• VAUXHALL T CAR - aka CHEVROLET CHEVETTE BRAZIL
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CHEVROLET CHEVETTE SERIES I:

General Motors do Brazil is the largest subsidiary GM in South America and the third largest market for GM products after the US and China and it celebrated 80 years of operation in Brazil in 2005. The company was founded in 1925 and operated in small rented properties Ipiranga in Sao Paulo. Initially the cars were assembled from CKD kits supplied from the US. The first factory opened in São Caetano do Sul – São Paulo in 1930. In 1958 a second factory opened in Sao Jose dos Campos – São Paulo, officially inaugurated a year later by the President Juscelino Kubitschek. GM Brazil were involved in the T Car project from its inception in 1970 (code named project 909 by GM Brazil) and the first division of GM to launch the car on 24 April 1973 as the Chevrolet Chevette. Initially only available as a 2 door Saloon with a 1.4litre engine in one level of trim - Especial. Visually the car was almost identical to the Opel Kadett C that would be launched in Germany later in August 1973.

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A FACTORY LAUNCH PICTURE OF THE CHEVETTE ESPECIALE WAS RATHER PLAIN LOOKING & HAD A SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT GRILLE TO THE OPEL KADETT C

ANOTHER FACTORY LAUNCH PICTURE, NOTE THERE ARE NO CHEVROLET BADGES TO BE SEEN ON THE OUTSIDE

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A FACTORY LAUNCH PICTURE OF THE REAR OF THE CHEVETTE WITH JUST A NAME BADGE TO IDENTIFY THE CAR, IT WAS THE SAME AS ON THE FRONT

FROM THE SIDE THERE WAS A MINIMUM OF EMBELLISHMENT

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A FACTORY LAUNCH SHOT DATED 24.04.73 BUT LOOK CAREFULLY AT THE CAR IN THE TOP LEFT HAND CORNER, THE CHROME WINDOW SURROUNDS WERE NOT AVAILABLE UNTIL THE LAUNCH OF THE SL AVERSION SOME YEARS LATER

The Chevette was a huge investment for GM in Brazil, the number of employees at the São José dos Campos plant increased from 3000 to 8000. The Chevette became an agent of economic development with new auto parts suppliers, an increase in the number of Chevrolet dealers and associated industries being established. It was known within GM Brazil as the "anti-Beetle" and it was named Brazil Car of the Year in 1973 and became a top seller in 1974. This model is now known as the Series I. The one model one trim policy continued until the middle of 1975 with the introduction of the higher powered

Envemo models which also featured additional trim and equipment. Late in 1975, for the 1976 model year, saw the launch of the visually striking Chevette GP model to celebrate the Brazillian Formula 1 race. At the same time the SL version was added to the range with additional chrome trim and equipment. The last new model of the Series I Chevette was launched in 1977 and called the GPII which was an uprated version of the first GP with different camshaft, carburettor and distributor but to meet emission regulations not for increased performance.

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THE 1976MY CHEVROLET CHEVETTE SL FEATURED ADDITIONAL BRIGHTWORK & INTERIOR EQUIPMENT

THE LAST VARIATION OF THE SERIES I CHEVETTE WAS THE GPII WHICH BUILT ON THE SUCCESS OF THE EARLIER GPI

CHEVROLET CHEVETTE SERIES I SPECIFICATIONS:

Production:                            April 1973 to August 1978

                          

Factory:                                  São José dos Campos

                            

Versions:                                Chevrolet Chevette Especial (1973 to 1978) 2 door Saloon

                                                Chevrolet Chevette Envemo (1975 to 1978) 2 door Saloon

                                                Chevrolet Chevette SL (1976 to 1978) 2 door Saloon

                                                Chevrolet Chevette GP (1976) 2 door Saloon

                                                Chevrolet Chevette GPII (1977 to 1978) 2 door Saloon

                            

Engine:                                   1398cc 4cyl SOHC 8v

 

Power:                                     67bhp (gross) @ 5800rpm / 59bhp (net) @ 5400rpm / 89bhp (gross) @ 5800rpm

                                                 (Envemo >mid1976)

                                                 63bhp (net) @ 5400rpm (GP) / 82bhp (net) @ 5800rpm (Envemo mid1976>)

                                                 

