Credits

From the first time I drove a 12v series II senator aged 18yrs I promised myself that one day I would own one. I had to wait many years for the opportunity. Eventually I got a series II 2.5 auto which I had for a couple of years. At the time it frightened me in terms of what was under the bonnet but thankfully I had no problems with it despite the abuse that it received.

I happened to spot a 3.0ltr 24v in a car lot and dropped in just to see if I could bluff my way into getting a free test drive.

After about 500 yards I decided that I had to have it, I loved the big car feel and comfort ride of the 2.5, but, the 24v gave that and the acceleration that I had previously enjoyed with an Astra GTE. I was in love. When I looked under the bonnet my mouth just dropped, what the hell would I do if something went wrong ? A sign of ignorance and a need to satisfy my lust for this car led me to driving it away the following week.

A few months after, I discovered the Autobahnstomers club and promptly joined. I was shortly sent a detailed letter from Ian Marsh, even with his good intentions he frightened the life out me when detailing the cam chain saga. Little did I know that he would prove to be valuable source of technical help and moral support over the next couple of years.

I was quite devastated by the head gasket failure as this was the first time in 15 years that I was put off the road for a prolonged period, but not only that I was petrified of the looming bill for repair for one of vauxhalls most expensive vehicles (Lotus Carlton excepted) thoughts of having to dispose of the car flashed through my mind. However with support I made a start and have not looked back since (yet).

This leads me to say that Ian has been an absolute rock of unwaivering support and help during the last three months and has helped me all the way through the re-build exercise. Some of his reccomendations were made before I'd even taken the engine out and were later proved to be absolutely correct. I did everything on my own but he may aswell have been in the garage helping instead of at the other end of a telephone 120 miles away. I hope that I can pass on at least some of what I've learned to others in the club.

A very big thankyou to Mr.Ian Marsh and good friend !

I also owe thanks to everyone on the internet club mailing list who offered words of support and numerous tips and suggestions. I am sure that none of us feel like we are on our own - help is just an email away !

Credit is due to Mick at Jenkins Motor Engineers for giving an excellent service and reasonable prices.

Now here's a surprise, I'd like to thank Monoreps (vauxhall dealer) for their willing service. It's not their fault that Vauxhall had let them down with respect for inadequate supply of parts, nor is it their fault that some of the parts cost so much.