Sadly, this variant didn't set the showrooms alight and it's the less powerful, naturally aspirated 2.5-litre V6 option, introduced in 1993, that is most common in the classifieds today. With just 168bhp on tap, it wasn't quite as quick off the mark but won acclaim for its superior refinement and durability. Contemporary reviews praised the efficacy of the electronic traction control system – hot stuff in the early 1990s – and user-friendly interior, but they largely pointed speed seekers towards the racy 16v Turbo.
There's currently a decent variety of Calibras on the market, with prices ranging from less than £1000 for tatty 8v cars to around £8000 for low-mileage, showroom-spec Turbo models. Calibra owners are a friendly bunch, too, and will provide guidance and advice through various forums and social media groups.
As with most cars of its era, the Calibra was an undesirable budget banger up until relatively recently, so many have been driven hard and poorly maintained. A chunky stack of MOT and service history receipts is something you should insist on if you want to profit from the inevitable hike in prices down the line.
How to get one in your garage
An expert's view
Tony Barton, Vauxhall Calibra Owners UK: "Some say the Calibra was ahead of the times when it first appeared, which is probably why it holds up well today. Early cars suffered with rot but, in 1995, they produced fully galvanised shells, which have stood the test of time. For a car only 30 years old, its numbers have dwindled significantly and they are becoming very rare now. Prices are rising because of this, but you can still pick up a nice example that won't break the bank."
Buyer beware...
■ Body: Check the bulkhead around the steering rack mountings for signs of cracking, which will make itself known through shaky steering and a grinding rack when the car is stationary. Otherwise, it's more solid than you might think. Rear arches can bubble up and plastic trim sometimes hides nasty surprises.
■ Interior: Blocked drain holes can cause the boot floor and spare wheel well to corrode. A leaky sunroof will result in a stained, warped headliner. Switches and motors can fail but Cavalier-sourced parts are easy to find and cheap to buy.
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