Hatch Heaven

The special edition 1992 Vauxhall Nova Sri had a multi-point, fuel-injection 1.4 liter engine with a catalytic converter that was described by What Car magazine as “Crisply-responding, smooth-revving and muscular”. It delivered 82 BHP through a five-speed gearbox. It had special sports suspension and upgraded shock absorbers, as well as an anti-roll bar and grippy 14″ low profile tires. It was pretty good looking too, with its aerodynamic spoilers, sports wheels, sports front seat and tinted glass. Other standard features included electric front windows, central locking and a top security radio/cassette. It was available in Glacier White, Breeze Blue, the pictured Flame Red and the optional Black. It was priced at £9,805.

Putting an “E” after a Vauxhall model name was the brand’s way of telling you that you were getting a high level of specification at a really down-to-earth Price. The 1976 Vauxhall Chevette E had an MSRP of £1,636 and was equipped with a 1256cc engine, dual circuit, servo-assisted braking system, front disc brakes and self adjusting rear drum brakes. The interior included standard fittings such as loop pile carpeting, reclining front seats, two speed wipers with a single wipe feature, a heater and demister with two-speed booster fan, a deep front parcel shelf, fitted front seat belts and much more. The back gave you 12 cubic feet of luggage space and if you needed more, just fold down the rear seats and that got you up to 35.3 cubic feet of space. It had an 11 stage body protection and full underbody seal with a 12 month unlimited warranty. All that, and it got 45.3 MPG.

The 1985 Vauxhall Nova 3-Door was part of a 16 model range and became of of Britain’s top ten sellers because they were remarkably well equipped with features like head restraints, halogen headlights a dipping rear view mirror and an intermittent tailgate washer/wiper. In addition to the side stripes and a laminated windscreen, they also included a clock and door pockets for good measure. All Novas benefitted from improved suspension and a completely new range of trim fabrics. You could even get the sporty 1.3 engine from the speedy SR in the L and GL models.

The 1972 Vauxhall Viva HC had two engine options, a 1256cc and a 1600cc. It got 35.2 MPG with a top speed of 85 MPH. It offered five feet of luggage space with the back seats down. Deep-sprung body-contoured seats, through-flow heating and ventilation, face-level adjustable fresh-air vents and a two speed heater and demister. Its body was 28% thicker than its major rivals and had a heat sealed acrylic paint finish. Safety came from its tandem master cylinder braking system, safety steering column and included front seat belts. The price included factory-applied underbody seal and multi-stage phosphate rust-proofing treatment.  The Viva 1256cc had an MSRP of £996 and the Viva 1600cc of £1.071.

The limited edition 1980 Vauxhall Chevette Sun-Hatch had a detachable sunroof not to mention a shower of other extras. It had tinted glass all around, sport wheels and special color metallic paint with finishing touches like amber side flashers and side moldings. Some interior features included front head restraints, a clock and a push button radio.