Vauxhall Chevette GLS: A Cult Classic in British Automotive History

The Vauxhall Chevette GLS is a true motoring gem, offering a unique combination of rally-bred performance and practicality If you're looking for a car that's as much about performance as it is about practicality, the Vauxhall Chevette GLS is an excellent choice Keywords: Vauxhall Chevette GLS, Vauxhall, Lotus Engineering, Rally Car, Performance Car, Practicality, Collectibility, Rarity

The Vauxhall Chevette GLS: A Rally-Bred Sensation with Practicality

The Vauxhall Chevette GLS is a hidden gem in the world of rallying, with a competition-bred DNA that translates to impressive performance on the road. Launched in the early 1980s, the Chevette GLS was a result of Vauxhall's collaboration with the prestigious Lotus Engineering company. The resulting car was a rally-proven package with a high-performance engine, exceptional handling, and a dash of style. In this article, we'll delve into the world of the Vauxhall Chevette GLS, exploring its rally heritage, technical specifications, and what makes it a gem for driving enthusiasts.

Rally Roots

The Vauxhall Chevette GLS was born from the ashes of the World Rally Championship (WRC) where Vauxhall and Lotus Engineering partnered to develop a high-performance version of the Chevette, a compact hatchback. The result was a car that combined the reliability and practicality of a daily driver with the performance and handling of a rally champion. The Chevette GLS' rally heritage is evident in its wide track, low ride height, and aggressive styling cues that scream "performance."

Technical Specifications

Under the bonnet, the Chevette GLS packs a punch with a 2.0-liter, gasoline-powered inline-four engine producing 135 horsepower. Although this may seem modest by today's standards, the engine was designed with power delivery in mind, producing a healthy 13:1 compression ratio and a flat torque curve. Paired with a five-speed manual transmission, the engine provides butter-smooth power delivery, making it an absolute joy to drive.

The Chevette GLS' platform is a strengthened version of the standard Chevette, with a sophisticated suspension setup that features coil-spring, double-wishbone front suspension and a live rear axle with coil springs. This setup provides exceptional handling and poise, allowing the driver to push the car to its limits with confidence.

Performance and Handling

The Vauxhall Chevette GLS' rally-bred DNA shines through on the road, with its razor-sharp handling and impressive acceleration. The engine's flat torque curve and manual transmission make it a joy to explore the car's capabilities on twisty roads. The GLS' suspension is expertly tuned, soaking up bumps and road imperfections with ease, providing a comfortable ride even on less-than-perfect road surfaces.

Practicality

While the Chevette GLS is a performance-car at heart, it's not without its practicalities. The car features a spacious interior with ample room for four passengers, although the rear seats are somewhat small due to the sloping roofline. The boot space is respectable, with 225 liters of cargo capacity, making it suitable for weekend getaways or commutes.

Collectibility and Rarity

The Vauxhall Chevette GLS is a rare beast, with only a limited production run of around 2,000 units. This scarcity has led to a dedicated following among car collectors and enthusiasts, with prices for good condition models rapidly appreciating. If you're looking to own a piece of rallying history, the Chevette GLS is an excellent choice.

Summing it Up

The Vauxhall Chevette GLS is a true motoring gem, offering a unique combination of rally-bred performance and practicality. With its exceptional handling, smooth engine, and comfortable ride, it's an absolute joy to drive. Add to this its rarity and collectibility, and you have a car that's not only a thrill to drive but also a savvy investment for the future. If you're looking for a car that's as much about performance as it is about practicality, the Vauxhall Chevette GLS is an excellent choice.

Key Specifications:

• Engine: 2.0-liter, gasoline-powered inline-four
• Power: 135 horsepower
• Torque: 169 Nm (124 lb-ft)
• Transmission: Five-speed manual
• Drive Type: Front-wheel drive
• Suspension: Coil-spring, double-wishbone front suspension and live rear axle with coil springs
• Top Speed: 210 km/h (130 mph)
• 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph): 8.5 seconds
• Fuel Economy: 11.4 liters per 100 kilometers (25.1 miles per gallon)
• Boot Space: 225 liters

Keywords: Vauxhall Chevette GLS, Vauxhall, Lotus Engineering, Rally Car, Performance Car, Practicality, Collectibility, Rarity.

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