1981 Vauxhall Chevette HSR Hatchback
Registration no. LDW 333X
Chassis no. 9B08RJY157605
Engine no. 3375633

Introduced for 1980, the Vauxhall Chevette HSR was a development of the preceding HS, incorporating better location of the rear suspension and flared wheelarches to clear wider wheels/tyres. The HS hatchback had been launched in 1976, although there were none for sale until January 1978. Vauxhall's first 'homologation special', the Chevette HS was powered by the Magnum's 2.3-litre slant-four engine, upgraded with Vauxhall's own twin-cam 16-valve cylinder head, which delivered its 135bhp maximum via a Getrag five-speed close-ratio gearbox. Up-rated suspension and brakes, wide-rim alloy wheels, and front and rear spoilers completed the picture, all these 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 tartan interior trim and additional instruments. Only 400 examples were built of the HS, this being the minimum required by the FIA for homologation, and only some 33 examples of the HSR are understood to have been built.

Writing in his book, A-Z of Works Rally Cars, Graham Robson states: "The HSR took over in 1980, immediately proving that it was an excellent tarmac car and a competitive gravel-specification car as well. DTV's most successful year followed in 1981, when Tony Pond won five international events."

Representing the very best of DTV's output, this rare Chevette HSR is one of 18 known to survive out of 33 built. The first owner ordered the Chevette directly from Gerry Johnstone at Bill Blydenstein's DTV operation (see letter on file). All its owners are known. The car was laid up for seven years following a head gasket failure but the engine top-end was then been rebuilt circa 2006 with high-compression pistons, ported cylinder head, Weber carburettors, Janspeed manifold, etc. In addition, the undercarriage was stripped, repainted and rebuilt with Bilstein suspension and springs, new ball joints, etc. The car was re-sprayed circa 2013/2014 and in 2018 was fitted with a new ZF limited-slip differential. Accompanying paperwork includes a V5C registration document; Droop Snoot Club letter of authentication; and a quantity MoTs for the period 1993-2017. The original carburettors, air box and manifold come with the car.
A fun car to drive, making all the right noises and giving all the feedback one could wish for, the Chevette HSR was one of the truly great 'Hot Hatch' models of its day, possessing the added cachet of being produced in strictly limited numbers.