World car pics and articles

[crazytim]

Been researching Tcars (south America in particular) found this, will also type up articles i got out of a holden book with full gemini info...so need a scanner!! Anyway this may enlighten some. Mite start a thread with all the different models (pics) found some cool pics of the Chevy Marajo, need to find some of the chevy/GMC 500 now!!


World car of the 70s

World Car of the seventies is the General Motors so-called T-car, developed in Germany.

It was first introduced in the spring of 1973 in Brazil as the Chevrolet Chevette (2-door Sedan), followed in October 1978 by the 4-door Sedan, and in 1980 by a 3-door Hatchback. In October 1980 arrived a 3-door Wagon, later called Chevrolet Marajó. Also available was a pick-up, called Chevrolet Chevy 500, named GMC 500 in other countries. In Colombia and Chile there was a Chevrolet San Remo (4-door Sedan) and in Ecuador a Chevrolet Cargo (pick-up). In Ecuador there has also been an Aymesa Cóndor (fibre glass 2-door Sedan, 2-door Coupe and pickup) and the wagon was sold as Aymesa Gacela. In Ecuador also was the Chevrolet Hatch. In Uruguay, the Brazilian Chevette Wagon was built as Grumett 250M with a polyester body; later it was renamed Grumett Color. There were also a Grumett Sport 2-door coupe and a Grumett pickup, in both 2-seat and 4-seat versions. Later, GM sold the Chevette (2- and 4-door Sedan), also as diesel.

In Germany, in September 1973 it arrived as the third Opel Kadett generation (Kadett C) as a 2-door Sedan, 4-door Sedan, Coupé and 3-door Wagon, in May 1975 followed by a 3-door Hatchback (Opel Kadett City) and in March 1976, a 2-door with open roof top and rear end arrived, called Opel Kadett Aero. By 1978 the Kadett City was renamed Opel City, and in October 1977 the Opel Rallye was added, a high-performance version of the Coupé. In November 1977 a limited editon series of the Kadett GT/E was released, called Opel GT/E.

In the autumn of 1974 the car was built in Argentina as Opel K-180 (4-door sedan). Later, the Brazilian 2-door Sedan was sold in Argentina as GMC Chevette from 1992 to 1994.

In Japan, in November 1974, the car was introduced as Isuzu Bellett Gemini as a 4-door Sedan and a Coupé, 2 years later renamed Isuzu Gemini.

In March 1975, the 3-door Hatchback first appeared in England as Vauxhall Chevette, in June 1976 accompanied by the 2-door Sedan and 4-door Sedan, and in October 1976 by the 3-door Wagon. In September 1976 the Bedford Chevanne appeared, a Van version of the Wagon. In the early eighties, after the introduction of the front-wheel-drive Kadett D, the Vauxhalls were sold in Germany by Opel as Chevette.

In 1975 the Holden Gemini was introduced in Australia as a 4-door Sedan and a Coupé, in 1978 followed by a 3-door Wagon and Van.

In USA, the car was produced as Chevrolet Chevette as a 3-door Hatchback (different from the Kadett City) from September 1975, followed by a 5-door Hatchback with extended wheelbase by the 1978 model year. These cars ware available in Canada as Pontiac Acadian. By 1981, in USA, the cars were also sold as Pontiac T1000, renamed Pontiac 1000 by 1983.

By 1976 the Isuzu Gemini was sold in the USA as Opel by Isuzu, later known as Buick Opel. By 1981, in USA also, the Isuzu Gemini was sold as Isuzu I-Mark.

In Korea there was the Saehan Gemini (Saehan Bird in the export), later called Saehan Maepsy, as a 4-door Sedan, by 1983 Daewoo Maepsy, later Daewoo Maepsy-Na, and Saehan Max, later Daewoo Max as a Pick-up (different from the South-American version), while in Malaysia the cars were sold as Opel Gemini (4-door Sedan and Coupé).

In all, the car has been known under nearly 40 different names.



Please have your comments.



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Far East Auto Literature, 1998-1999

[crazytim]

1975, Chevrolet Turns to Opel for the New Fuel-Saving Chevette

I was there... Chevrolet’s new 1976 model year Chevette was the American industry’s fuel economy leader. Designed by Opel, versions of the same car were manufactured at GM plants in Argentina, Brazil, and England and sold in those markets.

