The Vauxhall Chevette is a
supermini car that was manufactured by
Vauxhall
Vauxhall ( ) is a district in South West London, part of the London Borough of Lambeth, England. Vauxhall was part of Surrey until 1889 when the County of London was created. Named after a medieval manor, "Fox Hall", it became well known for ...
in the United Kingdom from 1975 to 1984. It was Vauxhall's version of the "
T-Car" small-car family from Vauxhall's parent
General Motors (GM), and based primarily on the
Opel Kadett C
The Opel Kadett C is a small family car which was produced by the German automobile manufacturer Opel from 1973 to 1979. The Kadett C, which was the third generation of the Opel Kadett, was released in August 1973, Oswald 1945 - 90 (vol 3), pp. ...
. The family also included the
Isuzu Gemini
The Isuzu Gemini is a subcompact car produced by the Japanese automaker Isuzu from 1974 until 2000. The same basic product was built and/or sold under several other names, sometimes by other General Motors brands, in various markets around the wo ...
in Japan, the
Holden Gemini
The Holden Gemini is a compact car that was produced by Holden and sold in Australasia from 1975 to 1986. It was based on the Japanese Isuzu Gemini, one of the many models based on the GM T-car platform.
First generation
TX (1975–1977) ...
in Australia, the
Chevrolet Chevette
The Chevrolet Chevette is a front-engine, rear-drive subcompact manufactured and marketed by Chevrolet for model years 1976–1987 as a three-door or five-door hatchback. Introduced in September 1975, the Chevette superseded the Vega as Chev ...
in the United States, Canada, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Argentina, and in the U.S. and Canada it was also rebadged as the
Pontiac Acadian/Pontiac T1000.
Development
The Chevette, as its name implies, was intended to be a small (baby) Chevrolet. At the same time as the
Chevette project was being considered in America, Vauxhall Motors publicised a new design project, provisionally referred to as the Baby R, but this was not used. Instead, a common design was chosen for all markets based upon an existing vehicle, the Opel Kadett. The car was first launched in Brazil in 1973 as a slightly restyled Kadett with a hatchback added to the model range. This hatchback was launched in the U.S. and Britain in 1975 with restyled front ends. Initial production was at Vauxhall's Luton, Bedfordshire, factory, then Chevette assembly was moved to the Ellesmere Port plant in Cheshire to allow production of the larger
Cavalier
The term Cavalier () was first used by Roundheads as a term of abuse for the wealthier royalist supporters of King Charles I and his son Charles II of England during the English Civil War, the Interregnum, and the Restoration (1642 – ) ...
and
Carlton models to be moved to Luton from Opel plants in Belgium and Germany.
The UK version of the vehicle was intended to fit into the Vauxhall range below the
Viva, and was initially presented only in its
hatchback version, a style that became very popular during the 1970s. With its Pontiac-inspired 'shovel nose' and inset headlamps, the UK version looked radically different from the Opel Kadett and was accepted by the motoring public as a completely new car; when the saloon, estate car, and van variants appeared and the hatchback was added to the Kadett lineup the common lineage became apparent. The Chevette was one of the first British-built hatchbacks of this size, the first arguably being the Austin A40 Countryman;
Ford
Ford commonly refers to:
* Ford Motor Company, an automobile manufacturer founded by Henry Ford
* Ford (crossing), a shallow crossing on a river
Ford may also refer to:
Ford Motor Company
* Henry Ford, founder of the Ford Motor Company
* Ford F ...
did not respond with a similar product until the following year (their similar-sized offerings all having conventional rear boots).
Sales began on 1 May 1975, from a price of £1,593.
From 1975 until 1978, the Chevette was the UK's best-selling hatchback, as UK branded rivals failed to respond to the challenge of the imported
Peugeot 104
The Peugeot 104 is a supermini designed by Paolo Martin and produced by the French car manufacturer Peugeot between 1972 and 1988. It was the first model produced at the company's Mulhouse plant. It was also the first new Peugeot introduced sin ...
