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Cavalier Mk1 in Continental Europe

Not many people are aware of this but up till 1981 Vauxhall Cars were sold in continental Europe alongside Opel’s in 11 countries. However the reason they were not sold past 1981 is as follows. On 6th December 1979 Vauxhall announced that they were pulling out of 11 major European countries where Vauxhall cars were sold. This was to be completed by the end of 1981. This was part of a rationalization program by General Motors (Vauxhall and Opel’s parent company) who at the time wanted to place more emphasis for the cars and their development on the German Opel side and not Vauxhall. Opel sales in the UK also stopped in 1981 (Other than the Opel Manta which continued until 1988). The Vauxhall Cavalier Mk1 was also sold in the following European countries. Holland, Denmark, Austria, Belgium, France, Norway, Poland, Italy and Switzerland. Please see Belgium brochure below. The Coupe was available with the 1.3 engine and in Norway the car came with Manta style headlight wipers. The other main differences was the colours.

Big thanks to Norbert Gall for forwarding us these two pictures of what may be the Sole Surviving Cavalier Mk1 in Austria. Norbert spotted the car in Vienna's City Centre.

The above are all Belgium brochures.

1976 Dutch brochure. Another Dutch Brochure.

A French brochure from 1976.

A Cavalier Mk1 Sportshatch Belgium Advert.

A Cavalier Mk1 Sportshatch Belgium Press Pictures from 1979.

A Cavalier Mk1 Italian Brochure. Of note is the photo with the Yellow Cavalier Mk1 appears to be a reversal of the one in the 1975 launch brochure. Presumable this was a cost save as the reversal made the car appear left hand drive.