Planning and engineering for a General Motors "world car" began in 1970 by Adam Opel GmbH in Germany. Initially called "Project 1865", this family of GM cars was engineered to include many different body styles, accommodate several existing powertrains, and be inexpensive for customers to purchase and maintain. Plans were made to produce the vehicle in several locations all over the world, as a modern alternative to the outdated but popular Volkswagen Beetle. The program eventually became known as the "T" car platform.

The first production "T" car was a Chevrolet Chevette manufactured in Brazil during the spring of 1973. In autumn 1973, Opel began production of their “T” car, called the Opel Kadett. The first hatchback version of the “T” car was a Vauxhall Chevette built in the U.K. beginning in February, 1975.

All "T" cars had uni-body construction, with front-mounted engine and rear drive. Eventually, many variants of the "T" car were made; including 2-door and 4-door notchback sedans with conventional trunks (saloons), 2-door fastback coupes, 2-door and 4-door hatchbacks, 2-door station wagons (estates), and 2-door pickup trucks. A "van" version of the 2-door wagon was produced with no rear side windows. Opel produced a unique version of the car called the "Aero Kadett" which was a 2-door sedan with a removable roof panel over the front seats, a stationary targa roll bar, and a folding convertible top in the rear.

Originally, plans for the “T” car did not include producing or selling the car in the United States or Canada. Then the 1973 oil crisis created a dramatic shift in the marketplace. Suddenly, the large V-8 powered cars that were so popular among American consumers were sitting unsold on dealer lots. Chevrolet Motor Division investigated ways to quickly bring a new car to market that would meet the rising demand for economical cars. In early 1974, GM management approved plans to produce a version of the “T” car in America, to be marketed as the Chevrolet Chevette.

The exterior of the U.S. Chevette was similar to the Vauxhall Chevette 2-door hatchback, with changes to meet U.S. regulations such as 5-mph front and rear bumpers and sealed beam headlamps. It was determined that the Chevette engine would be based on an Opel overhead cam 4-cylinder design, instead of the cam-in-block engine that Vauxhall used in their version of the car. The Chevette was the first GM produced vehicle in the United States to use all Metric fasteners.

In an attempt to meet the tastes of American customers, several “upscale” options were made available on the Chevette, including a vinyl top, comfortilt steering wheel, and a Custom Exterior Trim Package with various chrome trim. There was even a “Woody” version, which had exterior vinyl wood appliqués similar to many station wagons of the era.

In September of 1975, Chevrolet unveiled the Chevette in Washington D.C. This location was chosen in part because the U.S. Congress has just recently passed legislation mandating Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards for automotive manufacturers. The Chevette went on sale in October, 1975 as a 1976 model, after being rushed into production in only 18 months.

The EPA fuel economy rating for the 1976 Chevette equipped with the 1.6 litre engine and manual transmission was 30 miles-per-gallon city and 39 highway. This compared quite favorably to the next smallest vehicle in the Chevrolet line up for 1976, the Vega, which was rated at 22 mpg city and 35 highway. The 2-door Vega was 600 pounds heavier, 17 inches longer, and 2 inches shorter than the Chevette. When the Chevette was introduced in America, it was the smallest Chevrolet ever produced, and accomplished GM's goal of having the most fuel efficient vehicle available in the country.

U.S. production of the Chevrolet Chevette started at GM's Wilmington Delaware Assembly Plant. As U.S. market demand grew for the economical little car, production was added at the Lakewood, Georgia Assembly Plant near Atlanta. All North American Chevette gasoline engines were produced at the Chevrolet "V-8" engine plant in Flint, Michigan.

The Chevette was the best selling car in America in 1979 and 1980, with total U.S. production exceeding 2 1/2 million units. World wide production of the "T" car totaled over 6 million units, making it GM’s first true global product. Below is a list of markets where the GM "T" car was sold, with the brand and model names used.

