Dave Cashmore - 2001 Vauxhall Astra Bertone Convertible

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Dave Cashmore

Istagram:@chianticabby

2001 Vauxhall Astra Bertone Convertible

Where do I start? 

I've been into cars for as long as I can remember. So as soon as I was old enough, my goal was to pass my test and get a car. The first two were old bangers, then at 21 I got myself a Peugeot 309 GTi and the modifying began! 

Fast forward 20 something years and a lot of cars later and here I am, still modifying cars & annoying the neighbours with a loud exhaust! My current car is a 2001 Vauxhall Astra Bertone Convertible in Chianti Red. 

I've had this just over 3 years now and I've changed it quite a bit. A good friend of mine has one the same colour but his is an absolutely mint show car. So every time he buys new parts, I buy his old parts! He even helps me fit them so I know it's been done properly.

What have I done to it? 

It's got a genuine GSI front bumper, 

OPC grill & RS style bonnet vents. 

Blacked out side repeaters, 

The rear bumper has been replaced to get rid of rear parking sensors for a smooth look & I've replaced the whole boot lid for one that had an Irmscher spoiler already on it. 

It's sitting on T.A. Technix coilovers & lowered around 65mm. 

The wheels are 18 inch Kahn RS-C reps with 215/35/18 Kumho tyres. 

The front brakes have been converted to Mk5 VXR 321mm discs & calipers. 

The rears are standard but it does have M-Tech drilled & grooved discs all round with Ferodo pads. 

Engine is standard apart from a derestricted air box, K&N panel filter & a cold air feed pipe from a Vectra C CDTi. 

Exhaust is a Cybox stainless steel system with a straight through centre section & a pre-cat delete. 

The interior has changed a fair bit too. When I got it, it had a cream leather interior. That had to go! So I swapped it out for black leather with genuine Irmscher rear headrest inserts. The clocks are now white instead of the original black ones with matching heater control surrounds. 

The steering wheel is from a Zafira GSI & the centre console is a one off colour called White Silver Sparkle. The only other place you'll see that colour is in Buckingham Palace, believe it or not! 

The stereo is a Pioneer head unit with Bluetooth & hands free. What's next? Upgrading all front & rear lights to LEDs, dent removal & paint correction. But why do I do it? It's not just about the car. 

I've met some great people and made some good friends along the way, they know who they are. Even made my way up to admin in The Mad Vauxhall Club, which I'm quite proud of. I do it because it's a way of life for me & I genuinely love it, I love it that much i run Max Power History one of the biggest Facebook groups dedicated to the old Max Power Magazine, if your in to the old style and have a car or storys to share, why not come and get involved there is 33,000 of us and your more than welcome.

Anyway, that's my story, What's yours?

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