Torque:                                    74lbs-ft @ 3000rpm (gross) / 66lbs-ft @ 3600rpm (net) / 80lbs-ft (gross) @ 4000rpm

(Envemo >mid1976)               66lbs-ft @ 3600rpm (net) (GP) / 77lbs-ft (net) @ 3900rpm (Envemo >mid1976)

                                                 

Carburettor:                           Solex H 32/34 / 2 x Dell'Orto DHLA40 (Envemo >mid1976)
                                               

Transmission:                        4 speed floor change = Standard fitment all models

                           

Exterior Dimensions:            Length:       = 162.4ins
                                                Width:         = 61.8ins
                                                Height:        = 54.1ins                      

                                                Wheelbase = 94.3ins

 

Curb Weight =                       1,845lbs

                            

Fuel Capacity:                       9.9 gallons     

CHEVROLET CHEVETTE SERIES II:

Late in 1978, ready for the 1979 model year, came the first proper facelift for the Chevette. The front end of the car was completely revamped with a grille similar to US Pontiacs at the time, the rear end styling remained the same. . The car was still only available as a 2 door Saloon but now with only two trim levels - Standard and SL, the SL models were fitted with increased exterior chrome trim and interior equipment. Announced late in 1978 a new 4 door model was added to the range for the 1979 model year along with a new version of the engine designed to run on ethanol as an alternative to petrol. During 1979 a 3 door Hatch was announced in one level of trim and the option of petrol or ethanol engines. A special edition version of the 1979 Chevette called the "Jeans" featured all seat coverings and door trim in a denim material and was a direct response to VW's "Jeans" Beetle. 1980 saw another styling revision, this time to the rear end which was squared off and featured larger

rear lights. A new 1600cc engine was added to the engine line up in the Hatch 1.6SR as well as a completely new 3 door Estate model called the Marajo which was a local design and was not based on the European Chevette / Kadett C Estate. The Hatch was voted 1980 COTY. The series 2 versions remained almost unchanged until the end of the 1982 model year when the range was revamped and restyled as the series 3

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CHEVROLET CHEVETTE 2 DOOR SALOON 1979

THE NEW FOR 1979 CHEVROLET CHEVETTE 3 DOOR HATCH, IT LOOKED SIMILAR TO THE VAUXHALL CHEVETTE BUT THE REAR END FEATURED DIFFERENT LIGHT UNITS

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THE CHEVROLET CHEVETTE JEANS WAS A MIRROR OF THE VW JEANS BEETLE

THE INTERIOR OF THE CHEVETTE JEANS

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THE JEANS MATERIAL EXTENDED TO THE DOOR TRIMS AS WELL

ANOTHER NEW ADDITION WAS THE 3 DOOR ESTATE CALLED MARAJO

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THE SPORTS VERSION OF THE HATCH WAS CALLED THE CHEVETTE S/R AND FEATURED THE NEW 1.6LITRE ENGINE

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THE 1980 CHEVROLET CHEVETTE SL 3 DOOR HATCH

THE 1980 CHEVROLET CHEVETTE SL 2 DOOR SALOON

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THE 1981 CHEVROLET CHEVETTE 2 DOOR SALOON FEATURED SQUARE HEADLAMPS

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ANOTHER FACTORY PICTURE OF THE 1981 CHEVETTE SL 2 DOOR SALOON

THE 1981 CHEVETTE S/R ALSO FEATURED SQUARE HEADLAMPS AND ALSO A MODIFIED REAR SPOILER

CHEVROLET CHEVETTE SERIES II SPECIFICATIONS:

Production:                            September 1978 to August 1982

                          

Factory:                                  São José dos Campos

                            

Versions:                                Chevrolet Chevette (1978 to 1982) 2 door Saloon

                                                Chevrolet Chevette (1979 to 1982) 4 door Saloon

                                                Chevrolet Chevette SL (1978 to 1978) 2 door Saloon

                                                Chevrolet Chevette SL (1979 to 1978) 4 door Saloon

                                                Chevrolet Chevette alcool (mid 1979 to 1982) 2 & 4 door Saloon & 3 door Hatch

                                                Chevrolet Chevette Marajo (1980 to 1982) 3 door Estate

                                                Chevrolet Chevette Marajo alcool (1980 to 1982) 3 door Estate

                                                Chevrolet Chevette Hatch (1979 to 1982) 3 door Hatch

                                                Chevrolet Chevette Hatch 1.6SR (1980 to 1982) 3 door Hatch

                           