Brazil: Chevrolet Chevette, Chevy 500 (pickup), Chevrolet Marajo’ (wagon)
Germany/Europe: Opel Kadett "C", Opel Kadett City (2-door hatchback), Opel Aero Kadett (convertible), Opel Rallye (high-performance coupe)
Argentina: Opel K-180, GMC 500 (pickup)
Columbia/Chile: Chevrolet San Remo
U.K.: Vauxhall Chevette, Bedford Chevanne (van)
United States: Chevrolet Chevette, Pontiac T1000/1000, Opel by Isuzu/Buick Opel, Isuzu I-Mark
Canada: Chevrolet Chevette, Pontiac Acadian, Pontiac T1000/1000
Australia: Holden Gemini
New Zealand: Vauxhall Chevette, Holden Gemini
Japan: Isuzu Bellett Gemini
South Korea: Saehan Gemini/Bird, Daewoo Maepsy, Saehan/Daewoo Max (Pickup)
Malaysia: Opel Gemini
General Motors had an ownership interest of Isuzu Motors Limited, and Isuzu was involved in several "T" car initiatives. Isuzu produced a version of the car, and sold it in Japan as the "Isuzu Bellett Gemini". In 1976, American Buick/Opel dealers began marketing Isuzu produced "T" cars as the "Opel by Isuzu", and in later years the car was rebadged as the "Buick Opel". For the 1981 model year, Isuzu started their own U.S. dealer network, and sold a version of the car as the "Isuzu I-Mark." Isuzu produced "T" cars were exported to Malaysia and other countries as the "Opel Gemini". Holden, GM's Australian unit, installed Isuzu produced gasoline engines in their version of the "T" car called the Holden Gemini. From 1981 through 1986, an Isuzu diesel engine was used in the Holden Gemini and the U.S. produced Chevrolet Chevette.

In South Korea, the "T" car was originally produced by the General Motors Korea Company, Ltd. as the "Saehan Gemini" (called the "Saehan Bird" for export). There was a pickup truck version of the vehicle called the "Saehan Max". The South Korean company was later renamed "Daewoo Motor Company, Ltd." which produced a version of the "T" car named the "Daewoo Maepsy", and the "Daewoo Max" pickup from 1982 through 1988.

Vauxhall, GM's subsidiary in the U.K., produced the Vauxhall Chevette from 1975 through 1984. Vauxhall also produced a van version of the "T" car, called the "Bedford Chevanne", which was marketed by GM's Bedford commercial vehicles operation. When Opel switched over to production of the front-wheel-drive "Kadett D" in late 1979, there was still demand for inexpensive rear-wheel-drive cars in Germany and other European markets. The Vauxhall Chevette was exported into these markets to fulfill this demand. Vauxhall also produced a high performance variant of the 2-door hatchback called the "Chevette HS" which included a 2.3 litre, 16-valve four-cylinder engine, with upgraded brakes and suspension. The Vauxhall Chevette HS proved to be a success on the Rally car racing circuit.

The Vauxhall Chevette was produced in New Zealand from 1976 through 1981 for the local market. From 1981 through 1986, the Holden Gemini was exported from Australia to New Zealand.

GM of Canada sold the Chevrolet Chevette, and also marketed a Pontiac version of the car called the Acadian. This was due to the strength of the Pontiac brand in the Canadian market, and the limited number of GM dealerships in Canada. Acadians were produced alongside the Chevette in America, and were very similar. Previously, the Acadian name was used in Canada on a Pontiac version of the 1962 through 1971 Chevy II/Nova.

Pontiac Motor Division wanted a version of the "T" car in America. However, GM management would not approve a Pontiac version of the car, primarily because Chevrolet had little trouble selling all the production capacity that was available. Pontiac was finally given approval for a U.S. version of the "T" car in 1981, which was called the "Pontiac T1000". Later the car was renamed the "Pontiac 1000."

The following is a summary of product features for the "T" cars produced in the United States. Except where noted, all information given below applies to both the Chevette and the Acadian.

1976 Model Year
For the 1976 model year, the Chevette was only available as a 2-door hatchback.

Chevette gasoline engines had 4-cylinders, a single overhead cam with hydraulic valve lash adjusters, and a timing belt. The cylinder block and head were cast iron. Two versions were available for 1976; the standard 1.4 litre displacement engine was rated at 52 horsepower with 67 pound-feet of torque. The optional engine had the same cylinder bore with a longer stroke, and a 1.6 litre displacement. The 1.6 litre engine developed 60 horsepower, 77 pound-feet of torque and had a list price of $51. The standard transmission was a Saginaw 4-speed manual unit, and a 3-speed Turbo Hydra-matic 200 automatic transmission was a $244 option.