,
Fiat 127
The Fiat 127 is a supermini car produced by Italian car manufacturer FIAT from 1971 to 1983. It was introduced in 1971 as the replacement for the Fiat 850. Production of the 127 in Italy ended in 1983 following the introduction of its replacemen ...
, and
Renault 5 until the arrival of
Ford's Fiesta at the end of 1976.
Chrysler UK
Chrysler Europe was the American automotive company Chrysler's operations in Europe from 1967 through 1978. It was formed from the merger of the French Simca, British Rootes and Spanish Barreiros companies. In 1978, Chrysler divested these ...
did not launch its
Chrysler Sunbeam
The Chrysler Sunbeam is a small supermini three-door hatchback manufactured by Chrysler Europe at the former Rootes Group factory in Linwood, Renfrewshire, Linwood in Scotland, from 1977-81. The Sunbeam's development was funded by a UK Governme ...
until 1977, while only in 1980 did
British Leyland
British Leyland was an automotive engineering and manufacturing conglomerate formed in the United Kingdom in 1968 as British Leyland Motor Corporation Ltd (BLMC), following the merger of Leyland Motors and British Motor Holdings. It was partl ...
come up with the
Austin Metro
The Metro is a supermini car, later a city car that was produced by British Leyland (BL) and, later, the Rover Group from 1980 to 1998. It was launched in 1980 as the Austin mini Metro. It was intended to complement and eventually replace the ...
. The Chevette also managed to outsell larger hatchbacks, including the
Austin Maxi and
Chrysler Alpine
Alpine may refer to any mountainous region. It may also refer to:
Places Europe
* Alps, a European mountain range
** Alpine states, which overlap with the European range
Australia
* Alpine, New South Wales, a Northern Village
* Alpine National Pa ...
.
The Chevette's 1.3-litre engine and relatively small bodyshell allowed for good performance. The Chevette had a light
steering
Steering is a system of components, linkages, and other parts that allows a driver to control the direction of the vehicle.
Introduction
The most conventional steering arrangement allows a driver to turn the front wheels of a vehicle using ...
,
clutch, and gear change, as well as good visibility, and was spacious inside. The Chevette's success was probably due to its versatility, which compared well with larger cars such as the
Ford Escort. It was available in three-door
hatchback for the single driver,
saloon models that suited families, an estate car for the service fleets, and the Chevanne van version for utility purposes.
![Vauxhall Chevette Sedanlette](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e5/Vauxhall_Chevette_Sedanlette.jpg)
The original hatchback was launched in the UK using Vauxhall's slogan and musical jingle, which capitalised on its practicality and widespread appeal: "It's whatever you want it to be! - A sporty coupe, a family saloon, a handy estate...". It was made at the purpose-built factory in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, under a government initiative to bring employment to the area.
More conventional two- and four-door saloons, and three-door estate variants (essentially the
Kadett C with Vauxhall front bodywork and engines) were also offered from June 1976.
The two-door coupé version of the Kadett C was the only version of the Opel car not to have a Chevette equivalent.
The Viva was discontinued in 1979, with the
Opel Kadett D
The Opel Kadett is a small family car produced by the German automobile manufacturer Opel from 1936 until 1940 and then from 1962 until 1991 (the Cabrio continued until 1993), when it was succeeded by the Opel Astra.
Kadett I (1936–1940)
...
entering production in the same year. This car was intended also to be produced in the US and UK, as the second-generation Chevette, but due to various industrial issues at the time, GM decided to shelve most of the Ellesmere Port plant, retaining only the assembly shop to build the new car. These would be assembled from knock-down kits, although they were initially imported fully built-up from Opel's plant in
Bochum. Due to the huge loss of workforce this would cause, representations were made that resulted in the decision to continue production of existing models alongside the new. This meant that a new name would have to be found for Vauxhall's version of the new Opel Kadett, so in March 1980, the
Vauxhall Astra
The Vauxhall Astra is a compact car/small family car (C-segment) that has been sold by Vauxhall since 1980. It is currently produced at Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, England.
