MkIII Vauxhall Cavalier sells for £789,765

Here's TopGear.com's roving correspondent, Cory Spondent, with his weekly, mostly incorrect exclusives from the world of motoring

A Vauxhall Cavalier has sold for £789,765 at auction.

Buyers eager to snap up the well-used 1993 purple hatchback triggered a frenzied bidding war, with the final hammer price exceeding all human expectation.

It follows a record rise in used car prices that have seen increases trickle down from classic halo models to largely forgettable base-range company cars.

The 13-owner MkIII Cavalier was said to be in ‘period correct’ condition, featuring authentic cigarette burns in the seats, rusted arches and loose door cards.

The engine, a 1.6-litre four cylinder petrol, is only the third engine installed in the Cavalier, while the gearbox is described as ‘quite ropey, actually’.

The winning bidder told TG: “I’ve been waiting ages for a MkIII Cav to cross the block.

“Yes I’ve spent a small fortune on it and maybe nearly 800 grand for a forgettable Vauxhall is a sign that things have gone mad. But when this thing rises in value I can flip it and use the money to buy a MkIII 2.5 Diplomat.

“I’d still rather have one of these than a Mokka.”