Auctions
The Iconic Sale at the NEC Classic Motor Show 2025
1977 Vauxhall Chevette HS - First Manufactured, ex-Press

Back to lots

1977 Vauxhall Chevette HS - First Manufactured, ex-Press

Lot Number: 336

1977 Vauxhall Chevette HS - First Manufactured, ex-Press

This is an historically significant example in the world of the HS Chevette – the first one built, ex-Press, ex-Fleet, beautifully restored and rich in provenance.

Sold for: £32,625

LIVE AUCTION: This lot was auctioned on Saturday 8th November, 2025 at 11.00am local time at NEC, Birmingham, B40 1NT

BODY COLOUR
Silver Metallic
DRIVE
RHD
REG NUMBER
UVS 302S
ODOMETER READING
63354 Miles

SUMMARY

This is an historically significant example in the world of the HS Chevette – the first one built, ex-Press, ex-Fleet, beautifully restored and rich in provenance.

DESCRIPTION

Widely regarded as one of the most historically significant examples of the Vauxhall Chevette HS, this remarkable car is believed to be the very first HS built at Luton in late 1977. Crucially, it served as both a Vauxhall Press and Fleet Department car prior to the main production run in 1978, making it a landmark vehicle in the model’s development and public launch.

Vauxhall retained the car from new until September 1980, during which time it was used extensively by PR and Press teams. A letter from Vauxhall’s PR Department on file confirms its status, signed by an individual who drove it in period. It appeared in early publicity material and is featured in Graham Robson’s book Vauxhall Chevette HS and HSR, a copy of the book accompanies the car.

After leaving Vauxhall, it passed through several owners until 1987, before remaining with two long term custodians until it joined a private collection in 2024. The mileage is well documented - 27,524 miles in 1983, 32,750 miles in 1985, 49,787 miles in 1987 and 57,828 miles in 1988. It was taken off the road for 28 years and later re-emerged showing 63,154 miles.

A full bare metal restoration was carried out using genuine Vauxhall panels where required, and the car was refinished in its original Silver Metallic. Importantly, it retains almost all of the rare early production features seen only on the first cars, including Sundym glass, a silver front panel, black rear panel, early-style decals and badges, original VEGA wheels with flat washer receptors and no door mirrors. A new Pilkington windscreen and correct rubber seals were fitted, and the finish presents very well with only minor blemishes noted. The interior remains largely original with factory tartan trim, carpets and fittings, and only minimal professional repairs to preserve authenticity. The correct black headlining, visors and gauges are present.

The running gear was fully stripped and rebuilt, with refurbished suspension, brakes, axle, steering and five new tyres. The gearbox was inspected and rebuilt to the correct GTE-specification with an uprated torque tube. The original 2.3-litre slant-four engine was rebuilt by respected specialists Noble Mellows Engineering, enlarged to the correct 2.4-litre homologated specification used in period rally cars, fully balanced, and dyno tested at 200bhp.

Supplied with period invoices, numerous recent restoration and a period letter from Vauxhall, this is the first ever HS Chevette – ex-Press, ex-fleet, beautifully restored and rich in provenance.

SPECIFICATION

Lot Number: 336
Make: VAUXHALL
Model: CHEVETTE
Registration Number: UVS 302S
MOT Expiry: Exempt
Chassis Number: 9B08RGY137545
Engine Number: 23H3340746
Transmission: Manual
Body Colour: Silver Metallic

GALLERY

SPECIALIST

Stacey Williams
Car Specialist
07472 250306
stacey@iconicauctioneers.com

For further information regarding this lot please contact Stacey.

Email Stacey
Telephone Stacey

SHARE THIS LOT

SEE IT IN ACTION

Please note all lots must be removed from the venue no later than 2pm on Monday 10th November. Collections will be from 9am - 2pm. If you cannot collect yourself, please do get in touch with our transport partner, EM Rogers, who will be happy to help you.

Uplift by EM Rogers back to their storage facility in Northampton is £175 plus VAT. Storage is £10 plus VAT per day for the first seven days and £40 plus VAT per week thereafter.

For larger vehicles such as vans, transporters etc. please contact EM Rogers on +44 (0)1604 755511 for a quote.

If you cannot collect, or do not let us know transport arrangements before noon on 10th November, we will send the car to EM Rogers on your behalf.

A classic car or motorcycle is a source of great pride and enjoyment but, whether your car or motorcycle is in storage or on the road, you’ll need a specialist insurance policy. We have partnered with Howden Insurance a leading insurance brokers with a team dedicated to classic cars and motorcycles. They cover a vast array of classic and vintage models and only work with insurers who provide a great service and share our passion for the classic motor industry.

For a personal classic car or classic motorcycle quote, visit:

www.howdeninsurance.co.uk/iconic-auctioneers

Back to top

Newsletter Sign Up

Keyword Alerts

First Name^*

Last Name^*

Email^*

I agree that I wish to sign up to Iconic Auctioneers Newsletters

Would you like to receive personalised keyword alerts when new catalogues go live. If so, please indicate these below

Add Keywords: (e.g Cartier)

Set a password to save your keyword alerts

Password:^*

Passwords are a minimum of 7 characters and must include an upper case letter, a lower case letter, a number and a special character.

Re-Enter Password:^*

I agree to the terms and conditions and privacy policy.*

I would like to receive news and alerts from Forum Auctions

Thank you for signing up for email notifications.

Thank you, your preferences have been saved and a "lite" account has been created for you. Should you wish to buy or sell with Forum, please login to create a "full" account.

Return to homepage Create an account Login Create an account

1977 Vauxhall Chevette HS - First Manufactured, ex-Press

1977 Vauxhall Chevette HS - First Manufactured, ex-Press