For its first two generations, the nameplate was applied to right-han ...
was born, replacing the Viva in the Vauxhall range, while the Chevette remained on sale until 1984. At this time, the planned mothballing of most of the Ellesmere Port plant went ahead as originally planned. Meanwhile, General Motors would develop a new entry-level model to be sold in Europe under the Vauxhall and Opel marques, and would build a factory in
Zaragoza
Zaragoza, also known in English as Saragossa,''Encyclopædia Britannica'"Zaragoza (conventional Saragossa)" is the capital city of the Zaragoza Province and of the autonomous community of Aragon, Spain. It lies by the Ebro river and its tributari ...
,
Spain
, image_flag = Bandera de España.svg
, image_coat = Escudo de España (mazonado).svg
, national_motto = ''Plus ultra'' (Latin)(English: "Further Beyond")
, national_anthem = (English: "Royal March")
, i ...
, for the production of this new car.
This longevity led to the Chevette being exported to Germany after 1979, following the discontinuation of the Kadett C to give German buyers the option of rear-wheel drive following the Kadett D's introduction; the Chevette was unusual as it still featured
rear-wheel drive
Rear-wheel drive (RWD) is a form of engine and transmission layout used in motor vehicles, in which the engine drives the rear wheels only. Until the late 20th century, rear-wheel drive was the most common configuration for cars.
Most rear-wheel ...
, while most of its competitors were now driven by the front wheels. A further 12,332 Chevettes were sold through Opel dealers in Germany from October 1980, although they never actually carried Opel or Vauxhall branding, being badged simply as "Chevette". By this time, the Chevette was the only Vauxhall-badged car to be sold in markets such as Mauritius and New Zealand; successor models assembled in the UK for sale in mainland Europe, such as the Astra, have been badged as Opels.
A van version, based on the estate and called the
Bedford Chevanne, was also built, and badged as part of GM's
Bedford
Bedford is a market town in Bedfordshire, England. At the 2011 Census, the population of the Bedford built-up area (including Biddenham and Kempston) was 106,940, making it the second-largest settlement in Bedfordshire, behind Luton, whilst ...
commercial vehicles
marque
A brand is a name, term, design, symbol or any other feature that distinguishes one seller's good or service from those of other sellers. Brands are used in business, marketing, and advertising for recognition and, importantly, to create an ...
.
Following the introduction of the Astra in 1980, the Chevette line-up was gradually slimmed down in terms of both trim options and body styles. By the time of the Nova's launch in 1983 only the four-door saloon and the three-door estate versions (in two trim levels) remained on sale until the end of production.
Although the Chevette was essentially a rebadged Opel Kadett C with revised front-end styling (detailed below), it used the 1,256-cc
overhead valve
An overhead valve (OHV) engine, sometimes called a ''pushrod engine'', is a piston engine whose valves are located in the cylinder head above the combustion chamber. This contrasts with earlier flathead engines, where the valves were located b ...
(OHV) engine from the Viva HC instead of the Kadett's 1,196-cc engines, which were produced by Opel. The Kadett's
double wishbone
A double wishbone suspension is an independent suspension design for automobiles using two (occasionally parallel) wishbone-shaped arms to locate the wheel. Each wishbone or arm has two mounting points to the chassis and one joint at the knuckl ...
front suspension, rear-wheel drive, and rear suspension with
panhard rod
A Panhard rod (also called Panhard bar, track bar, or track rod) is a suspension link that provides lateral location of the axle. Originally invented by the Panhard automobile company of France in the early twentieth century, this device has been ...
,
torque tube
A torque tube system is a power transmission and braking technology that involves a stationary housing around the drive shaft, often used in automobiles with a front engine and rear drive. The torque tube consists of a large diameter stationary h ...
, and coil-sprung
live axle, were carried over unaltered. Inside, the two cars differed only in terms of their
dashboard For business applications, see Dashboard (business).