Engine:                                   1. 1398cc 4cyl SOHC 8v (Petrol)

                                                2. 1398cc 4cyl SOHC 8v (Ethanol)

                                                3. 1599cc 4cyl SOHC 8v (SR Petrol)

 

Power:                                    1. 59bhp (net) @ 5400rpm

                                                2. 60bhp (net) @ 5400rpm

                                                3. 71bhp (net) @ 5400rpm (SR)

                                                 

Torque:                                   1. 66lbs-ft @ 3600rpm (net)

                                                2. 69lbs-ft @ 4000rpm (net)

                                                3. 78lbs-ft @ 3600rpm (net) (SR)

                                                 

Carburettor:                           Solex H 32/34 (1398cc petrol)
                                               

Transmission:                        4 speed floor change = Standard fitment all models

                           

Exterior Dimensions:            Length:       = 162.4ins (Saloon)  153.3ins (Hatch)  165.7ins (Estate)
                                                Width:         = 61.8ins (Saloon)    61.8ins (Hatch)     61.8ins (Estate)
                                                Height:        = 54.1ins (Saloon)    54.1 (Hatch)          54.1ins (Estate)                 

                                                Wheelbase = 94.3ins (Saloon)     94.3ins (Hatch)    94.3ins (Estate)       

 

Curb Weight =                       1,845lbs (Saloon) 1,863lbs (Hatch)  1,984lbs (Estate)

                            

Fuel Capacity:                       9.9 gallons     

CHEVROLET CHEVETTE SERIES III:

September 1982 saw the launch of the 1983 model year Series III Chevrolet Chevette. This was far more than a mild facelift, it was a thorough top to bottom overhaul of the Chevette and included new front and rear end design, new interior and a new set of engine and the Saloon was now available as a 2 & 4 door with 1.4, 1.6 or 1.6 with twin carburettors and a 1.6 Ethanol. Both 4 and 5 speed gearboxes were offered. Trim was Standard or SL. The same combination applied to the Hatch and Estate models. This now meant there was a huge choice for customers and home sales and exports increased. All models featured a smart new front end with horizontal bar grille and with new larger rear light units and bigger bumpers front & rear In 1983 a new pick up version was launched called the Chevrolet Chevy 500, it remained in production until 1995 longer than any T Car variation in the world. The front end was the same as the new facelifted passenger models with a new cargo area at the back. The Chevette Hatch was a revamped with the same front end as the Saloon but the rear end was lengthened giving a look similar to the Ford Escort Mk3 or Volvo 340.

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THE COMPLETELY REVISED CHEVROLET CHEVETTE FOR THE 1983MY

THE NEW CHEVROLET 500 PICK UP WOULD CONTINUE IN PRODUCTION UNTIL 1995 LONGER THAN ANY OTHER GM T CAR MODEL

CHEVROLET CHEVETTE SERIES III SPECIFICATIONS:

Production:                            September 1982 to August 1987

                          

Factory:                                  São José dos Campos

                            

Versions:                                Chevrolet Chevette 1.6 alcool (1982 to 1987) 2 & 4 door Saloon / 3 door Hatch / 3 door Estate

                                                Chevrolet Chevette 1.4 (1982 to 1987) 2 & 4 door Saloon / 3 door Hatch / 3 door Estate

                                                Chevrolet Chevette 1.6 SL (1982 to 1987) 2 & 4 door Saloon / 3 door Hatch / 3 door Estate

                                                Chevrolet Chevette 1.6 SL Carb Duplo (1982 to mid 1984) 2 & 4 door Saloon / 3 door Hatch / 3 door Estate

                                                Chevrolet Chevette 1.6 SL Automatic (mid 1985 to 1987) 2 & 4 door Saloon / 3 door Hatch / 3 door Estate

                                                Chevrolet Chevy 500 1.6 alcool (1983 to 1987) Pick-Up

                                                Chevrolet Chevy 500 1.6 (1983 to 1987) Pick-Up

                           

Engine:                                   1. 1398cc 4cyl SOHC 8v (1.4 Petrol)

