- Auctions
- The Iconic Sale at Race Retro 2025 - Competition Cars
- 1979 Vauxhall Chevette HS 'Group 4' Specification
1979 Vauxhall Chevette HS 'Group 4' Specification
Lot Number: 531
1979 Vauxhall Chevette HS 'Group 4' Specification
One of only 400 HS Chevettes ever produced, fabulously built into 'Group 4'-specification and subject to significant expenditure.
- GUIDE PRICE: £30,000 - £40,000
+ buyer's premium of 12.5% plus VAT (15% incl VAT)
You can choose to bid in the room, by phone, online or via commission.
LIVE AUCTION: This lot will be auctioned on Saturday 22nd February, 2025 at 12.00pm GMT at Stoneleigh Park, Stoneleigh Rd, Coventry, CV8 2LG
-
BODY COLOUR
Silver -
DRIVE
RHD -
REG NUMBER
TGR 144V
SUMMARY
One of only 400 HS Chevettes ever produced, fabulously built into 'Group 4'-specification and subject to significant expenditure.
DESCRIPTION
The Vauxhall Chevette HS is one of the most iconic rally-bred hot-hatches of its era, standing as a formidable competitor on tarmac. Developed to challenge the dominance of the Ford Escort RS1800, the Chevette HS was later succeeded by the even more advanced HSR. Known as 'Plastic Fantastic', the HSR was significantly lighter and more aerodynamic, incorporating fibreglass for the front air dam, bonnet, rear spoiler, tailgate and wings. Further improvements included an enhanced transmission and rear axle options, making it an even greater force in rallying. With better power deployment thanks to its 5-link rear suspension and wider wheels, the Chevette embarrassed rivals well into the 'Group B' era. The HS won the British Open Rally Championship in 1979, while the HSR secured the manufacturers' crown in 1981.
The Chevette HS was launched in 1976 and was Vauxhall's first 'homologation special', built to allow them to compete in 'Group 4' rallying. Powered by the 2.3-litre slant-four engine derived from the Magnum, upgraded with Vauxhall's own twin-cam 16-valve cylinder head, the Chevette HS delivered 135bhp and was paired up to a Getrag 5-speed close-ratio gearbox. The upgrades weren’t simply mechanical, with the HS featuring uprated suspension and brakes, wider alloy wheels and front and rear spoilers, with all components being sourced from other high-performance models in the General Motors family.
Dealer Team Vauxhall (DTV) was running the factory competitions programme at the time, with both circuit racing and rallying being Bill Blydenstein's responsibility from 1976. Blydenstein's 'Droop Snoot' competition entries had traditionally been finished in silver and this evocative colour scheme was carried over to the Chevette HS, which also featured a tartan interior trim and additional instruments. The minimum number required by the FIA for homologation was 400, so in playing by the rules, 400 examples of the HS were built and only 33 examples of the even hotter HSR are understood to have been built.
Introduced for 1980, the Chevette HSR was the development of the preceding HS. It incorporated a better location of the rear suspension and flared wheel arches to allow for wider wheels and tyres, essentially refining the fabulous HS into the simply incredible HSR.
One of just 400 HS examples ever produced, with an unknown number still surviving, TGR 144V, now built to 'Group 4'-specification, is a rare entity in itself, especially having undergone a bare-shell rebuild, with all rust removed, a new rear tub welded in as well as strengthening to the shell. The exhaust tunnel was grafted in, as per the 'Works' cars, before the fitting of a period correct roll cage and a respray. A correct-type 2.3-litre Twin-Cam engine was fully lightened, balanced and fitted, paired with a Getrag 5-speed 'dog leg gearbox as used by the Works cars in period. Equipped with Twin 48-Dellorto carburettors, 'Works' engine mounts, 'Works' exhaust manifold, all new ancillaries, an alloy radiator and an electric fan.
The car boasts a heavy-duty competition clutch, a 'Works'-type bias pedal box and a recently overhauled ZF limited-slip differential (5.1CWP). It runs AP Monte Carlo 'forest' front brakes and correct AP Racing rear callipers at the back on the Atlas fully floating rear axle. All fuel and brake lines run inside the car using braided hoses with alloy or stainless-steel fittings, along with an electric fuel pump and period rally wiring loom. 'Works'-type rose-jointed bottom arms are fitted, as well as heavy duty front hubs and a quick steering rack. Inside, the HS features a co-driver's footrest, plumbed-in fire extinguisher (needing a routine service), hand-held fire extinguisher, Monit Rally trip meter, OMP seats and Hans type harnesses (both in date until 2027).
Riding on nearly new, Minilite-style 6 x 13" Revolution wheels wrapped in Toyo tires, the exterior is completed by four essential Cibie Oscar spotlights. With just 2,000 miles since its full restoration, this Chevette comes with spare headlights and front brake pads. Rarely do HS FIA-specification cars come to market at such reasonable levels, especially with such welcomed access to rally events all across Europe. Since completion, this example has maintained a 100% finishing record across five outings (two rallies and three hill climbs), making it an outstanding and highly desirable competition car, offered at a very realistic estimate.
SPECIFICATION
- Lot Number
- 531
- Make
- VAUXHALL
- Model
- CHEVETTE HS
- Registration Number
- TGR 144V
- MOT Expiry
- Exempt
- Chassis Number
- 9B08RJY155226
- Engine Number
- 3375651
- Transmission
- Manual
- Body Colour
- Silver
GALLERY
CONSIGNOR
Harry Fox-Edwards
- Car Specialist
- 07398 872032
- harryfe@iconicauctioneers.com
For further information regarding this lot please contact Harry.
CONTACTPlease note all lots must be removed from the venue no later than 2pm on Monday 24th February. Collections will be from 9am - 2pm. If you cannot collect yourself, please do get in touch with our transport partner, EM Rogers, who will be happy to help you.
Uplift by EM Rogers back to their storage facility in Northampton is £175 plus VAT. Storage is £10 plus VAT per day for the first seven days and £40 plus VAT per week thereafter.
For larger vehicles such as vans, transporters etc. please contact EM Rogers on +44 (0)1604 755511 for a quote.
If you cannot collect, or do not let us know transport arrangements before noon on 24th February, we will send the car to EM Rogers on your behalf.
Did you know that you may be able to finance your upcoming auction purchase? Our exclusive finance partner Apollo Capital are able to organise fast pre-approval for car funding on the latest interest rates and terms, minimum £50k lend.
An agreement in principle could see you arrange a finance package so the funds are ready to be paid out when you’ve bought your dream auction purchase. Please speak to their experts for a quote on 01423 590242 or visit apollocapitalgroup.co.uk/iconicauctioneers/.
A classic car or motorcycle is a source of great pride and enjoyment but, whether your car or motorcycle is in storage or on the road, you’ll need a specialist insurance policy. We have partnered with Howden Insurance a leading insurance brokers with a team dedicated to classic cars and motorcycles. They cover a vast array of classic and vintage models and only work with insurers who provide a great service and share our passion for the classic motor industry.
For a personal classic car or classic motorcycle quote, visit:
www.howdeninsurance.co.uk/iconic-auctioneers
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