1979 Vauxhall Chevette HS Group 4 Specification
TGR 144V is a Vauxhall Chevette HS — one of exactly 400 examples built for Group 4 homologation — that has been comprehensively rebuilt to full FIA Group 4 competition specification. The bare shell was stripped, de-rusted, fitted with a new rear tub and a period roll cage before receiving a correct 2.3-litre twin-cam engine, Getrag dog-leg gearbox, Atlas floating rear axle, AP Racing brakes and full Works-pattern components throughout. Since completion the car has recorded five competitive outings with a perfect finishing record.
Ownership
- 2025-02-22Auction saleEstimate £30,000 – £40,000
Competition
- 1979British Open Rally ChampionshipBritish Open Rally ChampionshipChampionship victory
Won by the Chevette HS in its class year, demonstrating the model's tarmac competitiveness against the Ford Escort RS1800.
- 1981British Open Rally ChampionshipBritish Open Rally ChampionshipManufacturers' championship
The more developed Chevette HSR secured the manufacturers' title for Vauxhall.
- —Rally outings (two events)Finished both events
Two rally appearances completed since the restoration was finished, contributing to an unbroken finishing record.
- —Hill climb outings (three events)Finished all three events
Three hill climb appearances post-restoration, all completed without retirement.
Maintenance & restoration
- —Restoration
Full bare-shell rebuild: all corrosion removed, a replacement rear tub welded in, structural reinforcement added to the shell, exhaust tunnel grafted in to Works specification, period-correct roll cage fitted, and the bodywork resprayed.
Approximately 2,000 miles accumulated since restoration was completed.
- —Engine rebuild
A period-correct 2.3-litre twin-cam unit was fully lightened and balanced before installation, fitted with twin 48mm Dellorto carburettors, Works-pattern engine mounts and exhaust manifold, an alloy radiator, electric fan, and all new ancillary components.
Engine paired with a Getrag five-speed dog-leg close-ratio gearbox of the type used by Works cars in period.
- —Mechanical
Installation of heavy-duty competition clutch, Works-type bias pedal box, recently overhauled ZF limited-slip differential, AP Monte Carlo forest front brakes, AP Racing rear callipers on an Atlas fully floating rear axle, braided internal fuel and brake lines, electric fuel pump, and period rally wiring loom.
Works-specification rose-jointed lower arms, heavy-duty front hubs, and quick-ratio steering rack also fitted.
Are you the owner of this car?
This car's public record is built from its auction and competition history. Register your ownership and privately add your own records to make it a verified Legacy Metrics passport — provenance that backs your car's value at sale and gives your insurer evidence to price against. Roy reviews and verifies every registration personally.