exec. saloon when you can have 3 ?

[@fieramente]

Nice to see this car again! I’ve actually been looking for one just for fun lately. The reason is my father bought an Opel Senator 3.0 CD in 1987 which we had for some 6 years. I really loved the digital dash and blue velour seats as a kid. Here in Sweden there aren’t many for sale over a year and they are usually in rubbish shape. I’d prefer the Monza for the sportier look but I remember the senator feeling like an executive’s saloon back then. I told my father I was looking for one and he just said “Don’t. It’s ridiculously thirsty”. :)

[@rizkyananta5461]

Wasnt so fuel efficient is it?

[@paulbennell3313]

I always liked these. They were a rare enough sight to make them something special and that exhaust note is just superb!

[@michaeljennings6447]

Had a manual GSE around 2000, great car. Was ideal for my long commute and perfect for 4 (2 kids) to southern France - where by chance we met it's original owner! Was a lot more fun to drive than you seemed to be having. Rusted quite badly at the front end (ARB mount, strut tops and wings) replaced it with a Carlton GSI 24v which was similar, but even better. Now own a 91 XJ-S 3.6 auto which isn't the same at all, much more wafty and feels lower, probably quicker but never feel like pushing it unlike the Monza. Has nowhere near the space for people or luggage. Definitely would recommend and the engine is lovely

[@olabergvall3154]

Pretty special car. My cousin had one like this and I rode shotgun on a 1,000+ mile journey with him in it in the late 1980's. It was very comfy and somewhat sporty as I recall.

[@thedetailingdoctor5746]

I do like the 90s and earlier Vauxhall / opel products very cool cars

[@Cloxxki]

I didn't know the Monza but now I need one. What a way to strike up conversations at cars and coffe, no-one even knowing the car existed. As with everything I'd resto mod it to electric probably, to make it quick and sort of reliable.

[@jo_clarke1960]

Love these and the review is pretty much spot on from what I remember of the car. I was looking to buy a cheap classic about 4 yrs ago and the Royale/Monza was a fancy, i'm older, the auto would have suited me fine, was after a GT. Anyway my money didn't stretch to the £5-6k a good one was at then, so had to settle for something else.As for the idea of "what were they thinking with the range", well Brand identity was the reason for the Vauxhall name sticking around and range was to try to tempt some of those higher earner but, no quite BMW, Merc able and hope they stay loyal, Ford was doing the same with their range, that's what the Granada/Scorpio was about. Great review as usual.

[@Jam3sA]

As an engineer, I'm not surprised the CIH head design leads to breathlessness at higher engine revs. I remember my stepfather's Manta also suffered similarly. If only the later 24v engine had made its way in before Monzas were discontinued

[@benday1218]

ooh there's a thought, I wonder if anyone has ever transplanted it?

[@domtiv5915]

@@benday1218 It's been done, I have a Royale coupe with the 24v dual ram motor and manual box from a GSI 3000, It's quick.

[@davidhull2060]

One of my customers had one of these back in the late eighties....i always loved that car!

[@drewbuckley3702]

My Dad used to be sales manager for an Opel dealership in the 80's, as an 8 year old, the Monza was absolutely my favourite. Would love to own one for nostalgia sake

[@martynbush3462]

I've always been a Vauxhall man, don't really know why but I am. In the early 80's I was in my early 20's and was the proud owner of first a Vauxhall Royal then a Vauxhall Royal Coupe. Loved both of these cars. Both 2.8lt straight 6 as I remember. Even now I have an Astra and an Insignia.

[@tubaman66]

I owned a 1980 Vauxhall Royale coupe in about 1988. 2.8 straight 6 with a 3 speed auto box. A very comfortable and civilised form of transport indeed!

[@ianmason3040]

In my early teens I always lusted after these, always preferred Opel's to Vauxhall's, always thought it was like owning an Audi rather the a VW (the HS Chevette being an exception of course). Think I just always loved the sound of big engined cars, I remember my scout master had a 3.0ltr Granada, it would be great if you could do a piece on one of those or a Ford Consul. Love the diverse range of your content, wishing you happy seasonal festivities and every success for the channel in 2022 (thumbs up from me).

