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.