A dashboard (also called dash, instrument panel (IP), or fascia) is a control panel set within the central console of a vehicle or small aircraft. Usually located directly ahead of the drive ...
and switchgear; the Chevette stuck to the British and Japanese right-hand drive tradition of having the
indicator
Indicator may refer to:
Biology
* Environmental indicator of environmental health (pressures, conditions and responses)
* Ecological indicator of ecosystem health (ecological processes)
* Health indicator, which is used to describe the health ...
stalk switch on the right side of the steering column, with wipers on the left; while the Kadett used a single stalk system (typical of many 1970s German cars) controlling turn signals headlamps, and wipers on the left. The Chevette also had a much more angular instrument binnacle, although the instrument cluster itself was directly from the Kadett (though with imperial rather than metric scales).
The Chevette's front end featured a more aerodynamic-looking nose than the Kadett, based loosely on the design of the "droopsnoot"
Firenza, itself said to be inspired by the Pontiac Firebird, a sister GM product. In contrast the Kadett had a more conventional, flat-fronted design. In 1980, the Chevette underwent a facelift with flush fitting headlights, giving it a "family look" alongside the larger
Vauxhall Cavalier
The Vauxhall Cavalier was a large family car that was sold primarily in the UK by Vauxhall from 1975 to 1995. It was based on a succession of Opel designs throughout its production life, during which it was built in three incarnations. The fir ...
version of the Opel Ascona B. Mechanical changes included the introduction of Bosch distributors, revised heater ducting, and a simplified throttle linkage. It also received new wheel designs, revised C-pillar vent covers, and revamped interior trim with redesigned front seats to increase rear knee room marginally. However, it was effectively the beginning of a phase-out in favour of the newer Astra, Vauxhall's version of the front-wheel drive Kadett D, which was launched in March 1980, though it was not produced in Britain until November 1981. The Vauxhall Nova (the rebadged version of the
Spanish
Spanish might refer to:
* Items from or related to Spain:
**Spaniards are a nation and ethnic group indigenous to Spain
**Spanish language, spoken in Spain and many Latin American countries
**Spanish cuisine
Other places
* Spanish, Ontario, Can ...
built
Opel Corsa
The Opel Corsa is a supermini car engineered and produced by the German automobile manufacturer Opel since 1982. Throughout its existence, it has been sold under a variety of other brands owned by General Motors (most notably Vauxhall, Chev ...
) became the entry-level model in the Vauxhall range when it was launched in April 1983, although the Chevette continued alongside it for another year.
Production of the Chevette finally finished in 1984. A total of 415,000 Chevettes were sold in Britain.
Timeline (UK model range)
*May 1975 - Introduction of the Chevette three-door hatchback in base and L model variations: Both had an improved version of the 1,256-cc OHV engine from the Viva, with a similar four-speed gearbox, rear-wheel drive, independent front suspension, rack-and-pinion steering, and servo-assisted, dual-circuit brakes. Initial standard equipment included a two-speed heater fan, radial tyres, reversing lights, heated rear window, and reclining front seats.
*November 1975 - Introduction of the Chevette GL with sports wheels with 175 x 70 SR tyres, bumper over riders, and higher equipment level including new centre console, front door pockets and velour interior door panels
*January 1976 - Limited-edition Chevette E introduced with L-type specification, but with black rubber surrounds on windows, revised brightwork, and vynide (plastic) seats: The U.S. version, the Chevrolet Chevette, was introduced as the smallest domestically produced car there.
*April 1976 - Revisions: base renamed L and gains cloth upholstery; L renamed GL with no changes; GL becomes GLS and gains velour upholstery.
*June 1976 - E and L two- and four-door saloons and GLS four-door saloon were introduced with mechanical specification of hatchback versions. E has a reduced equipment level without reclining front seats. L and GLS have specifications of the hatchback models plus (on GLS) clock, cigar lighter, and bonnet light.
*September 1976 - The Chevette L estate was introduced with the specifications of the saloon model. The Bedford Chevanne van version of Chevette was introduced; it was similar to Chevette estate, but without rear side windows and rear seats.