[@notroll1279]

In the 1950s, larger Opels were seen as an acceptable competition to entry to mid level Mercedes cars. This went downhill over time and by the time the Monza was launched, the brand was just slightly above Ford but still trying to sell everything to everybody so they had the Rekord to compete with the Granadas and the Senators positioned slightly above. By that time, those large Opels had a bit of a rural or retirement image already so sales waned - and only few people deemed them a great basis for a sporty coupé.

[@MF-jp5vp]

Great review. Spot on with the sort of buyers who would be interested, or not in a Monza. My first car was in 1985 and it was a 1978 Opel Manta 2.0 SR Berlinetta Coupe (yep quite a lot of words to name a car)....'cos I couldn't afford the Capri MkIII 2.0S, or MK II 3.0S, and my god I'm so glad it was my first car!!!! And yes I did want a Monza, my next car was a Mazda RX7....errr, wow even today I would question that car's repair bills!!!!! Keep the varied line up coming.

[@TheStobb50]

I always love this period of Vauxhall Opel made some beautiful cars

[@DolleHengst]

There is a third form of nostalgia. The car you wish your dad would buy. I grew up with Opel Kadett D and E as a young kid, and i religiously went through all the Opel brochures. I wanted my dad to buy an Opel Omega 2.6i CD Caravan. In the end, he bought a Renault Safrane 2.2 VI, which had quite a lot of little issues, and not long after that a Citroën XM Break. Best car my parents ever owned. They never looked back at Opel.

[@BibtheBoulder]

My first car in August 1980 aged 17 was an Opel Manta. What a car, and looking back I am amazed at how I ever insured it, but things were simpler back in those days. Just wish I still had it....

[@alansimpson513]

Had a 3 litre E in Carnelian red at the same time my son had a GSE in grey. What cars they were! That straight six with a manual box was a great combination. Effortless cruising north to south and back when we were looking to relocate.

[@gerrywatson261]

My boss used to have a Monza in 1987. He actually drove it down the M11 during the hurricane in 1987 and said it was steady as a rock!

[@RupertReynolds1962]

I remember watching Tony Lanfranchi lapping nicely in a Monza. Just the sound sent shivers down my spine :-) From memory it was the Wilhire 24 Hour at Snetterton.

[@davidryles3803]

I actually owned the Vauxhall Royale 2.8, even by today’s standards it was a lovely car to drive and reasonably quick. A local mechanic/technician, that did special performance upgrades, removed the troublesome carb and replaced it with a 4 barrel Holley and improved the performance dramatically.

[@autoknight747]

Wow, seeing this brings back memories. Finest sounding straight six ever, in my opinion!

[@marvinsamuels1237]

I’ve not even watched this yet and I’ve had to comment on how excited I am that you’ve got your hands on one of these 😍😍

[@roblake3350]

I used to have a Monza GSE in Baryt Brown (Bronze) - one of the best cars I have ever owned. It was indeed a superb grand tourer and the switchable auto box worked perfectly for this car / engine.

[@benday1218]

I've loved these since the 80's really nice to see one in such excellent condition.

[@amphilbey]

Great shout covering this, remember vaguely when the Opel was seen as a slightly upmarket Vauxhall. Maybe time to cover a Bit

[@meesterexit1969]

Monza, Commodore, Senator...great models! Great video!

[@alanbagnall4578]

The guy 5 doors down had a Senator. That thing turned my head every single morning on the school walk for years. Big lights, rounded rear… I also love the 928, they just look grande

[@elliottharley1386]

Sunroof on tilt, rear windows popped open, so miss that! Always preferred it to air con!

[@juliancromwell6909]

Had an Anthrcite / gun metal grey GSE back in the late 90's. Very thirsty, but had amazing presence and turned a lot of heads, and to this day probably the smoothest most comfortable car I've owned. Gobbled up motorway miles so easily...