All Chevette models had front bucket seats. Interiors were available with standard vinyl, and optional cloth. A Custom Interior Package was optional, which included a color keyed instrument panel, deluxe cloth or vinyl seat trim, deluxe door trim, wood grain accents, extra acoustical insulation, and a carpeted mat in the cargo area. All cars without the Custom Interior Package had black instrument panels. A special interior cloth was also available to commemorate the bi-centennial of the United States.

An inexpensive "Scooter" version of the Chevette was available. The exterior was devoid of most of the chromed components found on the other models, and had silver painted bumpers and Chevette Scooter decals. The interior of the Scooter was quite spartan, including fiberboard door panels with no arm rests, a passenger's seat with no fore and aft adjustment and no glove box door. The rear seat was standard equipment on other Chevette models, but optional on the Scooter. In place of the rear seat, a plastic panel was installed to make a large cargo area. Early Scooters has a rubber floor mat instead of carpeting, and a prop rod for the rear hatch instead of gas struts. Exterior colors on the Scooter were limited to 4 colors, and optional equipment was also limited. The 1976 Chevette Scooter started at $2,899 USD, and the Chevette started at $3,098. The Pontiac Acadian 1+1 model was very similar to the Chevette Scooter.

A "Rally 1.6" package was available which included the larger engine, rear stabilizer bar, plastic "Rally" wheel covers, black rocker panels and black rear cove area. The "Woody" version had exterior vinyl wood appliqués, and included the Custom Interior Package.

A Custom Exterior Trim Package included a grille with bright accents, wheel opening moldings, wider body sill moldings, bumper rub strips, bumper trim moldings and body color door handle inserts. If a customer desired even more chrome trim on their Chevette, chrome side window reveal moldings were also available as option equipment. Other available options included a vinyl top ($90) and comfortilt steering wheel ($50). Two Delco radio options were available, an AM ($70), and an AM-FM monaural ($129).

The Chevette rode on a 94.3 inch wheelbase, had an overall length of 158.7 inches, and a width of 61.8 inches. The base curb weight of the Chevette Scooter was 1998 pounds. The turning circle of the Chevette was only 30.2 feet. The suspension had coil springs and shocks on all four corners, and the steering gear was a rack-and-pinion design.

1977 Model Year
The output of the 1.4 litre engine was increased to 57 HP and the 1.6 litre to 63 HP, due to changes in the air intake, carburetor and camshaft for 1977. EPA fuel economy ratings were increased to 43 mpg highway and 31 mpg city (39 mpg highway and 28 city in California.) The interior fabrics of the Chevette were revised, as they were for most of the other models years of production. The rear seat was made standard equipment on the Scooter for 1977, but a rear seat delete option was available. In Canada, the Acadian 1+1 was renamed the "Acadian S".

The Woody version and the vinyl top options were dropped. A "Sandpiper" version was available only during the 1977 model year, which included the Custom Interior Package with "Reef" cloth-and-vinyl upholstery in tones of yellow, cream and gold. The exterior of the Sandpiper was only available in Cream Gold or Antique White, and included Sandpiper appliqués on the lower rear quarter panels behind the door.

1978 Model Year
For 1978, the big news for the Chevette was the addition of the 4-door hatchback model, an exclusive to the North American market. The 4-door had a 2.9-inch longer wheelbase than the 2-door, which greatly improved rear seat leg room. The 4-door immediately began to outsell the 2-door body style, and would continue to outsell the 2-door for the rest of the Chevette's model run.

The 1.6 litre engine became standard in all models. Many other features that previously were optional equipment on the Chevette became standard on all models except the Scooter. The list included an AM radio, day-night inside rear view mirror, cigarette lighter, swing-out rear side windows on the 2-door hatchback, bumper rub strips, white stripe tires, wheel trim rings, and color-keyed instrument panel. All Scooters continued to come with black instrument panels.

The front of the vehicle retained the distinctive hood that wrapped down to the bumper, but the twin grilles were changed from a two-slot design to a grid design. The 3-speed automatic transmission was changed to a lighter Turbo Hydra-matic 180, produced in Strasbourg, France.

