Vauxhall that turned to the Dark Side: Chevette ‘Vader’ is 290bhp menace and looks it
‘The Vader’ is the Vauxhall Chevette that’s had a mean makeover. Simon de Burton draws his lightsaber to find out more
Iconic Auctioneers
This sinister-looking restomod began life as a cooking model Vauxhall Chevette finished in custard yellow. But, following a 16-month transformation by Leicestershire-based Retropower – which specialises in unique vehicle builds – it now stands as one of the most powerful, most expensive and undoubtedly meanest-looking Chevettes ever created.
| 1. The rear-wheel-drive car is equipped with floating Atlas axle with limited-slip differential | 2. Bodyshell is braced, seam-welded and fitted with a built-in rollcage | 3. Gearbox is a sequential Quaife unit | 4. Competition clutch is either ‘on’ or ‘off’ | 5. The 2.3-litre red top Vauxhall engine has been tuned to produce around 290 horsepower | 6. Power steering makes the Vader less of a handful |
It was commissioned by a wealthy, anonymous client – the car is said to have cost around £200,000 to complete and was inspired by the extremely rare HSR rally Chevettes, a mere 50 or so of which were built between 1980 and ’81. ‘The Vader’, though, looks even more extreme thanks to its braced and seam-welded shell, full rollcage, extra-wide wheel arches based on those of the Dealer Team Vauxhall asphalt rally cars – and, of course, the ‘triple black’ finish that gives it its name.
Beneath the menacing skin lies a highly tuned 2.3-litre Vauxhall red top engine that’s said to produce 290bhp and drives through a six-speed Quaife sequential gearbox. Stopping is taken care of by a quartet of AP racing brake calipers and 304mm front discs, with top quality Bilstein suspension keeping the car on track.
According to the auction house £200,000 was spent transforming this Chevette
Iconic Auctioneers
Inside the Chevette, everything is completely bespoke (and black), from the carbon fibre seats to the billet aluminium pedal box and digital instrument display. And rather than Vauxhall spelt out on the rear, there’s Vader, inset.
Little used since the build was completed (but fully shaken down and tested) the Vader is ready to be used as a quick and eye-catching restomod road car.
Or, if you could bring yourself to muddy that gleaming paintwork and pristine interior, it would make a superb rally weapon at what will likely be a fraction of its build cost. Fancy bidding? May the force be with you.
1984 Vauxhall Chevette ‘the Vader’
On offer with Iconic Auctioneers, Ashorne, Warwickshire, February 22, Estimate: £60,000-£70,000. iconicauctioneers.com