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When Autocar tested the 2.0 GLS Sports Hatch in February 1980, they accurately described it as ‘just plain nice’. It was a truly desirable machine – less overtly aggressive in appearance than the Ford Capri Mk. III - and a Jade Green Metallic Sports Hatch was as much of its era as bomber jackets and Harp lager in thin glasses. And although the Cavalier Mk. I was Luton’s interpretation of the Opel Manta B; the Sports Hatch was a British creation.

Prior to August 1978, Vauxhall had never previously offered such a coupe, although the HC-Series Magnum - and especially the Sports Hatch Estate - featured very attractive semi-fast-back bodywork. Opel’s idea for a three-door Manta B took the form of a modest three-door saloon to rival the likes of the VW Passat, but fortunately, General Motors opted for Luton over Rüsselsheim. Indeed, Vauxhall dispatched the Sports Hatch body panels to Germany.

The Sports Hatch was initially sold in 1.6GLS and 2.0GLS forms; Vauxhall, rather charmingly, listed a ‘dipping rear view mirror’, ‘Wood veneer door inserts’ and ‘Driver’s map pocket’ as notable features. The new Cavaliers supplanted the existing two-door Coupe until Vauxhall dropped the latter from their line-up in 1979.

From the outset, it was quite evident that the Sports Hatch would sell on the strength of its looks, but Luton’s sales approach was a blend of hyperbole and suburban domesticity. The April-June 1979 brochure highlighted the seating capacity for five and the large boot while one advertisement proclaimed it was a Cavalier for ‘Motor Sport and Homes and Gardens’. This was a tacit admission that the Sports Hatch was more likely to be seen outside of Asda than at Brands Hatch.

In terms of domestic rivals, the most obvious target for the Cavalier was the Capri 1.6GL and 2.0S Mk. III. Talbot never offered a car in this class and a late-model Morris Marina 1.7 S3 two-door was never quite in this bracket. Instead, a potential Vauxhall customer would have probably considered a Toyota Celica Liftback, VW Scirocco, Colt Celeste 2000 GT or  Renault 17TS.

Car evaluated the 2.0GLS version opposite the Capri 2.0S in December 1978, and they concluded that although the Vauxhall was £162 more expensive, it was ‘just as much fun, slightly better mannered and agreeably more refined’. This was precisely what many drivers demanded, and by 1980 Luton made the GLS yet more attractive with a radio-cassette player and a remote control drover’s door mirror as standard.

1980 also saw the Cavalier “Silver Aero” make its bow at the NEC Motor Show. In essence, it was the Sports Hatch with a cabin featuring electrically powered Recaro seats finished in black leather, a GRP body kit and a 150bhp turbocharged 2.4-litre engine. Alas, it was never to enter production but the Silver Aero remains a prime example of Vauxhall’s Design Department’s ambition.

As it was, there was to be no coupe version of the 1981 Cavalier Mk. II, which makes any surviving example of the Sports Hatch a very desirable machine. It was a car that was ever so slightly more svelte than the Capri – less CI5 and more junior architect. And who could resist a Vauxhall with ‘4-spoke sports steering wheel’.

Why choose Lancaster Insurance?

Here at Lancaster, we love classic cars as much as you do and we understand what it takes to protect them for future generations.

We have links with some of the top classic car clubs around the country and some of our policies even offer discounts of up to 25% for club members.

Other benefits of classic car insurance through Lancaster can include:

• Historic rally cover
• Static show cover
• Limited mileage discounts
• Choice of repairer
• 24-hour claims helpline

Give your classic the protection it deserves and get a quote for your Vauxhall today.