The "Rally 1.6" version was discontinued, but the sport wheel covers remained available as a stand-alone option. A sliding glass manual sunroof became a factory-installed option, only available in the 1978 model year. A square fuel door was added to the left rear quarter panel, replacing the exposed gas cap used in 1976 and 1977. A "high-output" version of the 1.6 liter engine was available that produced 68 horsepower. This engine included a "dual-takedown" exhaust manifold, "high-speed" camshaft, larger carburetor and intake manifold.

1979 Model Year
A new front end design was introduced for 1979 Chevette. The wrap down hood was replaced with a more conventional flat hood and stationary grille. Dual rectangular sealed beam headlamps replaced the dual round sealed beams utilized on the 1976-1978 models. A new two-venturi "progressive" Holley carburetor replaced the one venturi Rochester Mono-jet carb found on earlier models. The new carburetor was topped by an air cleaner with a replaceable element; previously the air filter element had to be replaced along with the metal housing. All Chevettes now came with compact spare tires.

An automatic shoulder belt system became an option. The front seat shoulder harness attached to the door, with a retractor mounted between the front bucket seats. However, the lap belts still had to be manually buckled. This low-production option included a foam-padded steel lower instrument panel with knee bolsters instead of the plastic panel found on standard Chevettes. A larger console which flowed into the instrument panel was also included with the automatic shoulder belt option.

1980 Model Year
In 1980, sales of the Chevette in America peaked, with 451,161 cars sold. The rear end of the Chevette was redesigned, with a more squared-off hatch and rear quarters. The rear tail lamps with amber turn signals used in the 1976-1979 models were replaced with a new tail lamp design that wrapped around the rear corner of the vehicle, and incorporated the rear side marker lamps. The new tail lamps utilized a red lens for both stop and turn lamps. The fuel door was changed to a round shape, and produced out of plastic. Larger rear glass was mounted to the hatch assembly with urethane. On earlier years, the rear glass was mounted in a rubber channel. For 1980, the windshield was still mounted in a rubber channel, but the 1981 models would get a urethane mounted windshield to match the rear glass.

Two-tone paint became an available option, as did a rear windshield wiper. The base price of the 1980 Chevette Scooter was $3,782, the 2-door was $4,289 and the 4-door was $4,418. The automatic seat belt system was redesigned to include both seat and shoulder belts for the front passengers. A stereo radio became available on the Chevette for the first time in the 1980 model year. This AM-FM stereo system had an instrument panel mounted 4" x 10" speaker for one channel, and two 4" x 6" speakers in the rear trim panels for the other channel.

The rear drum brakes were revised to include ratcheting star-wheel adjusters. 1976-1979 rear drum brakes had cam adjusters. P175/70 R-13 tires became an available option. P155/80 R-13 tires remained standard equipment; in previous years, this was the only size of tires available on the Chevette.

1981 Model Year
Every 1981 gasoline-engined Chevrolet passenger car in the U.S. was equipped with "Computer Command Control", including the Chevette. This computerized engine control system employed an oxygen sensor, and controlled the carburetor and the distributor advance. The "high-output" version of the 1.6 liter engine was discontinued for 1981. Additional changes for 1981 included new styled steel wheels which replaced the conventional hub caps and trim rings used in earlier years. For the first time, power steering became optional equipment.

Late in the 1981 model run, a diesel 1.8 litre 4-cylinder OHC engine produced by Isuzu was added to the option list. The diesel engine developed 51 horsepower, and came with either an Isuzu-produced 5-speed manual transmission, or a 3-speed THM 200C automatic transmission with a lock-up torque converter. Diesel equipped vehicles came with extra sound insulation including a fiberglass cowl cover in the engine compartment. The diesel was not available with air conditioning or power steering.

In 1981, a Pontiac introduced a version of the "T" car in the U.S. named the "T1000". The T1000 shared all of it's body stampings and mechanicals with the Chevette, but with different badging including Pontiac emblems prominently displayed on the grille and rear hatch. The exterior of the T1000 had black accented headlamp bezels, grille, door handles, rear license plate pocket, etc. Chrome side window reveal moldings were installed on all T1000s, and the window frames were painted black. To complete the Pontiac treatment, wider, black body-side moldings were used.

