Registration – RJF 229W

Chassis No. – M1LX123930

M.O.T. – No

Odometer – 41,901

This charming 1981 Vauxhall Chevette two-door, offered at No Reserve, is described by the vendor as a very original example indeed. It is resplendent in sparkling metallic blue, with a complementary blue interior. It has an odometer reading just 42,000 miles (with low historical MOT readings dating right back to 2006). A 1.3-litre Chevette, this cheeky little Vauxhall has a ‘good’ engine and four-speed manual transmission, says the vendor, with similarly good electrics.

‘RJF229W’ has, remarkably, had just three owners. The first and second owners kept it from May 1981 right up to 2020 – that’s over 39 years. It was recommissioned and put back on the road for daily use in August 2024. It has since been used regularly and cherished, meaning it “drives well and works as it should”. A further attraction of this classic rear-wheel drive Vauxhall saloon is the fact it is both MOT and tax exempt.

The Vauxhall Chevette was launched in 1975 and enjoyed a nine-year life – it was being built right up to 1984, despite effectively being replaced by the Vauxhall Astra in 1981. Production facilities included both Luton and Ellesmere Port in the UK. Offered in a range of bodystyles including saloon, hatch and estate, the Chevette was often the UK’s best-selling hatchback of all during the 1970s. Its sporty front end design was stylish, and it was both mechanically simple and well-engineered. Around 415,000 were sold in the UK, but despite being a top seller, it is a rare and increasingly collectable car today.

· 1981 Vauxhall Chevette offered at No Reserve

· Odometer reads just 42,000 miles and records show just three owners

· Recommissioned in August 2024