Vauxhall Chevette HS: Spotted

Vauxhall's forgotten rally car pops up in the PH classifieds

Well here's something you don't see every day. A Vauxhall Chevette 2300 HS. Vauxhall's homologation special for Group 4 rallying, a vision in silver with tartan upholstery, up for sale at £15K.

Coolest boot font ever?

The story of the HS is another Ford against Vauxhall rivalry. The former had established itself as a strong rallying force by the mid-70s with the Escort and Vauxhall wanted a slice of the action. So the little Chevette was gifted a 2.3-litre 16-valve lump, a five-speed gearbox as well as axle, brakes and suspension from the European Kadett GT/E. Homologation rules said 400 had to be made but the mega Chevette was so costly that Vauxhall struggled to sell them. The limited edition HS-X was introduced and the last 40 or so were developed into the even faster HSR.

And it was a success. The Chevette was rallied by Pentti Airikkala, Jimmy McRae and Tony Pond, taking the British Open Rally Championship for drivers in 1979 and manufacturers and manufacturers in 1981.

Furthermore, it has a decent reputation as a road car. When an Escort RS2000 had 110hp, the Chevette had 135 and that's more. Still not quite a match for the 150hp Lotus Sunbeam but certainly enough for fun. And look at that engine. Stunning, isn't it?

Best like tartan

If the Talbot makes Escorts seem expensive then the Vauxhall is conspicuously good value. This standard, low mileage (68,000 miles) car is £15K. The advert isn't the most detailed but after five years of ownership the vendor should have plenty more information. How much for a comparable Escort? This RS2000 has nearly another 20,000 miles and is £20,000. It is fantastic though.

Maybe that's the Chevette's problem. It's fast, interesting and has competition provenance but arguably isn't an icon like that damn old Ford. Think 70s rallying and you think Escort, don't you? But for someone wishing to skirt the obvious option, this little Chevette looks great.

VAUXHALL CHEVETTE HS
Engine: 2,279cc four-cyl
Transmission: five-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 135@5,500rpm
Torque (lb ft): 134@4,500rpm
MPG: N/A
CO2: N/A
First registered: 1981
Recorded mileage: 68,000
Price new: N/A
Yours for: £15,995