1978 Vauxhall HS Chevette

Vauxhall was already looking to replace its Viva with the Chevette when GM initiated its first global car, the 'T car'. This was adopted as the basis for the new design which became the Chevette as launched in 1975. Wayne Cherry led the Vauxhall design team in making their variant distinctive, primarily through the adoption of the 'droop snoot' previously seen on a limited edition Firenza. The Vauxhall Chevette is available as a 3-door hatchback, 2-door saloon, 4-door saloon, estate and van. All have the engine mounted at the front and drive the rear wheels. All have four seats except for the van which has two front seats only.

The 3-door hatchback was the first version released with the 2- and 4-door saloons joining it a year later. The pretty body shape earned Vauxhall a new following amongst younger drivers with some keen to exploit the good handling provided by the unequal length wishbones at the front and a well located solid axle, with coil springs, at the rear. Brakes are disc at the front and drums at the back. Various levels of trim were produced over the Chevette’s life from the 'basic' through E, L, and GL to the range topping GLS. The estate and van were both added to the line up at the end of 1976 with the latter badged as the 'Bedford Chevanne'.

The 1979 model year saw the Vauxhall Chevette receive a facelift with, most notably, the recessed headlights becoming flush-glazed. The interior was freshened up and received additional fresh air vents whilst the exterior also benefitted from new badging. Production ceased in 1984.

A number of limited editions of the Vauxhall Chevette were produced. The Sun Hatch of 1980 had a sunroof, tinted glass, alloy wheels and metallic paint whilst the Black Watch combined a garish exterior and a high spec but equally garish interior with alloy wheels and 'sports' steering wheel. The 1982 Vauxhall Chevette Silhouette was much more restrained with black paintwork accentuated by blue or red 'cheat lines' and a sophisticated high end cabin.

In 1978 Bill Blydenstein’s semi-works competition department produced the HS rally car. This Escort beater benefited from a larger engine, chassis strengthening and an aerodynamic bodykit. The HSR, a refinement of the HS, was introduced in 1980.

The Vauxhall Chevette was introduced with the Viva’s elderly pushrod engine displacing 1256 cc and fed by a single Stromberg carburettor. Drive was transmitted through a 4-speed gearbox. This powertrain accounts for the vast majority of the cars produced. An automatic gearbox was added as an option in 1979 whilst only the HSR received a 5-speed manual gearbox. The rally cars are powered by Vauxhall’s 2279 cc twin overhead cam 'slant 4' fuelled by a brace of Strombergs.

Well-balanced handling and light weight mean that despite a lack of power the Chevette is a fun car to drive. The snappy gearchange and ability to push the tail out appeals to the press on driver whilst the large luggage area and four seats, with room for two adults in the back, also makes it highly practical. The mechanical elements are robust but the synchromesh can be weak on third gear and the lower front wishbones can break. As with most 1970s cars rust protection isn't great but Chevettes are less likely to rot than many others of the era. Sills are particularly prone to corrosion but a lot of parts, especially those shared with the Kadett, are available through the car clubs and specialists.

The Vauxhall Chevette HS and HSR are by far the most desirable examples of the breed but after this limited editions are well sought after. The hatchbacks tend to make more money than other variants but condition is important.

The Ford Escort is the natural alternative to the Chevette but the Renault 12 and Austin Allegro are also worth considering.