The GM Monza was one of a handful of 1980s premium coupes that served more as a halo piece rather than a volume seller. The Opel badge also carried a reasonable prestige, with the exception of the Vauxhall Carlton, all of the top-end GM models sported Opel badges.
First seen in late 1978, the Monza and its saloon equivalent, the Senator, were facelifted in 1983 just as GM was winding down the equivalent Vauxhall badged executives. Its durable six-cylinder 3.0-litre engines and a lengthy equipment list made them a viable alternative to the usual array for Teutonic machinery. When this example was new in August 1986, it was the most expensive 3-door full-production coupe sold in the UK this side of the Porsche 928.
As a secondhand purchase, it made far more sense though, offering the slight advantage of cheaper running costs than expected. Discontinued in 1986, the Monza was never directly replaced and became the last big GM coupe sold in Europe. Owned by Ian Arthur, this well-used example is clearly in a well-used state and has an authentic patina which suggests it is still being worked hard.
