Vauxhall Chevette - rare HSR rally model in road-going trim

The Vauxhall Chevette was a model of car manufactured by Vauxhall in the UK from 1975 to 1983. It was Vauxhall's version of the family of small "T-Cars" from Vauxhall's parent General Motors (GM); the family included the Opel Kadett in Germany, the Isuzu Gemini in Japan, the Holden Gemini in Australia, the Chevrolet Chevette in the United States and Brazil and a badge-engineered Pontiac Acadian/Pontiac T1000 across North America. Image File history File links HSRBilling. ... Image File history File links HSRBilling. ... For the magazine called automobile, see Automobile Magazine. ... Vauxhall Motors is a UK car company. ... The General Motors T-car was an automobile platform for subcompact cars. ... General Motors Corporation, also known as GM, is the worlds largest car manufacturer. ... This article is about the European car manufacturer. ... The Opel Kadett is a small family car produced by the German automaker Opel between 1937 and 1940, then from 1962 to 1992. ... Isuzu Motors Ltd. ... The Isuzu Gemini was a compact car built by Isuzu and sold from 1974 through 2000. ... This article is about the Australian car manufacturer. ... The Isuzu Gemini was a compact car sold from 1974 through 2000. ... The Chevrolet Chevette was Chevrolets version of GMs worldwide T platform of the 1970s, which was also sold as the Vauxhall Chevette, Opel Kadett, Isuzu Gemini and the Holden Gemini, among others. ... The Chevrolet Chevette was Chevrolets version of GMs worldwide T-car program of the 1970s. ... World map showing North America A satellite composite image of North America. ...

Automakers or automobile manufacturers are companies that design and manufacture automobiles. ... General Motors Corporation, also known as GM, is the worlds largest car manufacturer. ... 1975 (MCMLXXV) was a common year starting on Wednesday. ... 1984 (MCMLXXXIV) was a leap year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... The Viva was a model of car produced by Vauxhall Motors in a variety of models from 1963 to 1979. ... 2003 Vauxhall Corsa 2004 Opel Corsa The Corsa is a small car or supermini produced by General Motors in Europe. ... Vauxhall Astra is a model-name which has been used by Vauxhall, the British subsidiary of General Motors (GM), on their small family car ranges since 1979. ... It has been suggested that Vehicle size class be merged into this article or section. ... A Ford Focus, classed as a small family car. ... Cars can come in a large variety of different body styles. ... A Toyota Camry, a recognizable sedan The Ford Five Hundred, a medium-sized sedan A sedan car, American English terminology (saloon in British English), is one of the most common body styles of the modern automobile. ... A Toyota Camry, a recognizable sedan The Ford Five Hundred, a medium-sized sedan A sedan car, American English terminology (saloon in British English), is one of the most common body styles of the modern automobile. ... Peugeot 306 hatchback, with the hatch lifted and the parcel shelf tilted for access Not a hatchback: a fastback like this Ford Mustang can be confused with a true hatchback Hatchback is term describing an automobile design, consisting of a passenger cabin with an integrated cargo space, accessed from behind... Estate car body style (Saab 95) A station wagon (United States usage), wagon (Australian usage, though station wagon is widely used) or estate car (United Kingdom usage) is a car body style similar to a sedan car but with an extended rear cargo area. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Internal combustion engine. ... The straight-4 or inline-4 is an internal combustion engine with four cylinders aligned in one row. ... The straight-4 or inline-4 is an internal combustion engine with four cylinders aligned in one row. ... Image:Gearbox. ... The Chevrolet Chevette was Chevrolets version of GMs worldwide T platform of the 1970s, which was also sold as the Vauxhall Chevette, Opel Kadett, Isuzu Gemini and the Holden Gemini, among others. ... The Isuzu Gemini was a compact car sold from 1974 through 2000. ...

Development

It was designed to replace the slightly larger Viva, but was sold alongside that model for much of its life. However, unlike the Viva, the Chevette was designed as a hatchback, a style that was rapidly becoming popular in the mid 1970s. For 1975 until 1978, the Chevette was, in fact, the UK's best selling hatchback as rivals failed to field strong-selling until the arrival of the Ford Fiesta in early 1977. More conventional 2 and 4 door saloons and 3 door estate variants were also built from 1976. The Viva was a model of car produced by Vauxhall Motors in a variety of models from 1963 to 1979. ... Peugeot 306 hatchback, with the hatch lifted and the parcel shelf tilted for access Not a hatchback: a fastback like this Ford Mustang can be confused with a true hatchback Hatchback is term describing an automobile design, consisting of a passenger cabin with an integrated cargo space, accessed from behind... The Ford Fiesta is a mid-class supermini car designed by the Ford Motor Company in Europe, and also manufactured in Brazil, Mexico, Venezuela, China, India and South Africa. ...

