Description
Imperial War Museum | Duxford, Cambridgeshire
Viewing: Tues 8th April from 12pm
Auction: Wed 9th April from 9am
Location: IWM Duxford Airfield, Cambridge CB22 4QR
1978 Vauxhall Chevette 2300 HS
1 of just 400 road cars produced
Estimate
£24, 000 - £28, 000
Registration No: UPL 10S
Chassis No: 9B08RHY113701
MOT: Exempt
1 of just 400 Chevette HS road cars built to homologate the Group 4 version
Fitted with the correct 2. 3 litre slant four engine
Entered from a deceased estate and therefore in need of some recommissioning
Known to the Droop Snoot Group
By 1976, Vauxhall's Chairman, Bob Price, had decided competing in international rallying was the best way to increase the company's profile and a deal was struck with Blydenstein Racing to develop a rally version of the Chevette - enter the HS. A 16-valve version of Vauxhall's 2. 3-litre Slant Four engine was shoe-horned into the car's purposeful snout and mated to a five-speed Getrag gearbox, while the suspension and rear axle were lifted from the Opel Kadett C GT/ E. Entry into Group 4 required the building of 400 ‘homologation specials' for general sale, the result of which was a rapid, good handling if rather raucous machine. The Works rally versions enjoyed great results in the hands of such talent as Pentii Airikkala and Tony Pond.
Manufactured in 1978, the Chevette 2300 HS offered was supplied new to the United Kingdom, being first registered on the 11th of January that year. Finished in the now iconic colour scheme of Silver paintwork with Red decals, complemented by the Black and Red checked cloth and vinyl interior upholstery with Red carpeting. In current ownership since 2023, the Chevette is now sadly being offered to the market as part of a deceased estate and therefore needs some recommissioning before pressing into road use, albeit the HS is currently running and driving. Showing some 88, 000 miles on the odometer, the Chevette has been signed under the bonnet by Gerry Johnson, the first team principal of Dealer Team Vauxhall, while at an event in 2018. Offered with a history file that includes a large collection of previous maintenance and servicing invoices, and a current V5C document. These exciting hot hatches are a thrill to drive and compared to fast Fords of the same era, a significantly rarer sight on British roads and at events.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
Catalogues can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people).
