For sale: 1984 GTE MKII Cortina Ford
Specifications
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1. VIN / chassis number:
This is a 7-digit code commencing with either “GL” or “GJ”, followed by a 4-digit unique chassis number, followed by “C”.
For example: GJ1234 C or GL1234 C
GL = Manual transmission
GJ = Automatic transmission
Location: The chassis number is stamped into the vehicle’s passenger side front shock tower. For vehicles built in 1970, it is also embossed on the vehicle’s data plate (see 1970 data plate image in the gallery).
2. Engine number
The chassis number should match the engine number on an original vehicle. On most XW GT motors, the engine number is stamped into the engine block behind the alternator (at the front of the block). The stamping can be viewed just under the oil dipstick collar, below where the driver's side head meets the block. However, on early Phase 1.5 Cleveland engines, the engine number was located on the front passenger side of the block, above the fuel pump. See images in the gallery for further detail.
3. Body prefix and serial number:
The XW Falcon GT has a body prefix number followed by the serial number in the following format: “JG33AB12345” (see below for a breakdown)
- J = Country of production (Australia)
- G = Assembly plant (Broadmeadows
- 33 = Model (Falcon GT Sedan)
- A = Year of manufacture (See below for year codes)
- B = Month of manufacture (See below month codes)
- 12345 = vehicle's unique serial number
Date Codes:
| Year code | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| 1969 | J | J | U | M | P | B | R | A | G | C | K | D | E |
| 1970 | K | L | Y | S | T | J | U | M | P | B | Y | A | G |
Location: The body prefix followed by the serial number is embossed into the top left of the vehicle data plate (on both the 1969 and 1970 data plate types). The prefix and serial number is also stamped into the front face of the passenger side radiator support panel (slam panel). See the images for further detail.
Vehicle location
United Kingdom , England , Ipswitch
This is the first Astra GTE we've added to the register - and an interesting alternative to the other GTI hot hatches of the 80s era. To me as an Australian, it's basically a Holden Commodore VK hatchback - and I've got to admit it looks fairly good with its body kit of flared arches and additional sports trim.
This one popped up on Ebay UK in December 2020, and had a classified ad price of GBP 14,500. That's a heavy price tag in my opinion, but presumably these things have a decent following. Checking out the original specifications of these cars online, the MK1 GTE was fitted with a 1800cc OHC engine (naturally aspirated) that produced 115 bhp. Not bad for a fairly light hatchback. But it wasn't just the best engine that this version of the Astra received - it also had the benefit of revised springing and damping, wider and lower profile tyres and a close-ratio gearbox (on later cars at least). That information from the Stallantis website.
In the advertisement for this car, the seller noted the car was re-painted in 2001, and had some rust repaired at the same time (but not to the best standard). The wheels currently fitted to this GTE are 16 inch Kosei Snipers (but the standard wheels come with the car). It has custom 300mm front discs using MK2 GTE 16v calipets, with braided lines front and rear. For the suspension, it has Spax springa and sports shocks.
Engine wise, it has a 2.0l bottom end with a 1.8 head / injection, a Billet steel lightened flywheel and recently replaced clutch. The cam belyt was changed just 3,000 miles ago. It also has a brand new exhaust system.
So it's clearly not your average Vauxhall GTE! See the original ad here on Ebay UK.