Ex-Fifth Gear presenter uncovers iconic hot hatchback left forgotten in a garage for nearly 20 years
A CLASSIC hot hatch has been uncovered by a motoring personality on YouTube after collecting cobwebs in a garage for 20 years.
Former Fifth Gear presenter Jonny Smith now hosts The Late Break Show to 650,000 subscribers.
Jonny headed down to West Sussex to unveil a 2.0-litre Vauxhall Astra GTE from 1988, which had been preserved by the same family for years.
He speaks with owners Joe and Sophia, with the latter revealing it was owned by her late uncle.
Sophia said: “I didn’t really know my uncle very well. He unfortunately passed away suddenly, so my auntie kept it stored away for many, many years.
“It was his (uncle’s) dream car. He worked as a handyman in Brixton and saved up to eventually purchase it.
“He didn’t drive it that much, he loved it so much that he kept it clean and occasionally took it out.”
The ancient Astra, which Jonny mentions are incredibly rare these days, appeared barely marked when he pulled back its cover.
The interior was also remarkably clean, Jonny labelling it: “Absolutely bloody mint.”
“All the interior (of Vauxhalls) was notoriously bad for wear – look at the lack (of wear).
“It’s amazing to see one that just hasn’t been messed around with.”
They then went to test the engine, saying it was the first time the bonnet had been opened for 15 years.
Fuel and oil was replaced and a new battery connected, and soon enough the Vauxhall was humming for the first time in two decades.
After getting the engine running, Jonny was also surprised to find unused Vauxhall mudflaps.
Asked whether it would once again grace the roads, Sophia said: “That’s the plan.”
Jonny was confident it was a realistic goal.
He said: “It really won’t take much.
“I didn’t realise that you or Joe hadn’t ever heard it running.
“As a car guy, the originality is clear here, it’s cool.
“This has been really good fun, it’s been really nostalgic.”