The mainstay trim level for the entry-level Chevette, the two-door saloon was rolled out a year after the hatchback in 1976 and remained in the lineup for the remaining 8 years of production. The Chevette was one of the first complete Vauxhall tie-ups with Opel, having shared the same GM parent. Up to this point, […]
1981 Vauxhall Chevette L Read More »
Car design in 1986 was notable for the use of technology for both manufacturing and product, but from a styling point of view, the development in aerodynamics had many advantages too. Along with improved fuel economy, the improved airflow suppressed noise, made cars more stable and therefore improve traction and speed. Handy points for the
1980s Car aerodynamics Read More »
The first of nine selected cars is the Audi Coupe. While a pleasant-looking machine, it lacked the sheer aggression of the original and early models also suffered from poor handling and ride but the status of the four rings on your driveway was never going to be looked down upon. BMW had a significant year,
1988 New car releases Read More »
Is Vic there? The Vauxhall Victor was launched in the hope that it would raise Vauxhalls fortunes in the ’60s. Vauxhall as a brand was known for luxury and sporting cars but long-term owners GM saw that the cars were shifted down-market in an attempt to rival Ford in terms of profitability. Like previous Vauxhall’s,
The principle differences between the original Suzuki Supercarry and the IBC produced Bedford Rascal can be attributed to the different front headlamp surrounds. Also badged as a Holden in Australia, Chevrolet in South America and as a Maruti in India, the Kei derived van proved to be an ideal solution for many people, despite its
1987 Bedford Rascal Read More »
The ‘80s was a period where safety legislation which almost made the open-top car obsolete. Fortunately for those with an appreciation for the wind in the hair experience, a handful of cars were officially listed for sale. Lancia launched the spyder version of the Beta coupe in the UK in 1975 and retained for 7
1980’s production cabriolets Read More »
The ‘80s was a significant period for quick family cars, it’s not too hard to find a 4/5 door family car that reaches 0-60 in less than 8 seconds today. But in 1988, it was considered a benchmark. Many upper-level models from the prestigious European car companies were keen to get involved, as it was
Brisk 80’s saloons under 20K Read More »
The ‘90s was the last decade where the coupe market found favour with buyers. I’ve found a selection of 10 contenders who promise style, handling and performance according to their respective brochures. Picking 1997 as a typical year where you had such a choice of cars, we’ll have a quick analysis of their strengths.
Vauxhall Cavalier/Opel Ascona. The numbers of the MK2 Cavalier have dwindled to a few hundred today, but this ordinary car was performed to fulfil an extraordinary task and achieved it by tackling its arch-rival Ford. When launched in 1981, Vauxhall’s market share was a quarter of that of Fords in the UK but within just
MK2 Vauxhall Cavalier Read More »
In terms of new car sales sectors, the budget estate car has become a rarity today. This may be partly due to the styling of the modern hatchback being considered good enough to cope with most scenarios where a small load-lugger is required, with the boxy utilitarian nature of a no thrills estate car being
Early ’80s budget estate cars Read More »