1982 Model Year
The 1.6 litre OHC gasoline engine remained standard equipment for 1982, but the computer command control system was changed to the "mini" system, which no longer controlled the distributor. Transmissions available with the gasoline engine included the standard Saginaw 4-speed manual unit, an optional THM 180C automatic transmission with lock-up torque converter, and on 2-door models, a Borg-Warner "T5" 5-speed manual overdrive transmission was also an available option. The 5-speed would become available on the 4-door models with gasoline engines in 1983.

For the first time, the Chevette Scooter became available as a 4-door hatchback, in addition to the 2-door hatchback. The finish of the bumpers, grille, and headlamp bezels were changed to black, instead of the silver finish used on earlier Scooters. The 1982 Chevette Scooter started at $4,997.

For 1982, the Pontiac T1000 became a bit more differentiated from the Chevette, at least as compared to the 1981 T1000. The T1000 now came with a "Pontiac-Style" grille with a center split, and vertical fins. Black caps covered the ends of the chrome bumpers. All T1000s now had black upper instrument panels pads. The Pontiac 1000 became available in Canada for 1982. The Acadian also continued to be available at Canadian Pontiac-Buick-GMC dealerships and had the same grille and exterior as the Chevette, only with Pontiac badging.

1983 Model Year
For the 1983 model year the finish of the Chevette grille and headlamp bezels was changed from chrome to black, and included a white accent around the perimeter. The door handles, and most other exterior trim were also changed to black. The lower front fenders were revised to incorporate a more aerodynamic front air dam and bumper end caps. The rear bumper was revised to include new bumper end caps, and all Chevettes now came with black rear license plate pockets. New Chevette front fender emblems with lower case block lettering were used instead of the script style Chevette emblems used from 1976 through 1982. Body colored painted bumpers and black body side moldings completed the refresh of the exterior. Chevettes with the Deluxe Exterior Trim Package now had their window frames painted black, similar to the 1981 and later Pontiac T1000.

The Scooter model had no accent stripes on its black grille and headlamp bezels. It also had black bumpers, and end caps. Fiberboard door panels were no longer installed on Scooter models; instead they had the plastic door panels used in the base Chevette interior. All 1983 models received a different front brake caliper with two mounting bolts, which increased braking capability. 1976 through 1982 Chevettes had front disc brakes with each caliper mounted by one bolt.

A Chevette S "exterior sport decor" package was added to option list at a cost of $93. This package included red stripes on the body side moldings, and around the grille and headlamp bezels. "Chevette S" decals were placed on each front fender and a Chevrolet decal was installed on the hatch, replacing the nameplates found on the standard cars. The "S" package was completed with black wheels with chrome trim rings and bumpers painted gloss black. The package did not include any mechanical upgrades.

The Pontiac T1000 was renamed the "1000" for 1983, just as the Pontiac J2000 became the "2000". New exterior styling cues added exclusively to the 1000 were tail lamps with red horizontal lines and black bumper end caps on chrome plated bumpers. Red instrument panel lighting further differentiated the 1000 from the Chevette. The Acadian also received the new Pontiac tail lamps.

Several new options became available exclusively on the Pontiac 1000. A sport package which included "1000" body side striping, dual sport mirrors, aluminum wheels, larger front stabilizer bar, rear stabilizer bar, tuned shock absorbers, and a 4-spoke "Formula" steering wheel. A new black roof rack option became available. A sunroof option was also added to the 1000, with glass that could be hinged upward or removed.

1984 Model Year
For 1984, the model names of the Chevette were changed. The "Scooter" name was dropped from the Chevrolet line-up. The base Chevette was only available as 2-door hatchback, and the "up level" Chevette CS was available as both a 2-door and 4-door hatchback. The Chevette S exterior sport decor package continued to be available. In Canada, the Scooter name lived on. The Pontiac Acadian S was renamed the "Acadian Scooter".

On the interior of the Chevette, the instrument panel upper pad was changed to black, for all 4 available interior colors. Most of the interior hardware that was formerly chromed was changed to a black finish for 1984. Sport wheel covers from the Chevrolet Cavalier were made available on the Chevette. Other new available options included chrome bumpers and a cargo security cover. In Canada, a lead-tolerant system became available at no extra cost to allow the use of regular leaded gasoline.

