1981 Vauxhall Chevette HSR

The Vauxhall 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.

Homologating the Chevette proved worthwhile, with the HSR immediately showcasing its prowess as a tarmac rally car and a competitive gravel-specification car. In 1981, DTV won five International events under the skilful control of Tony Pond. Representing the very best of DTV's output, this incredibly rare Chevette HSR is one of 18 known to survive out of 33 built. Presenting in simply fabulous condition, offered from a private Collection of eclectic motorcars, all maintained to the highest possible standards. This HSR is undoubtedly one of the best examples remaining, with no expense spared on its upkeep however despite being a very good base, the car wasn’t quite perfect in our vendor's eyes, so in 2020 the car received a top-end repaint with any/all bodywork issues being sorted, with bills on file.

The car is well known having attended shows and events over the years, especially with the ‘Droop Snoot’ group. The car's ownership and history is documented from new, with all owners being known and just three in the last 24 years. Our vendor reports using the car sparingly, but regularly ensuring that it is as ‘on the button’ as it has ever been. To ease usability, the car benefits from sensible upgrades including a catch tank and new wheels, with the valuable original magnesium wheels remaining with the car.

With modern 'hot hatches' being an amalgamation of computer technology, sophisticated systems and a distinct lack of soul, the HSR really shows why you should respect your elders. An incredibly engaging drive, making all the right noises and providing great feedback to the driver, I challenge anyone lucky enough to have driven one to state they’d prefer a modern 'hot hatch' if given the choice. The Chevette HSR remains one of the truly great 'hot hatches', possessing the added cachet of being produced in strictly limited numbers.