1978 Vauxhall

⭕ THE SALE

This 1978 Vauxhall Chevette HS is currently in a 2-week auction on our website. This is our guide price, i.e. what we think the car is worth in the current market, however, the reserve will be lower. You can read much more about the car, see of hundreds of detailed photos and videos of it, and ask the seller any questions on our website: we can't add links on this platform, so please search for "Trade Classics" on Google.

⭕ VEHICLE SUMMARY

Britain’s first hot hatch; a rare rally-bred icon.

With the 1975 UK launch of the Chevette, Vauxhall's parent company, General Motors, leveraged a global network of engineering expertise. While designed as an economical family car, its compact rear-drive layout and nimble handling provided the perfect foundation for a high-performance evolution.

By tapping into the pedigree of Dealer Team Vauxhall (DTV), whose dominance on track and rally stages was already well-established, Vauxhall transformed a humble hatchback into the Chevette HS. Equipped with a 2.3-litre engine, a five-speed close-ratio gearbox, and uprated suspension, brakes, and rear axle, it was a machine purpose-built to challenge Ford’s long-standing supremacy in motorsport.

The Chevette HS had a limited run of just 400 units for motorsport homologation, allowing it to become Vauxhall’s flagship works rally car. Though not widely marketed for the road, those fortunate enough to acquire one soon discovered what is now widely considered Britain’s first true hot hatch. Each HS was instantly recognisable by its Silver Starfire paint, bold red decals, full front air dam, and wide alloy wheels. Inside, the cabin featured additional instrumentation and the iconic black and plaid trim.

The HS’s potent combination of rugged simplicity and high-end performance made it a staple for privateers, ensuring many campaigned well beyond the car's production years. Because so many of the original 400 units were driven to their limit on rally stages, crashed, or dismantled for parts, genuine survivors are now scarce.

This 1978 car comes from ~9 years with our vendor and shows a remarkably low ~51,985 miles and saw a bare-metal respray in 2018 - followed by a comprehensive engine rebuild in 2025. The car has also benefited from an extensive renewal of its running gear. The provenance is equally impressive: it's accompanied by a photographic record of its renovation, a binder of invoices and two sets of keys. While officially MOT exempt, it is sold with the added reassurance of a fresh MOT valid until 2027.

⭕ VEHICLE DETAIL

We've written a longer and more detailed description of this vehicle on our website, which will answer all of your burning questions. To see the car on our site then just search for us, Trade Classics, on Google.

⭕ BEFORE YOU CALL US

We love to talk about cars, but more than 90% of buyers' questions are answered in the full listings on our website: there you'll find a huge amount of detailed information about this car's history, condition, and specification - as well as hundreds of detailed photos and videos. Don't worry: if you still have a question, please just give us a call during office hours.

⭕ ABOUT US

Trade Classics is the most trusted auction house in the UK, with 4.9* on TrustPilot and thousands of happy buyers and sellers. Our mission is to provide the most honest and transparent listings available. By helping you avoid scammers, timewasters, and expensive platform fees, we make the process of buying and selling a car as pleasurable as driving it.