The Viva remained in production until the end of 1979, when the Vauxhall Astra was launched, while the Chevette remained on sale for another four years until a few months after the smaller Vauxhall Nova was launched in 1983. This longevity led to the Chevette being exported to Germany after 1979, when the comparable Opel Kadett had ceased production; it provided an unusual small car in that it still had rear wheel drive. Vauxhall Astra is a model-name which has been used by Vauxhall, the British subsidiary of General Motors (GM), on their small family car ranges since 1979. ... 2003 Vauxhall Corsa 2004 Opel Corsa The Corsa is a small car or supermini produced by General Motors in Europe. ... Rear wheel drive was a common form of engine/transmission layout used in automobiles throughout the 20th century. ...

A van version, based of the estate and called the Bedford Chevanne was also built, and badged as part of GM's Bedford commercial vehicles marque. Bedford was the first to use the Griffin logo 1933 Bedford Two-ton Luton van. ...

Although the Chevette was largely a rebadged Opel Kadett C with revised front-end (detailed below), it did use the 1256 cc overhead valve engine of the Viva instead of the Kadett's units, which were produced by Opel. The Kadett's double wishbone front suspension, rear wheel drive and rear suspension with Panhard rod, torque tube and coil sprung live axle were carried over unaltered. Inside, the two cars differed only in terms of their dashboard and switchgear: the Chevette stuck to the British tradition of having the indicator switch on the right hand side of the steering column, while the Kadett had the German custom of the flasher stalk being on the left. The Chevette also had a much more angular instrument binnacle, although the instrumentation within was similar (but not metric). A cylinder head containing two overhead camshafts, one above each of the two valves In automotive engineering, an overhead valve internal combustion engine is one in which the intake and exhaust valves and ports are contained in the cylinder head. ... A double wishbone suspension is an automobile independent suspension design using two parallel wishbone-shaped arms to locate the wheel. ... A Panhard rod is a component of a car suspension system that provides lateral location of the axle. ... A torque tube system is an automobile driveshaft technology, used in cars with a front engine and rear drive. ... A live axle is a type of beam axle suspension system that uses the driveshafts that transmit power to the wheels to connect the wheels laterally so that they move together as a unit. ... Indicator may mean: pH indicator, a chemical detector for protons in acid-base titrations Redox indicator, a chemical detector for redox titrations Complexometric indicator, a chemical detector for metal ions in complexometric titrations Dial indicator, an instrument that measures small distances Honeyguide, a genus of birds Turn signal of an...

The Chevette's front end featured a more aerodynamic nose treatment than the Kadett, based loosely on the design of the "droopsnoot" Firenza. 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. It also received new wheel designs, revised C pillar vent covers and revamped interior trim with re-designed 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, which was launched early in 1980. The Firenza was a model of car produced by Vauxhall Motors between 1970 and 1976. ... The Vauxhall Cavalier was a large family car sold primarily in the UK by Vauxhall Motors, the British subsidiary of General Motors from 1976 to 1995. ... Vauxhall Astra is a model-name which has been used by Vauxhall, the British subsidiary of General Motors (GM), on their small family car ranges since 1979. ...

