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Vauxhall Senator (1987-93)

Senator B
Production Total:69,943
Recorded in UK 2024
CD 24v Licensed=8 SORN=32
CD 24v Automatic Licensed=33 SORN=146

Vauxhall Senator (1987-93)

The Vauxhall Senator (1987-1993) is known for several common faults:

1. **Electrical Issues**:
- **Sticking Rear Electric Windows**: A common problem that can be expensive to fix.
- **Digital Dashboard**: Models with digital dashboards often suffer from reliability issues, and replacements can be costly¹.

2. **Rust**:
- **Body Panels**: Structural corrosion is a significant issue, particularly around the wheel arches and sills.

3. **Cooling System**:
- **Radiator and Hoses**: These components can deteriorate over time, leading to potential overheating issues.

4. **Suspension and Steering**:
- **Wear and Tear**: The suspension components, especially the rear, can wear out, affecting handling and ride quality.

5. **General Wear**:
- **Interior Trim**: The interior, particularly the velour upholstery, can show signs of wear and tear.

Despite these issues, the Senator is known for its robust engines and comfortable ride.
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Generations
The Vauxhall Senator had two generations:

1. **First Generation (Senator A)**: Produced from 1978 to 1986¹.
2. **Second Generation (Senator B)**: Produced from 1987 to 1993².

Each generation brought various updates and improvements, making the Senator a popular choice for executive car buyers during its time.
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Body Styles
The Vauxhall Senator was primarily offered in the following body styles:

1. **Four-door saloon (sedan)**: This was the main body style for both the first and second generations.
2. **Fastback coupé**: Available in the first generation as the Opel Monza and Vauxhall Royale Coupé.

These options provided a mix of executive luxury and sporty appeal.
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The Vauxhall Senator (1987-1993) was equipped with several different engines:

1. **2.5-litre CIH Inline-6 Engine**:
- **Power Output**: Around 140 HP
- **Aspiration**: Naturally aspirated.

2. **2.6-litre CIH Inline-6 Engine**:
- **Power Output**: Approximately 150 HP
- **Aspiration**: Naturally aspirated.

3. **3.0-litre CIH Inline-6 Engine**:
- **Power Output**: Around 177 HP
- **Aspiration**: Naturally aspirated.

4. **3.0-litre 24V Inline-6 Engine**:
- **Power Output**: Approximately 204 HP
- **Aspiration**: Naturally aspirated.

These engines provided a range of power options, catering to different performance needs and preferences.
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Trim Levels
The Vauxhall Senator, produced between 1987 and 1993, was available in several trim levels. These included:

1. **Senator 2.5i** - This was the base model, featuring a 2.5-litre inline-six engine.
2. **Senator 3.0i** - Equipped with a 3.0-litre inline-six engine, offering more power and additional features.
3. **Senator CD** - A higher-spec version with more luxurious features and options.
4. **Senator CD 24V** - The top-of-the-line model, featuring a 3.0-litre 24-valve engine for enhanced performance.

Each trim level offered different equipment and features, catering to a range of preferences and budgets.
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Spares
You can find spares for your Vauxhall Senator (1987-1993) at several places in the UK and Ireland. Here are some options:

1. **Euro Car Parts**:
- They offer a wide range of parts for various Vauxhall models, including the Senator².

2. **AutopartsPro**:
- This online store provides a comprehensive selection of parts specifically for the Vauxhall Senator⁴.

3. **AutoDoc**:
- Another online retailer with a vast inventory of parts for the Vauxhall Senator⁴.

4. **EU-Spares**:
- They offer original parts for the Vauxhall Senator, including various components for different body styles³.

5. **Local Vauxhall Dealerships**:
- Many dealerships have parts departments that can order specific components for older models.

6. **Specialist Vauxhall Forums and Clubs**:
- Enthusiast communities often have members selling parts or can recommend trusted suppliers.
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Specialists
Here are some Vauxhall specialists in Northern Ireland:
1. Wilsons of Rathkenny:
o Location: Ballymena, County Antrim
o Services: New and used Vauxhall cars, servicing, and repairs.
2. Donnelly Group:
o Location: Dungannon
o Services: New and used Vauxhall cars, servicing, and repairs.
3. Charles Hurst Vauxhall:
o Location: Belfast
o Services: New and used Vauxhall cars, parts, and servicing.
4. ClickMechanic:
o Services: Mobile mechanics specializing in Vauxhall across Northern Ireland.


