Vehicle Description
1988 Chevrolet Cavalier Station Wagon
The Chevrolet Cavalier is a line of small cars produced for the
model years 1982 through 2005 by Chevrolet. The Cavalier first went
on sale in May 1981 as a 1982 model with front-wheel-drive, a
choice of two carbureted versions of the GM 122 series
four-cylinder pushrod engines, and 2 and 4-door sedan, hatchback,
and station wagon body styles. Convertibles were added in 1983,
initial production totaling less than 1000. The Cavalier name
originated from GM's then-British subsidiary Vauxhall, who applied
it to badge engineered variants of the Opel Ascona, the third
generation of which was the first J-body car to be released. The
Cavalier was restyled in 1987 for the 1988 model year. The 3-door
hatchback was dropped, while the coupe, sedan, wagon and
convertible carried over. The sedan and wagon were unchanged from
the doors back, while the coupe's exterior was completely
redesigned. This resulted in different trunk designs for the coupe
and sedan. Three trim levels were available for 1988: VL, RS, and
Z24. The convertible was only available as a Z24.
Our mantra here in the Hallowed Halls of our beloved Classic Auto
Mall is we never know what's going to roll through the door next,
and truly we don't! So, each day is more exciting than the last.
Today for consignment we offer to you a 1988 Chevrolet Cavalier in
station wagon form. One time in the past you couldn't turn around
without seeing at least 3 or 4 of these compact front wheel drive
cars from the engineers at the bowtie. Replete with 80's square and
rectangle design, wearing a nice coat of paint, and having only
traversed a mere 87,428 miles in its 34 years of existence we have
a once daily commuter turned classic waiting for you in our East
mallway.
Exterior
Working from the ground floor up we are met with 5 spoke Cragar mag
wheels wrapped in blackwall radial rubber which give this wagon a
sporty look even when standing still. Body matching Dark Red
neoprene bumpers grace the front and rear of this hauler and wrap
around to the slab steel sides sans any trim. Aerodynamic
headlights frame a simple Dark Red grille with a gold bowtie
located in the center. A slightly bumped up hood leads back to the
raked windshield with its clean black molding and up top, on the
long steel roof is a luggage rack for carrying any extras that
don't fit in the ample rear storage compartment. Simple black
mirrors grace each of the front doors and all side glass is framed
by bright and shiny trimwork. Moving to the rear we note more of a
hatch than a traditional style wagon gate as it only opens upward.
The factory applied Dark Red panels are straight and rust free
throughout the body and all gaps are well minded.
Interior
Nice gray tuck and roll inserts with vinyl bolsters make up the
buckets in front. Matching gray cloth covers the rear bench. The
driver's seat is showing wear in the form of slight cushion
compression but the upholstery has remained clean and rip free. The
instrument panel is original and very clean, large round gauge pods
flanking smaller central warning light pods all mounted within a
grid like cluster surround. The center console houses the shift
lever, which sits within another grid surround and in front is a
small storage cubby. Gray carpet is on the floors and appears in
good condition with only minor soiling. A storage area is located
behind the rear seat and has remained very clean throughout the
years. Above, the headliner is gray and tight.
Drivetrain
The factory installed 2.0 liter fuel injected 4-cylinder is in the
engine bay. Bolted to it is a TH125 3-speed automatic transmission
and power is handled through a 3.18 geared axle. All engine
surfaces have minor patina and dust but are otherwise looking
good.
Undercarriage
Some surface rust, but the floor pans, rockers and unibody are
solid, and no rust shown. Power disc brakes in front along with an
independent Macpherson strut suspension is on, and power drums on
the rear with a coil spring suspension. A single exhaust system
with a stock style muffler whisks away spent fossils quietly and
efficiently.
Drive-Ability
A quick starter and smooth runner and after slipping the shifter
into D we were off to the test track. Performance was adequate
during our many test laps; braking was bias free and handling was
as expected. All in all, not a bad driving car with only the radio
not staying on unless the power button is held down.
Overall a very nice example of a car that you saw everywhere when
new but now a rarity to see, even in our Hallowed Halls, as a
matter of fact this is the first Cavalier we've ever had in our
inventory. Well cared for, low miles for the age and all rust free,
waiting right here for you, embrace the heartbeat of America.
VIN DECODE
1G1JC8110J7118889
1-USA
G-General Motors
1-Chevrolet
JC-Cavalier
8-4 Door Station Wagon
1-Manual Belts
1-2.0L Inline 4 Cylinder 90hp
0-Check Digit
J-1988
7-Lordstown, OH Assy Plant
118889-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.