Timeline

• May 1975 - Introduction of the Chevette 3-door Hatchback in Base and L model variations. Both had an improved version of the 1256cc OHV engine from the Viva, with a similar 4-speed gearbox, rear wheel drive, independent front suspension, rack-and-pinion steering and servo-assisted dual circuit brakes. Initial standard equipment included 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 center console, front door pockets and velour interior door panels.
• January 1976 - Limited edition Chevette E introduced with GL type specification but with black rubber surrounds on windows, revised brightwork and vynide (plastic) seats.
• 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 2- and 4-door Saloons and GLS 4-door Saloon introduced with mechanical specification of Hatchback versions. E has reduced equipment level without reclining front seats. L and GLS have specifications of hatchback models plus (on GLS) clock, cigar lighter and bonnet light.
• September 1976 - Chevette L Estate introduced with specification of Saloon model. Bedford Chevanne Van version of Chevette introduced. Similar to Chevette Estate, but without rear side windows and rear seats.
• January 1977 - Chevette E 3-door Hatchback introduced with similar specification to the Saloon model.
• January 1978 - Chevette HS 3-door Hatchback introduced with 16-valve 2279cc slant-four engine, 5-speed close-ratio gearbox, uprated brakes and suspension. It proved extremely fast and a great success in the rallying tournaments. The HS also featured a full front air dam, black and tartan interior trim and additional instrumentation. Other versions of the HS included the HS-X (with walnut trimmed interior) and the Panther Westwinds (with single-cam turbo), both of which were made in very small numbers.
• October 1978 - Chevette GL 4-door Saloon model introduced with similar specification to Hatchback model. GL Hatchback now has sports wheels, additional bright trim around the windows, and matt-black rear panel. GLS Saloon discontinued.
• September 1979 - Revisions: all models now have flush-fitting headlights, restyled seats, front door pockets, additional facia vents, new badging and rear fog light. GL adds protective side mouldings. Optional 3-speed automatic transmission available on L and GL models.
• November 1979 - The rear-wheel drive Opel Kadett 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 2- and 4-door Saloons launched, based on L models. Introduction of the Chevette HSR, which was just an evolution of the Chevette HS.
• June 1980 - Limited edition Chevette Sun Hatch 2-door Saloon model introduced with sunroof, tinted glass and radio fitted as standard.
• October 1980 - Chevette ES 2-door Saloon and 3-door Hatchback introduced with similar specification to the E models but with even lower level of trim with vinyl trim plus carpets. Revisions: E has plaid cloth upholstery; L has radio and quartz clock; GL has 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 3-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 and 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 4-door Saloon and 3-door Estate.
• January 1984 - Production of the Chevette L 4-door saloon and 3-door estate, the last available model, ends.

May is the fifth month of the year in the Gregorian Calendar and one of seven Gregorian months with the length of 31 days. ... 1975 (MCMLXXV) was a common year starting on Wednesday. ... Look up November in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... 1975 (MCMLXXV) was a common year starting on Wednesday. ... January is the first month of the year and one of seven Gregorian months with the length of 31 days. ... 1976 (MCMLXXVI) was a leap year starting on Thursday. ... April is the fourth month of the year in the Gregorian Calendar and one of four with the length of 30 days. ... 1976 (MCMLXXVI) was a leap year starting on Thursday. ... June is the sixth month of the year in the Gregorian calendar, with a length of 30 days. ... 1976 (MCMLXXVI) was a leap year starting on Thursday. ... Look up September in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... 1976 (MCMLXXVI) was a leap year starting on Thursday. ... January is the first month of the year and one of seven Gregorian months with the length of 31 days. ... For the album by Ash, see 1977 (album). ... January is the first month of the year and one of seven Gregorian months with the length of 31 days. ... 1978 (MCMLXXVIII) was a common year starting on Sunday. ... Look up October in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... 1978 (MCMLXXVIII) was a common year starting on Sunday. ... Look up September in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... For the Smashing Pumpkins song, see 1979 (song). ... Look up November in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... For the Smashing Pumpkins song, see 1979 (song). ... The Opel Kadett is a small family car produced by the German automaker Opel between 1937 and 1940, then from 1962 to 1992. ... April is the fourth month of the year in the Gregorian Calendar and one of four with the length of 30 days. ... 1980 (MCMLXXX) was a leap year starting on Tuesday. ... June is the sixth month of the year in the Gregorian calendar, with a length of 30 days. ... 1980 (MCMLXXX) was a leap year starting on Tuesday. ... Look up October in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... 1980 (MCMLXXX) was a leap year starting on Tuesday. ... May is the fifth month of the year in the Gregorian Calendar and one of seven Gregorian months with the length of 31 days. ... 1981 (MCMLXXXI) was a common year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... January is the first month of the year and one of seven Gregorian months with the length of 31 days. ... 1982 (MCMLXXXII) was a common year starting on Friday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Look up September in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... 1982 (MCMLXXXII) was a common year starting on Friday of the Gregorian calendar. ... August is the eighth month of the year in the Gregorian Calendar and one of seven Gregorian months with the length of 31 days. ... 1983 (MCMLXXXIII) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... 2003 Vauxhall Corsa 2004 Opel Corsa The Corsa is a small car or supermini produced by General Motors in Europe. ... January is the first month of the year and one of seven Gregorian months with the length of 31 days. ... 1984 (MCMLXXXIV) was a leap year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Chevette in New Zealand

