The Opel Monza was launched in 1978 and as far of the UK is concerned, it helped transform the image of its maker almost overnight - all of a sudden, it was an expensive and desirable coupé that went as well as it looked.

Based on the Opel Senator, this full-sized 1978-86 ‘Autobahnstormer’ was a good looking and well equipped three-door coupé which proved agile despite its bulk.

In its top-of-the-range 3.0 litre injected form, the Monza offered dramatic straight line ability, 0-60mph in 8.5 seconds and a top speed of 133mph.

In 1982, the range was facelifted, and the GSE with Recaro seats, digital instrumentation and a prominent rear spoiler was introduced in the UK.

This became a bit of a cult car helped in no part by Vauxhall dropping its slightly staider Royale Coupé from the line-up and rebranding its saloon as the Senator which meant for a short while, dealers sold the Opel Monza alongside the Vauxhall Senator.

This superb example of this iconic hatchback is presented in meta...