I had an R reg Chevette for many years. It was a horrible metallic Brown (re-sprayed it dark blue) and was a hatchback. Had many miles of fun in that little car, it also had many engines too. First one wore out second one blew up due to that Shell Extra stuff that was around at the time. The third engine was a sported up 1256 that lasted until I got bored with it and I sold the engine on replacing it with a Ford 1700 x flow.

This engine went very well, but had a persistent knocking that 3 rebuilds did not cure it was outed and replaced with a Ford 2000 OHC engine that I clocked up over 60K with.

Sadly I sold the car on some years ago when I took up flying, but wished I had kept it as I had along with the 2.0ltr beefed up the suspension, put an A series Manta rear axle that was coupled to the engine with a modified Transit propshaft. I did have to do a bit of panel work to it, but a good dousing with Waxoil sorted it out from the day I bought it.

The little thing went like hot snot. Just wish I still had it cos boy did it handle.

Ahh, many a happy hour spent thrashing around in that.

Mark Jones.

1980 Vauxhall Chevette automatic, everything original, 56000 miles on the clock.

Brilliant ride every time, fully loaded - me, hubby and 2 dogs to the beach.

Three owners, starting to rust on the wings, exhaust has just dropped off. Starts every time.

Great car, though find hard to get parts. Pedal casing split - it took 3 months to find a new one.

My first ever car was a "booted" Vauxhall Chevette and I absolutely ADORED that car - I'm only 29 and had to put up with a lot of jibes, but that little honey moved and was a strong little thing.

I had to scrap it when my hubby smashed it headfirst into a Lada and bent all the chassis - Chevette still drove fine after the crash after pulling the wing away from the wheel to get it back home, but it annihilated the Lada.

I was heartbroken when the scrap truck arrived.

My first car was a sky blue Vauxhall Chevette. I loved that car, traveled all over the country in it, never had a problem. It handled really well, and always was a pleasure to drive. I traded it in years ago, but I still have fond memories and kinda miss it.