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Manta A - Manta B 75-81 - Manta B 81-88 - Manta CC - Cavalier Coupe - Cavalier Hatch - Centaur Convertible

The Vauxhall Cavalier Mk 1 Sportshatch Fact File by Paul Brennecker & Mark Kinnon

Produced From: 1975 - 1981

Total Number Produced:

UK Specifications (1978)


Engine	1.6 litre S	2.0 litre S
Number of cylinders	4	4
Bore mm (in)	85 (3.35)
Stroke mm (in)	69.8 (2.75)
Piston displacement cc (cu in)	1774 (96.7)	1979
Carburettor	1 x Solex type 35 PDSI	1 x Zenith type 35/40 INAT
Max. output (DIN hp at rpm)	75/5000	100/5400
Max. torque (ft/lb. at rpm)	81/3800	113/3800
Compression ratio	8.8:1	8.8:1
Engine (refill) (imp pt)	6.7	6.7
Fuel Tank (imp gallon)	11	11
Transmission	4-speed all synchromesh floor change
	3-speed automatic optional
Body	All steel integral construction
Front suspension	Independent (coil springs)
Rear suspension	Live axle (coil springs)
Steering	Rack and pinion
Brakes	Servo disk/drum
Parking brake	Mechanical to rear wheels
Seat belt anchors	Front and rear
Steering column	Impact absorbing

October 1978 saw the Cavalier Sportshatch introduced to the Vauxhall range, the Manta B hatch was launched at the same time. Identical in trim, the hatch was available in two engine sizes, a 1.6 litre and 2.0 litre (also now fitted to the Coupe).The 1.6 litre cost £4,174.56 while the 2.0 litre was £4,373.46, both models being GLS spec.

The name "Sportshatch" was found on the B pillars, behind the front doors.

Engines & Performance

The 1.6 litre was a 1,774cc CIH 4 cylinder unit which produced 75bhp at 5,000rpm and 81 lbft torque at 3,800rpm. Top speed was 96mph.

The 2.0 litre was a 1,979cc CIH 4 cylinder unit and gave 100bhp at 5,400rpm with 113 lbft torque at 3,800rpm. Top speed was 110mph.

Both engines had hydraulic tappets and automatic chokes on the carburettor.

The gearbox and running gear were identical to that of the Coupe with the exception of the front brake callipers, which were the GM floating type.

Development of the Car, 1978 - 1981

1978

October - Cavalier Sportshatch introduced in 1.6 or 2.0 GLS. Costs were:

Sportshatch 1.6 - £4,174.56
Sportshatch 2.0 - £4,373.46

1979

The Cavalier Sportshatch was now available in 1.6 GL or 2.0 GLS. Both Sportshatch models came with a new interior trim - on the door panels the wood insert was now deleted. The 1.6GL came with a basic 3 clock dash, while the GLS had the 6 clock item, headrests, tinted glass and tailgate wash/wipe.

New options were:

Steel sunroof - £249.17
ATS alloy wheels - £201.33
Tailgate wash/wipe (GL only) - £82.85

1980

The 1.6 engine was offered in GLS trim as an option. Prices for the 1980 range were:

1.6GL - £5,262.40
1.6GLS - £5,352.93
2.0GLS - £6,117.05

Tinted glass was also an option on the GL at £132.05

October - The GL gained headrests and full sports dash.

The range remained unchanged until July 24th, 1981 when the last Mk1 Cavalier was built.

Click here to find out about the Silver Aero concept car.