A match for the Ford Escort RS1800 on tarmac in HS guise, the Chevette became its superior when it evolved into the HSR.

Nicknamed ‘Plastic Fantastic', the latter employed fibreglass for its front air dam, bonnet, rear spoiler, tailgate, and front / rear wings.

Lighter and more aerodynamic than its predecessor, the HSR also boasted a greater range of transmission and rear axle options.

Better able to deploy its considerable power and torque thanks to improved five-link rear suspension and wider wheels, Vauxhall's diminutive hatchback continued to embarrass rivals on tarmac well into the Group B era.

The HS won the British Open Rally Championship for Drivers in 1979, while the HSR claimed the manufacturers' crown two years later.

Vauxhall were supposed to build 50 HSR cars but Blydenstein's Shepreth-based outfit only managed to complete 34.

The merger between Dealer Team Vauxhall and Dealer Opel Team saw the newly formed GM Dealer Sport switch its attention to the Opel Manta 400 w...