**NORTHERN IRELAND VAUXHALL SPECIALIST LIST**

Here are some Vauxhall specialist mechanics in County Antrim, Northern Ireland:
1. McMillan Specialist Cars
o Address: Unit 10, Plasketts Close Kilbegs Road, Antrim BT41 4NN
o Phone: 028 9335 4911
o Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00 - 17:00, Saturday 09:00 - 12:30
o Website
2. Wilsons of Rathkenny
o Address: 371 Cushendall Road, Ballymena BT43 6QB
o Phone: 028 2175 8177
o Hours: Monday to Friday 08:30 - 17:30, Saturday 09:00 - 13:00
o Website
3. Townparks Car Sales Antrim
o Address: Springfarm Industrial Estate, Antrim BT41 4NZ
o Phone: 028 9446 2506
o Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00 - 17:30, Saturday 09:00 - 12:30
o Website

Here are some Vauxhall specialist mechanics in County Armagh, Northern Ireland:
1. NI Vans
o Address: 1 Ashtree Hill, Craigavon BT62 2LH
o Phone: 028 3884 9777
o Hours: Monday to Friday 08:00 - 17:00
o Website
2. ClickMechanic
o Service: Mobile mechanics available throughout Northern Ireland
o Phone: 020 3322 9988
o Hours: Varies by mechanic
o Website
3. McMullan Auto Services
o Address: 2 Moy Road, Armagh BT61 8DL
o Phone: 028 3752 2911
o Hours: Monday to Friday 08:30 - 17:30
o Website

Here are some Vauxhall specialist mechanics in County Down, Northern Ireland:
1. Ballyrobert Vauxhall
o Address: 402 Bangor Road, Bangor BT19 1UE
o Phone: 028 9127 2701
o Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00 - 18:00, Saturday 09:00 - 13:00
o Website
2. Donnelly Group
o Address: 62 Boucher Road, Belfast BT12 6LR
o Phone: 028 9038 1729
o Hours: Monday to Friday 08:30 - 17:30, Saturday 09:00 - 13:00
o Website
3. Approved Garages
o Service: Network of approved garages across Northern Ireland
o Phone: 0845 305 4230
o Hours: Varies by location
o Website

Here are some Vauxhall specialist mechanics in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland:
1. Lochside Garages
o Address: 101 Irvinestown Road, Enniskillen BT74 6GQ
o Phone: 028 6632 4366
o Hours: Monday to Friday 08:30 - 17:30, Saturday 09:00 - 13:00
o Website
2. Higgins Autos
o Service: Mobile mechanics available throughout Northern Ireland
o Phone: 028 6632 4366
o Hours: Varies by mechanic
o Website

Here are some Vauxhall specialist mechanics in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland:
Lloyd Cooke Motors
o Address: 53 Lismacarol Road, Londonderry BT47 3LZ
o Phone: 028 7130 2100
o Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00 - 18:00, Saturday 09:00 - 14:00
o Website
2. ClickMechanic
o Service: Mobile mechanics available throughout Northern Ireland
o Phone: 020 3322 9988
o Hours: Varies by mechanic
o Website
3. Donnelly Group
o Address: Maydown Carrakeel Drive, Maydown, Derry/Londonderry BT47 6UQ
o Phone: 028 7122 6386
o Hours: Monday to Friday 08:30 - 17:30, Saturday by appointment only
o Website

Here are some Vauxhall specialist mechanics in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland:
1. Donnelly Group
o Address: 59 Moy Road, Dungannon BT71 7DT
o Phone: 028 8772 2887
o Hours: Monday to Friday 08:30 - 17:30, Saturday 09:00 - 13:00
o Website
2. McMullan Autobreakers
o Address: 15 Melmount Road, Sion Mills, Strabane BT82 9ET
o Phone: 028 8165 9500
o Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00 - 17:00
o Website
3. Approved Garages
o Service: Network of approved garages across Northern Ireland
o Phone: 0845 305 4230
o Hours: Varies by location
o Website
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Racing
Besides the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC), the Vauxhall Senator also participated in various other racing series, primarily in Europe. It was used in events like the German DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft) and other national touring car championships. The car's robust performance and reliability made it a popular choice for privateer teams in these competitions.

The Vauxhall Senator did not have a significant presence in the German DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft). The DTM was dominated by manufacturers like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi during the late 1980s and early 1990s. The Senator's primary racing involvement was in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC), where it saw more action and achieved some competitive results.

In the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC), the Vauxhall Senator had several key strengths that made it competitive:

1. **Engine Performance**: The Senator's inline-six engines, particularly the 3.0-litre versions, provided strong power and torque, which were crucial for the high-speed circuits.

2. **Handling and Stability**: The car's chassis and suspension setup offered good handling and stability, allowing it to navigate the twists and turns of BTCC tracks effectively.

3. **Reliability**: The Senator was known for its durability and reliability, which are essential in endurance racing formats. This reliability helped it finish races consistently.

4. **Privateer Support**: The availability of the Senator to privateer teams meant that it had a presence in the series, contributing to its development and competitiveness through various setups and modifications.

These strengths helped the Vauxhall Senator hold its own against other high-performance saloons of the era.

The Vauxhall Senator did have some memorable liveries during its time in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC). While it wasn't as widely recognized as some other racing cars, a few liveries stood out:

1. **ICS Livery**: One of the more notable liveries was the ICS (International Courier Services) livery, which featured a striking combination of white, blue, and red. This livery was used by the ICS team, which ran the Senator in the BTCC.

2. **Privateer Liveries**: Various privateer teams also ran the Senator with their own unique liveries, often featuring sponsor logos and distinctive color schemes. These liveries added to the car's presence on the track and made it recognizable to fans.

While the Senator may not have had the same iconic status as some other racing cars, its liveries contributed to its identity in the BTCC.

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