TROFEU - VAUXHALL - CHEVETTE HSR (night version) N 14 RALLY CIRCUIT OF IRELAND 1982 B.FAGAN - K.JOHNSTON

In 1976 Vauxhall decided to improve its sporting reputation by creating a special version of the Chevette, which was supposed to participate in rallies. This version, which was introduced in 1978, was equipped with 2279cc four-cylinder in-line 16 valves engine. The suspension and rear axle derived from those of the Opel Kadett C GT / E, while the gearbox was a five-speed Getrag. The rims were in alloy, and resembled those of the Firenza. Fiberglass air intakes were also installed. The result was a particularly fast car, whose engine produced 135 HP. 400 examples of this version were produced. The car was homologated in Group 4. The most important victories were clinched by Pentti Airikkala and Tony Pond pilots. In order to maintain competitiveness, the an evolution version, the Chevette HSR, was developed in the 1980s. Later, due to corporate choices made within General Motors, it was decided to cancel the Vauxhall participation program in rally racing in favor of the Manta 400.