                                                2. 1599cc 4cyl SOHC 8v (1.6 Ethanol)

                                                3. 1599cc 4cyl SOHC 8v (1.6 Petrol)

                                                4. 1599cc 4cyl SOHC 8v twin choke carburettor (1.6 Petrol)

 

Power:                                    1. 61bhp (net) @ 5600rpm

                                                2. 71bhp (net) @ 5600rpm

                                                3. 68bhp (net) @ 5200rpm

                                                4. 72bhp (net) @ 5600rpm

                                                 

Torque:                                   1. 76lbs-ft @ 3200rpm (net)

                                                2. 89lbs-ft @ 3200rpm (net)

                                                3. 86lbs-ft @ 3200rpm (net)

                                                4. 90lbs-ft @ 3200rpm (net)

                                                 

Carburettor:                           Weber 228 (1599cc petrol)
                                               

Transmission:                        4 or 5 speed floor change or GM TH Automatic

                           

Exterior Dimensions:            Length:       = 163.8ins (Saloon)  156.4ins (Hatch)  165.7ins (Estate)
                                                Width:         = 61.8ins (Saloon)    61.8ins (Hatch)     61.8ins (Estate)
                                                Height:        = 52.2ins (Saloon)    52.2 (Hatch)          54.5ins (Estate)                 

                                                Wheelbase = 94.3ins (Saloon)     94.3ins (Hatch)    94.3ins (Estate)       

 

Curb Weight =                       1,962lbs (Saloon) 1,951lbs (Hatch)  2,039lbs (Estate)

                            

Fuel Capacity:                       9.9 gallons 

CHEVROLET CHEVETTE SERIES IV:

For the 1988 model year the Chevrolet Chevette received another facelift, this time it was only minor exterior modifications and some trim enhancements. The Hatch version was dropped from the Chevette range. The 5 speed gearbox was standardized across all models and in the saloon there was an Isuzu diesel engine available, the 1.4litre base engine was dropped. The diesel only lasted until the middle of 1988 and was not popular. The Marajo Estate version was withdrawn at the end of the 1989 model year production run. The main exterior difference was a new grille, this time with the Chevrolet logo in the centre, and a modified lower front valence beneath the bumper. Launched late in 1991 for the 1992 model year was a new basic version of the Chevette called Junior. The car featured a 1.0litre engine from Opel and 4 or 5 speed gearbox. At the same time the 1.6 was available as a petrol Standard or "DL" model or 1.6 acool and 1.6 Automatic. For 1993 only the Junior and a new L model were available, this would be last year of the Chevette saloons. The pick up lasted until 1995.

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THE NEW BASIC CHEVETTE JUNIOR WHICH USED AN OPEL 1.0ohv ENGINE

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THE 1988MY CHEVROLET CHEVETTE DL 2 DOOR SALOON

THE INTERIOR OF THE CHEVETTE JUNIOR WAS QUITE BASIC BUT HAD ALL THE ESSENTIALS

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THE CHEVETTE L WAS THE LAST OF THE PASSENGER CHEVETTES AND FINISHED PRODUCTION IN 1993 ALONG WITH ALL OTHER CHEVETTES

THE CHEVROLET 500 PICK UP CARRIED ON UNTIL 1995 AND WAS THE LAST PRODUCTION T CAR ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD

CHEVROLET CHEVETTE SERIES IV SPECIFICATIONS:

Production:                            September 1987 to August 1993 (Pick-Up 1995)

                          

Factory:                                  São José dos Campos

                            

Versions:                                Chevrolet Chevette 1.6 alcool Marajo (Sept 1987 to Aug 1989) 3 door Estate

