Mathewsons December 2026 sale
Lot 22: 1985 Vauxhall Nova L at the Mathewsons December 2026 auction
By Jon Cosson · Last checked
Part of our Bangers & Cash guide.
Listing checked
What the listing says
Mathewsons' listing, based on information from the vendor, states that the vehicle is a 1.2L with one lady owner from new and has been garaged; it needs a small amount of work to be roadworthy; brake parts and a battery have recently been fitted; and the manual, brochure and original spare are included.
What to check on any Vauxhall Nova
- Rust is the main concern. Check sills, door bottoms, the lower edge of the tailgate, front and rear wings, rear wheel arches, A-pillars and around both screens.
- The bulkhead and battery tray are vulnerable. Lift the carpets to check the cabin floor and the boot floor, including the spare wheel well.
- Inspect the front strut turrets, the underbody suspension mounts and the rear damper top mounts.
- Damp carpets usually trace to a leaky sunroof, failed screen seals or a rotten bulkhead.
- Panels are hard to find, so extensive rust is rarely economic to repair. Be wary of lowered cars with rolled or cut arch lips.
- The 1.2 is an overhead-cam unit and is generally durable if the oil has been changed regularly. Check for oil leaks, exhaust smoke and a tired cooling system or weeping water pump.
Checks for this car
- Work out everything needed for an MOT.
- The tyres are original and will need replacing for road use.
- Check the sills and floor.
Questions to ask before you bid
- Can I see the V5C, and do the chassis and engine numbers match it?
- What history file, invoices and MOT records come with it?
- When was it last used on the road?
- What work is needed to make it roadworthy?
- When did it last have an MOT?
Viewing and bidding
Viewing at the Pickering saleroom runs Wednesday 25 November to Tuesday 1 December 2026: Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, Saturday 9am to 12 noon, closed Sunday. Entry is £5 per person, which includes admission on the day and a donation to one of Mathewsons' chosen charities. The sale is Wednesday 2 to Friday 4 December 2026, held behind closed doors, with bidding online, by telephone or by commission.
Every lot is sold as seen. Read Mathewsons' terms (opens in a new tab) before you register.
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