Although the Chevette was generally a European car, it was also assembled in New Zealand, in all bodystyles, between 1976 and 1981. It was unusual that New Zealand had the Chevette, as neighbouring Australia had the Opel Kadett-based Holden Gemini. The New Zealand Chevette had a mechanical update unseen on the European models, when in 1979 it gained Holden-developed Radial Tuned Suspension. The Isuzu Gemini was a compact car sold from 1974 through 2000. ... This article is about the continent. ... This article is about the Australian car manufacturer. ...

Production of the New Zealand Chevette ceased in June 1981, when it was replaced by the Holden Gemini, which for the New Zealand market was actually a hybrid of British, Japanese and Australian T-Car variants. The Isuzu Gemini was a compact car sold from 1974 through 2000. ...

Special models

Chevette HS

Vauxhall decided to abandon company-sponsored saloon-car racing in 1977, and instead decided to go into Rallying. They had a long-standing relationship with Blydenstein racing, and commissioned them to develop a rally version of the Chevette. They created a far more powerful Chevette variant by shoehorning the much larger 2.3 litre Slant Four engine into the shell, and with Vauxhall developed a twin camshaft 16-valve cylinder head for it. The gearbox was discarded in favour of a much stronger Getrag 5-speed box, and the bodyshell was strengthened. Avon Alloy wheels (similar to those used on the droopsnoot Firenza) were used, as well as a newly developed GRP nosecone. The resulting car was extremely fast with almost 200 hp (150 kW), and a far cry from the small-engined Chevettes from which it was developed. In order to compete in rallying, the car had to be homologated, which in this sport meant that it had to be a production model derivative in order to be eligible. Thus Vauxhall motors manufactured the HS following the Blydenstein pattern for sale. The result was an incredibly fast, if rather unrefined road car, and while production was limited to around 400 only, they all sold quickly. Like the Firenza, the HS was available only in silver, with less than subtle red highlighting and a bright red and black tartan interior. Some owners requested that their dealer have their car resprayed black, so there are a few black genuine HS Chevettes in existence. For the album by Ash, see 1977 (album). ... A Subaru Impreza WRX competing in a rally special stage on gravel. ... The Slant Four is a type of car engine manufactured by Vauxhall Motors. ... Computer animation of a camshaft The camshaft is an apparatus often used in piston engines to operate poppet valves. ... The cylinder head from a GMC van. ... A gearbox is an assembly of gears allowing the rotational speed of an input shaft to be changed to a different speed. ... Getrag (pronounced guh-TRAG) is a leading manufacturer of automobile manual transmissions. ... An alloy is a combination, either in solution or compound, of two or more elements, at least one of which is a metal, and where the resulting material has metallic properties. ... The Firenza was a model of car produced by Vauxhall Motors between 1970 and 1976. ... Homologation is a technical term, derived from the Greek homologos (ομόλογος) for agree, which is generally used in English to signify the granting of approval by an official authority. ...

The HS was an immediate success as a rally car, clocking up notable wins for driver Tony Pond. It advanced the state of the art in world-class rallying quite significantly, and easily outclassed the Mark 2 Ford Escort which had dominated the sport recently. However, its reign was not to last, as the Audi Quattro soon appeared, raising the stakes once again by introducing four-wheel drive. To stay competitive, a further version, the HSR, was developed, which was an even more powerful variant, and held its own for several more years into the early 1980s. However, the days of rear-drive rally cars were numbered, and the sport was dominated from then on by 4-wheel drive designs. The HSR was also homologated and sold to the public, though in very limited numbers. It is widely thought that the HSR numbers for homologation were achieved by rebuilding unsold HS models as factory rebuilds, and modifying customers vehicles. The Ford Escort was a compact car manufactured by the Ford Motor Company from 1967 through 2003. ... Audi AG is a German automobile manufacturer with headquarters in Ingolstadt, Bavaria, and is an almost wholly owned (99. ... This article refers to the car named the Audi Quattro. ... This article is missing citation of sources. ...

External links

• Chevettes.com - Home of the Vauxhall Chevette on the web
• Droop Snoot Group website