*January 1977 - Chevette E three-door hatchback introduced with similar specification to the saloon model
*January 1978 - Chevette HS three-door hatchback introduced with 16-valve 2,279-cc. slant-four engine; five-speed, close-ratio gearbox; and uprated brakes and suspension. The HS also featured a full front air dam, rear spoiler, black and tartan interior trim, additional instrumentation, and wide alloy wheels. All HS's were painted silver with red decals. Other versions of the HS included the HS-X (with black exterior paint and walnut trimmed interior) and the
Panther Westwinds
Panther Westwinds (commonly known as Panther) was a manufacturer of niche sports cars and luxury cars, based in Surrey, United Kingdom.
History
Founded in 1972 by Robert Jankel, the Panther company initially manufactured retro-styled cars based ...
(with single-cam turbo), both of which were made in very small numbers.
*October 1978 - The Chevette GL four-door saloon model was introduced with similar specifications to hatchback model. GL hatchback now has sports wheels, additional bright trim around the windows, and matte-black rear panel. GLS saloon discontinued.
*September 1979 - Revisions: all models fitted with flush-fitting headlights, restyled seats, front door pockets, additional fascia vents, new badging and rear fog lights. Protective side mouldings on GL models. Optional three-speed automatic transmission available on L and GL models.
*November 1979 - The rear-wheel drive
Opel Kadett C range was discontinued and replaced by a new front-wheel range with the same model name.
*April 1980 - Chevette E estate introduced with specification of hatchback and saloon versions; the E model was intended for the fleet market. Limited edition Chevette Special two- and four-door saloons launched, based on L models. Introduction of the Chevette HSR, an evolution of the Chevette HS.
*June 1980 - Limited edition Chevette Sun Hatch three-door hatchback model introduced, based on the Chevette L model, but additionally fitted with sunroof, tinted glass, sports wheels, metallic paint, bodyside mouldings, side direction indicator flashers, front head restraints, clock and push-button radio. The Sun Hatch could be had with either manual or automatic transmission, with the manual version priced at £3,954 and the automatic version priced at £4,167.
*October 1980 - Chevette ES two-door saloon and three-door hatchback introduced with similar specification to the E models but even lower level of trim with vinyl trim plus carpets. E revised with plaid cloth upholstery; L with radio and quartz clock; GL with front head restraints, radio and (on hatchback) load area cover.
*May 1981 - Limited edition Chevette Black Pearl introduced with black paintwork, silver strobe stripes and ES type specification.
*January 1982 - Limited edition Chevette Silhouette three-door hatchback introduced with black paintwork, strobe stripes and ES type specification.
*September 1982 - ES and E models discontinued; range now consists of L and GL saloons, hatchbacks and L estate. Revisions: all models now have laminated windscreen. L models now have push-button radio.
*August 1983 - With the introduction of the Nova four months earlier, the Chevette range was reduced to just the Chevette L four-door saloon and three-door estate.
*January 1984 - Production of the Chevette L four-door saloon and three-door estate, the last available models, ends. The end of Chevette production also marked the end of production of Vauxhall models visually distinct from those designed by Opel.
Overseas markets
Austria
The Chevette was also sold in Austria, where it was also offered with the option of a low output version of the 1,256 engine (49.5 bhp). The range included two- and four-door L saloon and estate, GL three-door hatch, GLS four-door saloon and three-door hatch.
Ecuador
The local factory
AYMESA
Automóviles y Máquinas del Ecuador S.A., known by the syllabic abbreviation AYMESA, is an automotive assembler based in Quito, Ecuador, which since 1970 is dedicated to the assembly, assembly and construction of automobiles, being a pioneer in th ...
produced a version of the Chevette starting in 1978. This version was called the AYMESA Cóndor. It had a glass fibre (fibreglass or glass reinforced plastic) body and a 1,500 cc engine with the higher compression cylinder head from GM Brazil to compensate for the Andean altitudes.
France
The Chevette was also sold in France but it did not sell well against the Peugeots and Renaults of the time. The Chevette was the last Vauxhall sold in France.
