Vauxhall Chevette HS
A homologation special that brought 16-valve power and rally-bred performance to the British hatchback.
- Power
- 135 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 8.5 s
- Top speed
- 117 mph
- Est. value
- $32k–$60k
About the Vauxhall Chevette HS
The Vauxhall Chevette HS was developed as a homologation special to allow Vauxhall to compete in Group 4 rallying. It features a 2.3-litre 'slant-four' engine fitted with a Lotus-developed 16-valve cylinder head, paired with a dog-leg Getrag gearbox and suspension components from the Opel Kadett C GT/E. Distinguished by its 'droopsnoot' nose, silver paint, and red decals, it was the first truly high-performance British hatchback. It proved highly successful in competition, notably winning the British Rally Championship in 1979 with Pentti Airikkala.
Vauxhall Chevette HS specs
The Vauxhall Chevette HS produces 135 bhp (101 kW) and 182 Nm (134 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 8.5 seconds and has a top speed of 117 mph (188 km/h).
| Make | Vauxhall |
|---|---|
| Model | Chevette HS |
| Trim | 2.3 16V |
| Years | 1978–1979 |
| Type | Classic |
| Body style | Hatchback |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Production | About 400 built |
| Engine | 2.3-litre 16-valve inline-four |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,279 cc (2.3 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 135 bhp (101 kW) at 5,500 rpm |
| Torque | 182 Nm (134 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 6,500 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 8.5 s |
| Top speed | 117 mph (188 km/h) |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 985 kg (2,172 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 137 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Vauxhall Chevette HS worth?
A typical Vauxhall Chevette HS is estimated to be worth $32,000 – $60,000 (about £24,000 – £45,000).
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Vauxhall Chevette HS rarity in CarSpot
The Vauxhall Chevette HS is a Unicorn card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 100 out of 100. The rarest tier: hypercars, one-offs and cars built in tiny numbers, typically fewer than about 500. A Unicorn card is worth 320 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Vauxhall Chevette HS fun facts
- The HS used a 'dog-leg' Getrag gearbox where first gear is down and to the left, a layout common in racing cars of the era.
- To meet Group 4 regulations, Vauxhall had to produce 400 road-going units, all of which were finished in Silver Starfire paint with red striping.
- The 16-valve head used on the HS was a derivative of the design Lotus used for their own 907 engine, though adapted for the Vauxhall block.