History of the Vauxhall Chevette
May 1975
The Chevette was introduced with 3 door hatchback body styling in Basic and
L models. Powered by an improved version of the 1256cc OHV Viva engine and
using a similar 4 speed gearbox. All models fitted with independent front
suspension, rack and pinion steering and servo assisted, dual circuit
brakes. Standard equipment at launch included 2 speed fan, radial tyres,
reversing lamps, heated rear window, and reclining front seats.
November 1975
GL model introduced with higher level of trim and sports type road wheels
fitted with 175 x 70 SR tyres. The new GL model's higher level of trim
included a new centre console and doors with carpeting and storage pockets.
It also had bumper overriders.
January 1976
Limited edition E model introduced with full specification, but black
rubber surrounds to glass areas, revised brightwork, and vynide (plastic)
seats.
April 1976
Hatchback models continued, but base model now becomes L with cloth
upholstery, L becomes GL and GL becomes GLS with velour upholstery.
June 1976
2 door and 4 door Saloon versions introduced in E and L models. GLS in 4
door only. Mechanical specification similar to Hatchback versions. E model
without reclining front seats, L model with cloth upholstery and reclining
front seats. GLS model with velour upholstery, clock, cigar lighter and
bonnet light.
September 1976
Estate car L model introduced with similar specification to Saloon model.
Bedford Chevanne Van produced. Similar to the Estate, but without back rear windows.
Bedford Chevanne Van produced. Similar to the Estate, but without back rear windows.
November 1976
The
Chevette HS was announced to take on the international world of rallying. The
utilisation of a twin-cam 16-valve version of the 2279cc Slant Four engine
made this a blisteringly fast little car. The many rallying successes which
followed the car's introduction are a testament to it's performance.
Apart from the 16-valve engine, other notable features of the HS are its full front airdam, black and tartan interior trim and additional instrumentation. Specialist versions of the HS such as the HS-X, complete with walnut trimmed interior, and the Panther Westwinds built single-cam turbo were both produced in very limited numbers.
Apart from the 16-valve engine, other notable features of the HS are its full front airdam, black and tartan interior trim and additional instrumentation. Specialist versions of the HS such as the HS-X, complete with walnut trimmed interior, and the Panther Westwinds built single-cam turbo were both produced in very limited numbers.
January 1977
Hatchback E model introduced with similar specification to saloon model.
January 1978
HS 3 door hatchback introduced with 2279cc engine, 5 speed close-ratio
gearbox, uprated brakes and suspension, and full rally equipment.
October 1978
GL 4 door saloon model introduced with similar specification to
Hatchback.
Hatchback GL model fitted with sports type alloy wheels, additional bright trim around the windows, and a matt-black rear panel.
GLS saloon discontinued.
Hatchback GL model fitted with sports type alloy wheels, additional bright trim around the windows, and a matt-black rear panel.
GLS saloon discontinued.
September 1979
All models revised with flush fitting headlamps, restyled seats, front door
pockets, additional facia vents, new badging, rear fog lamp, and, on GL
models only, protective side mouldings.
Automatic transmission available as an optional extra on L and GL models.
Automatic transmission available as an optional extra on L and GL models.
April 1980
Estate model E introduced with mechanical specification similar to L model.
Lower level of interior trim aimed mainly at the fleet market. Limited
edition 'Special' 2 and and 4 door versions available, based on the L
versions.
The Chevette HSR was introduced, intended as an evolution of the original HS. It retained the original HS FIA recognition number 649.
As in the case of the HS, many specialist parts were homologated for the rally HSR. Highly modified competition cars could produce in excess of 240 bhp from their long stroke 2.6 litre engines and these proved to be among the most competitive all-round rally cars.
The Chevette HSR was introduced, intended as an evolution of the original HS. It retained the original HS FIA recognition number 649.
As in the case of the HS, many specialist parts were homologated for the rally HSR. Highly modified competition cars could produce in excess of 240 bhp from their long stroke 2.6 litre engines and these proved to be among the most competitive all-round rally cars.
June 1980
Limited edition 'Sun Hatch' 2 door saloon introduced. It had a tilting
glass sunroff, tinted glass and radio as standard.
October 1980
ES Hatchback 3 door and ES Saloon 2 door introduced with similar mechanical
specification to E models, but lower standard of equipment and trim. The
new ES models had vinyl trim, fitted carpet and 2 speed wipers.
E model improved with plaid cloth upholstery.
L model gained a radio, quartz clock etc.
GL model given front head restraints, radio and a load compartment cover for Hatchback.
E model improved with plaid cloth upholstery.
L model gained a radio, quartz clock etc.
GL model given front head restraints, radio and a load compartment cover for Hatchback.
May 1981
Limited edition 'Black Pearl' introduced based on ES model. Black paintwork
with silver 'Strobe' stripes.
January 1982
Limited edition
'Silhouette'
introduced based on ES hatchback. Black paintwork with 'Strobe' stripes.
September 1982
Chevette range reduced to L and GL Saloons and Hatchbacks and L estate.
All models fitted with laminated windowscreen and L models fitted with push button radio instead of manually tuned.
All models fitted with laminated windowscreen and L models fitted with push button radio instead of manually tuned.
August 1983
2 door and GL versions now discontinued.
1984
A sad day - all Chevette models are discontinued. A total of
415,608 Chevettes were produced apparently.
This is all the information we've found so far. If you know anything extra, or you've spotted a mistake please let us know!, and we'll update this page.
15 Jan 2005:
Lots of info added/updated thanks to an informative email from Chris Bird.
Extra data taken from: Parker's Car Price Guide (July 1987), Motorists Guide (August 1987), Vauxhall - the Postwar Years (Trevor Alder).
Extra data taken from: Parker's Car Price Guide (July 1987), Motorists Guide (August 1987), Vauxhall - the Postwar Years (Trevor Alder).
21 Nov 1999:
Added info about Chevette HS from the Droop Snoot HS page.
Added info about Chevette HSR from the Droop Snoot HSR page.
Added info about Chevette HSR from the Droop Snoot HSR page.
Comments? Suggestions? Problems? Please tell us!
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