Chevette HS
Homologation special based on the rear-drive Chevette hatchback.
The Vauxhall Chevette HS is a high-performance rally homologation variant of the standard Chevette, developed from the rear-wheel-drive supermini platform shared with the Opel Kadett C. It is notable for its competition success in the late 1970s and early 1980s, particularly in British rallying, where it became a iconic machine.
Quick Facts
- Aka
- Bedford Chevanne / AYMESA Cóndor (saloon) / AYMESA Gala (hatchback)
- Assembly
- United Kingdom: Bedfordshire, Luton · United Kingdom: Cheshire, Ellesmere Port · New Zealand: Trentham (General Motors New Zealand) · Ecuador: Quito (AYMESA)
- Manufacturer
- Vauxhall (General Motors)
- Production
- 1975–1984
- Class
- Supermini/Compact car (B/C)
- Layout
- FR layout
- Platform
- GM T platform (RWD)
- Engine
- 1256 cc Viva OHV I4 · 2279 cc Slant-4 DOHC 16V I4
- Transmission
- 4-speed manual 5-speed manual · 3-speed automatic
- Successor
- Vauxhall Astra · Vauxhall Nova · Bedford Astravan (vans)
- Related
- Chevrolet Chevette · GMC Chevette · Holden Gemini · Isuzu Gemini · Opel Kadett · Opel K-180 · Daewoo Maepsy
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The Chevette HS was developed from the standard three-door hatchback Chevette, which had been launched in the UK in 1975. The base car used a 1,256 cc OHV engine from the Viva HC, double wishbone front suspension, and a rear-wheel-drive layout with a live axle. The HS variant was created to meet rally homologation requirements, featuring a more powerful version of the same engine and upgraded suspension and brakes. It retained the distinctive 'droopsnoot' front-end styling inspired by the Pontiac Firebird, which set the Chevette apart from the Opel Kadett C. The HS was built at Vauxhall's Ellesmere Port plant in Cheshire, alongside other Chevette models.
Reader's Guide
The Chevette HS holds a significant place in rally history as one of the last successful rear-wheel-drive competition cars before front-wheel drive became dominant. Its development drew on the Chevette's light weight and the proven 1.3-litre engine, which offered good performance in a small bodyshell. The HS competed in British and European rallies, often against the Ford Escort RS1800 and other contemporary machines. Its legacy is tied to the Chevette's broader production run, which lasted until 1984, and its role in keeping rear-wheel drive alive in a market shifting to front-wheel drive. The HS model is now a sought-after collector's item, representing the peak of Vauxhall's motorsport efforts in the 1970s.
Did You Know?
- The Chevette HS used the 1,256 cc OHV engine from the Viva HC, not the Opel Kadett's 1,196 cc unit.
- The Chevette's front-end styling was based on the 'droopsnoot' Firenza, inspired by the Pontiac Firebird.
- The Chevette was one of the first British-built hatchbacks of its size, launched in 1975.
- The Chevette remained rear-wheel drive while most competitors had switched to front-wheel drive by the 1980s.
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