Hi, the opel gear box was avail about 4 weeks prior to the 186S option. So you could get a HR X2 Opel four speed factory car. I believe there is only one that survives.
I have had both, Special 186S Auto, eng 186K186XXX, but I cannot remember the build date.
Also had Premier opel 4 speed sedan at one time.
During this time I collect which would be possibly the largest amount of literture on HR 186S cars, from pre-manufacture data info to car magazines. Even had the chance to speak to Peter Brock regarding him racing the 186S Premier 4 speed at Winton. He was shocked that somebody actually asked him about that.
I was keeping a record of how many were left that was know off. There are not many 4 speeds about.
They are very hard to prove if they are original or not. If you have the log book and it matches thats a start. You check engine cast dates to body numbers for a rough match. Some parts are very unique to the 186S cars, and if you know where to look, you can tell. However, every thing can be replicated, to a point.
I have a very early cast date opel box, by memory it is several months prior to release date. It came out of the Premier wagon from Hobart.The casting is cracked but I keep it due to the cast date.
As for wagons, there was a special some years ago on Cent coast NSW for sale. I have seen a very rare 4 speed Premier wagon (Hobart), power steering, LSD, Elect tail gate and it even had the very rare front tow bar hitch. The car was complete but a guy brought it, stripped the car and now had a V6, elect sunroof and bloody big wheels. It is now stuffed.
Heve seen one auto 186S Premier wagon.
They are the only wagons that I did know of.
Nearly brought a log booked 186S, three speed ute, but could not get the money at the time. Have also heard of on auto ute in 186S.
You have a very rare wagon that needs to be saved and not wrecked, so I hope it goes to a good home. I still have a soft spot for the 186S optioned cars and may be one day I might get the chance to get mine back. I still have alot of NOS parts, including opel 4 speed stuff, just in case.
cheers
Steve (
[email protected])