On 6 December 1979, Vauxhall announced that they were withdrawing from 11 major European countries where Vauxhall and Opel models were sold together. This was to be completed by the end of 1981.
Germany
Despite announcing its withdrawal from continental Europe, Vauxhall said it would export Chevettes to
West Germany
West Germany is the colloquial term used to indicate the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG; german: Bundesrepublik Deutschland , BRD) between its formation on 23 May 1949 and the German reunification through the accession of East Germany on 3 O ...
. At the time Opel had already started selling the Kadett D / Astra Mk1, but it was felt that there was still a market for the previous rear-wheel drive model. Accordingly, the Chevette was sold without Vauxhall badging through Opel dealers with a 1256 cc 53 PS N and a 57 PS S automatic. The only Vauxhall badging to remain was on the hub caps and steering wheel.
New Zealand
The Chevette was assembled by
General Motors New Zealand between 1976 and 1981. All body styles that were available in the UK were sold. The first models built were three-door hatchbacks.
New Zealand had the Chevette as well as the Isuzu Gemini, while neighbouring Australia had only the
Isuzu Gemini
The Isuzu Gemini is a subcompact car produced by the Japanese automaker Isuzu from 1974 until 2000. The same basic product was built and/or sold under several other names, sometimes by other General Motors brands, in various markets around the wo ...
-based
Holden Gemini
The Holden Gemini is a compact car that was produced by Holden and sold in Australasia from 1975 to 1986. It was based on the Japanese Isuzu Gemini, one of the many models based on the GM T-car platform.
First generation
TX (1975–1977) ...
. The Vauxhall 1,256 OHV (from the Viva and Magnum) was the standard engine unit for all New Zealand Chevette models.
Most models were of GL specification and all had metric instrumentation. A lower trim Chevanne commercial fleet model was also offered, however, unlike the European models, it used the estate bodyshell - complete with side windows - and was badged as a Vauxhall, rather than as a Bedford.
In 1979 the New Zealand Chevette had a mechanical update not fitted to the European models,
Holden-developed
Radial Tuned Suspension and wider tyres, giving the car superior handling over its rivals.
At the beginning of 1980 the Chevette received the facelift which included flush mounted headlamps and various new interior appointments, including extra air vents and different seats, giving more legroom in the cars.
An additional base E model was introduced to the range in 1980, aimed at fleets and budget-minded buyers, using the four-door bodyshell. This car was incredibly spartan – fitted with plain wheels and vinyl seats – and lacked reversing lamps, hazard flashers, radio and many gauges.
Production of the New Zealand Chevette ceased in June 1981, when it was replaced by the
Holden Gemini
The Holden Gemini is a compact car that was produced by Holden and sold in Australasia from 1975 to 1986. It was based on the Japanese Isuzu Gemini, one of the many models based on the GM T-car platform.
First generation
TX (1975–1977) ...
, which for the New Zealand market had initially been sold as an Isuzu in the mid-1970s and then been dropped before being reintroduced. The Chevette was the last British-sourced GM product to be assembled in New Zealand.
Sweden
The Chevette was also sold in Sweden. It entered the market for 1976, originally only as a hatchback so as not to compete directly with the larger Viva.
The range ended up a little differently from that of the UK with the two-door saloon and three-door estate only available in L spec and the hatch and four-door saloon only available in GLS spec - no E or GL models were offered, although the GL was originally planned.
Uruguay
In Uruguay, the Viva-based Grumett had been marketed since 1962. This was a 2+2
coupé utility
A coupé utility is a vehicle with a passenger compartment at the front and an integrated cargo tray at the rear, with the front of the cargo bed doubling as the rear of the passenger compartment.
The term originated in the 1930s, where it wa ...
based on the Viva HC, with imported metal doors and locally made fibreglass front and rear ends. A similarly constructed version of the Vauxhall Chevette was created to replace the original Grumett. However, this featured the 1.4-litre engine and mechanical underpinnings of the Brazilian Chevrolet Chevette. This was succeeded by a version which featured the Brazilian Chevette bodywork, although this time it was also available as an estate.
