LOT 421

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

Sold for £59,800 inc. premium

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Lot 421

1981 Vauxhall Chevette HSR Hatchback

Goodwood Revival: Collectors' Motor Cars and Automobilia|17 September 2022, 13:00 BST|Chichester, Goodwood

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

• Rare 'homologation special'
• One of only 18 known survivors out of 33 built
• Known ownership history
• Engine top-end rebuilt
• Re-sprayed circa 2013/2014

Footnotes

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.

Additional information

This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. If you have queries about lots purchased in this auction, please contact customer services.
Buyers Obligations
ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE "BUYER'S PREMIUM" AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.
If you have any complaints or questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest customer services team.
Buyers Premium and Charges
Like the vast majority of auctioneers Bonhams charge what is known as a Buyer's Premium. Buyer's Premium on all Automobilia lots will adhere to Bonhams group policy:
27.5% on the first £20,000 of the hammer price;
26% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £20,000 up to and including £700,000;
20% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £700,000 up to and including £4,500,000;
and 14.5% of the hammer price of any amounts in excess of £4,500,000.
For Motor Cars and Motorcycles a 15% Buyer's Premium is payable on the first £500,000 of the final Hammer Price of each Lot, and 12% on any amount by which the Hammer Price exceeds £500,000. VAT at the standard rate is payable on the Premium by all Buyers, unless otherwise stated.
Some lots may be subject to VAT on the Hammer Price. These lots will be clearly marked with the relevant symbol printed beside the lot number in the catalogue.
Collection Notices
As a mark of respect following the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Goodwood will be closed on Monday 19 September, a Bank Holiday, for the State Funeral.
Collection of Motor Cars will be postponed to Tuesday 20 September from 0900 until 1200, after which any uncollected Lots will be removed to store at Buyer / Vendor expense, as the case may be.
Automobilia Lots will be removed on the evening of Sunday 18 September.
It will not be possible to collect Motor Car Lots until Tuesday 20 September.
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For payment information please refer to the sale catalog.
Shipping Notices
Please Note the Automobilia department do not ship out purchased lots, please contact them to be advised of recommended shippers.
All lots not collected at the sale will be charged an Uplift fee as the lots are taken back to storage in Guildford.
All lots marks with 3 diamonds that remain uncollected after the sale are taken to a storage facility in Guildford, separate to the Bonhams Guildford office.
Lot Symbols
•
EXEMPT FROM VAT
Zero rated for VAT, no VAT will be added to the Hammer Price or the Buyer's Premium.
IMPORT LOW RATE
VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.
AR
ARTISTS RESALE RIGHT
Goods subject to Artists Resale Right Additional Premium.
N
NOVA DECLARATION
MOTORCYCLES If purchased by a UK resident, this machine is subject to a NOVA declaration, whilst the responsibility of submitting the NOVA rests with the Buyer to do so, Bonhams will facilitate the process by engaging an agent (SHIPPIO) to undertake the NOVA and C88 (customs) application if applicable on the Buyer's behalf. A fee of £125 + VAT to do so will be added to the Buyer's invoice.CARSIf purchased by a UK resident, this machine is subject to a NOVA declaration, whilst the responsibility of submitting the NOVA rests with the Buyer to do so, Bonhams will facilitate the process by engaging an agent (CARS) to undertake the NOVA on the Buyer's behalf. A fee of £250 + VAT to do so will be added to the Buyer's invoice.
Ω
IMPORT HIGH RATE
VAT on imported items at the prevailing rate on Hammer Price and Buyer's Premium.
AUTOMOBILIA
All lots will be charged £10 + VAT Uplift and storage at £1 + VAT per day per lot.
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UPLIFT AND STORAGE CHARGES
£25 + VAT uplift and storage at £5 + VAT per lot per day.
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UPLIFT AND STORAGE CHARGES
£50 + VAT uplift and storage at £10 + VAT per lot per day
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SPECIALIST SHIPPING AND STORAGE
All lots marked with 3 diamonds will require specific shipping and storage arrangements, as they are either extremely heavy or large items, they will be removed by Autofreight Ltd, who provide independent uplift and storage services for larger lots. There are charges for this service and for storage in their warehouse in Guildford, Surrey, at the buyers expense.
Please contact John Wood, Autofreight Ltd, by phone 01483 222256, or email [email protected] for further information, details of costs and charges or to arrange collection from GU3 3HD.
Shippers or Agents wishing to collect on behalf of the purchaser must provide written instruction from the client before Bonhams will release the lot(s). All purchases are at Buyers risk from the fall of the hammer.
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