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| Lot number | 160 |
|---|---|
| Hammer value | £1,300 |
| Description | Vauxhall Chevette Automatic |
| Registration | A36 WNH |
| Year | 1984 |
| Colour | Green |
| Engine size | 1,256 cc |
| Chassis No. | M2EE130477 |
| Engine No. | 2255757 |
| Documents | V5; MOT November 2016; 9 old MOTs; handbook and service book |
GM's product planners weren’t slow to spot the popularity of the new breed of ‘hatchback’ models, the practicality and convenience demonstrated by the brilliant Fiat 127 and Renault 5 showing the way and winning many friends across all European markets.
They quickly got to work on their new ‘T’ programme, using the excellent Opel Kadett as a basis for a small sub-Viva hatchback that could be sold across all markets. The resulting Chevette was eventually badged as an Opel, Holden, Pontiac, Chevrolet and Vauxhall, its front-end styling mimicking the distinctive ‘droop-snoot’ Firenza.
The home-grown Vauxhall version was launched in 1975, production of the early cars taking place in Luton before being moved to the Government-supported factory at Ellesmere Port. The basic Chevette sold for £1,593 and became the best-selling hatchback in the UK for three years on the trot, stealing a march on the Ford Fiesta which didn’t hit the market until a year later, and the Metro which was a full five years behind. Such was its success that saloon, estate and ‘Chevanne’ versions quickly followed, the model taking over from the Viva completely in 1979.
Eventually squeezed out by the smaller Spanish-built Nova and slightly larger Astra models, 415,000 had been sold in the UK before production ended in 1984, although only around 800 still survive in the UK today, according to DVLA figures.
Dating from February 1984, this original and now rare Chevette 1200 Automatic 4-door saloon has had just three owners from new and was acquired for the Stondon Museum Collection in 2003. Finished in period light green paintwork with a matching green interior, it has covered only 29,527 miles with nine old MOTs to back this up. In running order with an MOT until November 2016, it comes complete with its original service book, handbook and old style V5.
There is an increasing interest in this segment of the market, with a whole plethora of shows and events aimed at the everyday retro family hatchback and saloon sector. This rare low mileage cracker will be welcomed with open arms at any of them.