Special models
Chevette HS and HSR
In 1976, at the instigation of new chairman Bob Price, Vauxhall decided to increase their profile in international rallying. They developed a rally version of the Chevette in conjunction with Blydenstein Racing, which ran
Dealer Team Vauxhall, the nearest equivalent to a 'works' (manufacturer run) competition team that GM policy would allow.
In order to compete in international rallying, the car had to be
homologated; for
Group 4 Group 4 may refer to:
*Group 4 element, chemical element classification
*Group 4 (racing), classification for cars in auto racing and rallying
* G4S, formerly Group 4 Securicor, a prominent British security company
*IB Group 4 subjects
The Group 4 ...
, the class the HS was to compete in, this meant building 400 production vehicles for public sale. Vauxhall created a far more powerful Chevette variant by fitting the 2.3 litre
slant-four engine, using a 16-valve cylinder head which Vauxhall was developing - though the rally cars used the Lotus 16-valve head until a rule change by the FIA banned them in 1978.
Fitted with two Stromberg carburettors the engine developed 135 bhp. Suspension and rear axle were from the Opel Kadett C GT/E and the
gearbox
Propulsion transmission is the mode of transmitting and controlling propulsion power of a machine. The term ''transmission'' properly refers to the whole drivetrain, including clutch, gearbox, prop shaft (for rear-wheel drive vehicles), differe ...
was a
Getrag
Getrag (), stylized as GETRAG, was a major supplier of transmission systems for passenger cars and commercial vehicles. The company was founded on 1 May 1935, in Ludwigsburg, Germany, by Hermann Hagenmeyer; as the ''Getriebe und Zahnradfabrik ...
five-speed. Chevrolet Vega alloy wheels (similar in appearance to the Avon wheels used on the droopsnoot Firenza) were used, as well as a newly developed
glass-reinforced plastic air dam. The result was a very fast and well handling, if rather unrefined, road car. Like the Droopsnoot Firenza, the HS was available only in silver, with red highlighting and a bright red, black and tartan interior; though (partly to help sell unsold vehicles) some cars were repainted in other colours, such the black HS-X designed by David Harley of Mamos Roundabout Garage - Greenford.
![Vauxhall Chevette HSR rear](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d8/Vauxhall_Chevette_HSR_rear.jpg)
The HS became a great success as a rally car, chalking up notable wins for drivers such as
Pentti Airikkala
Pentti Airikkala (4 September 1945 – 30 September 2009) was one of the "Flying Finns" who dominated world rallying in the past four decades. ,
Jimmy McRae
Jimmy McRae (born 28 October 1943) is a British former rally driver. He was highly successful in the British Rally Championship, winning the title a record five times in 1981, 1982, 1984, 1987 and 1988 which as of 2020 still stands. In the E ...
and
Tony Pond
Tony Pond (23 November 1945 – 7 February 2002) was a British rally driver.
Career
His first outings in a rally car were on the then regular (in the early '60s) Saturday night road rallies in the home counties around London, driving a Mini C ...
. It was a challenge to the most successful rally car of the time, the
Ford Escort, winning the
British Open Rally Championship for drivers in 1979 and for manufacturers in 1981. It was also successful in other national rally championships, such as Belgium's.
To keep the rally car competitive into the 1980s an evolution version, the Chevette HSR, was developed which was successful for several more years. The modified cars featured glass reinforced plastic (fibreglass) front and rear wings, spoiler, bonnet and tailgate (giving the HSR the nickname 'Plastic Fantastic'), revised suspension (particularly at the rear, where extra suspension links were fitted), and other minor changes. Group 4 evolution required a production run of 50 cars incorporating the new modifications; these were made by rebuilding unsold HSs and by modifying customers' vehicles. However, the merger of the Vauxhall and Opel marketing departments resulted in
Dealer Team Vauxhall and Dealer Opel Team (DOT) joining to form GM Dealer Sport (GMDS); with the Chevette soon to be obsolete, Opel were able to force the cancellation of the HSR rally programme in favour of the
Manta
Manta or mantas may refer to:
* Manta ray, large fish belonging to the genus ''Manta''
Arts and entertainment Fictional entities
* Manta (comics), a character in American Marvel Comics publications
* Manta (''Uridium''), a spaceship in the Br ...
