Daft question concerning the gearbox issue but have you checked the oil level? it might just be low.
The boxes on these are normally pretty good, one thing though is the vague change can be sharpened up nicely by bushing the linkage , Vauxhall never fitted any, it just rattles together.
As you can tell by my username i too own a Mk1, my pride and joy for over 15 years...and a keeper too.
Is that a 2 door ?
Yes it's a 1600 L. Totally standard and largely original too. Apparently it's one of 5 1600 2 doors known to survive.
