The 1980 Vauxhall Bedford Chevanne’s long life power unit was developed from the well-proven 1,256cm, four-cylinder, over-head-valve petrol engine of the Vauxhall Chevette cars and HA light vans.
To help keep fuel costs down, it was fitted with proven fuel saving features like a viscous-coupling fan and a thermostatically controlled pre-heat induction system. It produced 52.8 BHP net installed power, yet with its specially developed cylinder head and 7,3 to 1 compression ratio it requires only 2-star fuel. When GM’s automatic transmission was specified, a higher compression (8,7 to 1) version needing 4-star fuel is fitted to give 56.3 BHP net installed power.
Chevanne’s four-speed, all-synchromesh manual gearbox was engineered specifically to match the power, torque and weight, to give the right ratio to any situation. It is driven through a clutch which, though “heavy-duty” in design to cope with punishing stop-start urban delivery, is light and positive in action for smooth transmission of power. You could also specify GM‘s smooth automatic transmission which included a high-compression engine, heavy duty battery, heavy duty front suspension and a cut-pile cab carpet. (image source: John Lloyd)
1980 Vauxhall Bedford Chevanne