400.
Chevette Blackwatch
These were special edition Chevettes made by Star Custom Vehicles, Station Road, Ampthill. They came with black and silver paint, red graphics, a plaque inside the door stating styles by Farina, sport steering wheel, flared arches and low-profile wheels. ''Blackwatch'' was written on the nose of the car and on the bottom of each door.
Chevette Grenadier
Also produced by Star Custom Vehicles, based on the Chevette L hatchback specification, with black, silver and orchid livery, colour impregnated front air dam, flexi rear spoiler, alloy wheels with locking option, head restraints, black four-spoke sport steering wheel, centre console, burled walnut fascia, hinged glove box and door capping, removable tinted glass sun hatch, and two-wave band radio / stereo cassette player with door speakers.
Both the above special editions were created by Rob Darcus of Star Custom Vehicles, who began developing special trim versions of standard models to help sell more vehicles when he was district manager for Vauxhall in London. He and Vauxhall dealer Hamilton Motors set up the Star Custom Vehicles facility in Ampthill, Bedfordshire, to carry out specialised paint work on Chevette 'dealer specials' (cars restyled and re-trimmed for the dealer network and not available as a standard trim from the manufacturer). Initially cars were supplied to the London dealers that Rob Darcus was responsible for; following interest from Vauxhall, the vehicles were supplied nationally.
Chevette Jubilee
This special edition was produced in silver to commemorate the Queen's Silver Jubilee in 1977.
Bedford Chevanne
The Bedford Chevanne was a small commercial vehicle based on the
GM T platform Vauxhall Chevette
estate. Unlike the Chevette it had a flat rear floor, no rear seats and panels in place of the side windows. It was introduced in September 1976.
Intended as a replacement for the
Bedford HA
The Bedford HA was a car derived van introduced in 1963 by Bedford, based on the Vauxhall Viva (HA) family car. It was also known as the Bedford Beagle in estate form and Bedford Roma in small campervan form. The Beagle was an officially sa ...
, the Chevanne was replaced by the
Bedford Astravan
The Vauxhall Astra is a compact car/small family car (C-segment) that has been sold by Vauxhall since 1980. It is currently produced at Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, England.
For its first two generations, the nameplate was applied to right-han ...
before the HA was cancelled. It was fitted with the same 1,256 cc inline-four as the Chevette (and the Bedford HA), although here it produced with a 7.3 to 1 compression ratio.
As part of making the Chevanne as car-like as possible, it was also available with a three-speed automatic transmission. The automatic also included a heavy-duty battery and front suspension, better carpeting, and a higher compression engine (8.7 to 1) with .
[
A similar T-Car variant existed in Australia, the ]Holden Gemini
The Holden Gemini is a compact car that was produced by Holden and sold in Australasia from 1975 to 1986. It was based on the Japanese Isuzu Gemini, one of the many models based on the GM T-car platform.
First generation
TX (1975–1977) ...
van, which utilized the Chevanne's rear panels.
Notes
References
External links
Vauxhall Cavalier and Chevette Club - A vibrant Club that caters for owners, enthusiasts and restorers of the Vauxhall Chevette
Chevettes.com - Home of the Vauxhall Chevette on the web
The Droop Snoot Group - the club for Chevette HS, HSR, and all big engined, tuned and modified Chevettes
GMCOG
(General Motors Classic Owners Group)
Chevettes.net - technical informations about Chevette on the web/Informações técnicas sobre Chevette na web
{{Vauxhall Motors
Rear-wheel-drive vehicles
Sedans
Hatchbacks
Station wagons
1970s cars
1980s cars
Cars introduced in 1975
Chevette
Group 4 (racing) cars