                                                Chevrolet Chevette 1.6 Marajo (Sept 1987 to Aug 1989) 3 door Estate

                                                Chevrolet Chevette 1.6 Marajo (Sept 1987 to Aug 1987) 3 door Estate

                                                Chevrolet Chevette 1.6 alcool (Sept 1987 to Aug 1992) 2 & 4 door Saloon

                                                Chevrolet Chevette 1.6 (Sept 1987 to Aug 1992) 2 & 4 door Saloon

                                                Chevrolet Chevette 1.6L (Sept 1992 to Aug 1993) 2 & 4 door Saloon

                                                Chevrolet Chevette 1.6L acool (Sept 1992 to Aug 1993) 2 & 4 door Saloon

                                                Chevrolet Chevette 1.6DL alcool (Sept 1991 to Aug 1992) 2 & 4 door Saloon

                                                Chevrolet Chevette 1.6DL (Sept 1991 to Aug 1992) 2 & 4 door Saloon

                                                Chevrolet Chevette Diesel (Jan 1987 to Aug 1988) 2 & 4 door Saloon

                                                Chevrolet Chevette 1.0 Junior (Aug 1992 to Aug 1993) 2 & 4 door Saloon - 4 or 5 speed

                                                Chevrolet Chevy 500 1.6 alcool (1988 to 1995) Pick-Up

                                                Chevrolet Chevy 500 1.6 (1988 to 1995) Pick-Up

                           

Engine:                                   1. 1599cc 4cyl SOHC 8v (1.6 Petrol)

                                                2. 1599cc 4cyl SOHC 8v (1.6 Ethanol)

                                                3. 1817cc 4cyl SOHC 8v (1.8 Diesel - Isuzu 4FB1)

                                                4. 993cc 4cyl OHV 8v (1.0 Petrol)

 

Power:                                    1. 72bhp (net) @ 5200rpm (70bhp @ 5200rpm Aug 1992 >)

                                                2. 80bhp (net) @ 5200rpm

                                                3. 60bhp (net) @ 5000rpm

                                                4. 48bhp (net) @ 6000rpm

                                                 

Torque:                                   1. 91lbs-ft @ 3000rpm (net) (88lbs-ft @ 3000rpm Aug 1992 >)

                                                2. 94lbs-ft @ 2800rpm (net)

                                                3. 81lbs-ft @ 2000rpm (net)

                                                4. 51lbs-ft @ 3000rpm (net)

                                                 

Carburettor:                           Brosol H35 (1.0) Weber 228 (1.6 petrol > Aug 1991) Brosol 2E (1.6 petrol Aug 1992 >)
                                               

Transmission:                        4 speed (1.0 only) 5 speed (optional 1.0, standard on all other models) / GM TH

                                                Automatic (until Aug 1992)

                           

Exterior Dimensions:            Length:       = 164.8ins (Saloon)  165.9ins (Estate)
                                                Width:         = 61.8ins (Saloon)    61.8ins (Estate)
                                                Height:        = 52.1ins (Saloon)    54.5ins (Estate)                 

                                                Wheelbase = 94.3ins (Saloon)     94.3ins (Estate)       

 

Curb Weight =                       1,907lbs (1.0 Saloon) 2,116lbs (Estate)

                            

Fuel Capacity:                       11.2 gallons (Saloon) 9.9 gallons (Estate)     

GM BRAZIL CHEVETTE CONCEPT CARS:

It is often assumed, wrongly, that GM Brazil just assembled what everybody else in General Motors designed for them. In fact GMB had it's own design studio back in the late 1960s and opened it's own test facility at Cruz Alta in 1974. GMB had shown two concepts in 1972, the Chevrolet Opala Las Vegas and the Opala Aguia, but the first Chevette concept was shown at the 1974 Sao Paulo Motor Show and was called the Chevrolet Monza, a name that would later be applied to the J Car in Brazil. The car featured a larger grille above and below the bumper, larger wheel arches that looked a bit odd because the wheels and tyres were not really big enough, blacked out window frames and a rear boot spoiler. It looked pretty good but still had the 1.4litre engine (with twin Dell' Orto carburettors)

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THE CHEVETTE BASED CHEVROLET MONZA CONCEPT AT THE 1974 SAO PAULO MOTOR SHOW

The next T Car based concept was unveiled at the Sao Paulo Motor Show in 1978, the Chevette S/R was another sporting proposal by GMB's Design studio to replace the Chevette GP. The concept featured a graduated paint effect, new wheels and bumpers, front and rear spoilers, side skirts, new hood with power dome, covered headlights and sunroof. Inside there were full instrumentation and seat covers in bright tartan cloth (I wonder where that idea came from?) The front end style is almost identical to that of the Chevrolet Electrovette show car in the US built around the same time.

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THE CHEVROLET CHEVETTE S/R STYLING CONCEPT OF 1978