The 1984 EPA fuel economy estimate was 46 mpg city and 31 city for the 1.6 litre gasoline engine with the optional 5-speed manual transmission. The 1.8 litre diesel with the 5-speed manual was estimated at 60 highway and 43 city.

1985 Model Year
The 1985 Chevette had very few changes from the 1984 models. The Chevrolet bowtie emblem on the grille was revised to a smoother design that was slightly larger than in previous years. A new knob type seat recliner adjustment replaced the lever type mechanism used in earlier Chevettes and 1000s. All Chevettes were designated as "CS" models, although the Chevette S exterior sport package was still available. The custom interior package was no longer available.

1986 Model Year
The 1986 Chevette and 1000 were carryover from the 1985 model year. To meet federal requirements, a center high mounted stop lamp was bolted on the outside of the glass on the hatch. The Diesel was no longer available with an automatic transmission.

In the Canadian market, the Pontiac 1000 was dropped, and the Acadian model line up was revised. However, the 1000 remained available in the U.S. The new Acadian LE became the model with the most content, followed by the Acadian and the Acadian Scooter. Standard on the Acadian LE were such features as tilt-wheel and power brakes. The 5-speed manual became standard on all Acadian models except the Scooter. The 1000 grille was installed on all Acadians for the 1986 model year.

1987 Model Year
The 1987 model year Chevette and 1000 entered production as a complete carryover from the 1986 model year. The Diesel version was no longer available. In September, 1986, Chevrolet announced a $601 decrease in the price of the Chevette; the 2-door hatchback now started at just $4,995. This price reduction was designed to compete with Hyundai and Yugo, which had entered the U.S. market. Twelve days after the new pricing structure was made public, Chevrolet announced that 1987 would be the last model year for the Chevette.

On December 23, 1986, the last Chevette rolled off the line at the General Motors Assembly Division plant in Lakewood, Georgia. It was a light blue 2-door hatchback shipped to a Chevrolet dealer in Springdale, Ohio. Production had already ceased at the Wilmington, Delaware plant in September, 1985.

U.S. Chevrolet Chevette Sales Figures by Model Year
1976: 187,817, 1977: 133,469, 1978: 298,973, 1979: 369,109, 1980: 451,161, 1981: 433,600, 1982: 232,808, 1983: 169,565, 1984: 243,900, 1985: 123,499, 1986: 103,244, 1987: 46,208

[crazytim]

1981 Chevrolet Marajo

1989 Chevrolet Marajo

Saehan Max...unsure of year, Malaysian T-car

[crazytim]

think thgis article is german...who had the german workmate who can translate.... found decent pics of saehan max korean tx utes... so want 1 barry white!!!

www.terjes.net/Opel/

[crazytim]

Maepsys... looks kinda like a toyota crown...

this one kinda has TE front and TC/D rear...

Think this is still a T-car...

[crazytim]

Aymesa Condor coupe of Equador...different?! this si only pic i have found, lookin @ shape of windscreen she defnitly a t-car, maybe partially custom? will keep lookin, have a brazilian friend comin over soon will ask her if there anywhere i can look in the latin world 4 pics online koz i only usin google!!

[cul8r]

^Looks like a cross between a Chevy monza,Opel Manta and a Delorean!

[77vette]

lol tim if you can read english u can usualy work out german theres a few free translators on the net. copy and paste etc

im so keen to get sam/loceda to send us back a chevy chevette from canada

[crazytim]

tommy boy where the fuk u bin?

heres sum links sum of the ozgem gurus gave me...
www.opelmotorsport.com/gallery/?img_id=433

www.racers.co.kr/MHboard/index_form/view.php?no=314570&&page=2&menu_cate=ht&table=gallery

[crazytim]

Saehan
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Saehan is a Korean corporation established in the beginning of the 1970s. It is now mostly based on textile production. The Saehan Automobile division later became Daewoo Motors.

Saehan built the Saehan Max, a small 2-seat pickup with the Opel Kadett-front, under license from Opel. The car was identical to the Kadett, sharing the doors, hood, lights, interior, in other words- everything. However, the cabin was very short, and the seats could not be adjusted very much back. The car's front part was shorter than the actual Kadett, making it very tight for larger people. Saehan's "Max" is now a part of Korean automobile history.


Cars made by Saehan:

Saehan Maepsy-Na (Saehan Bird in export)
Saehan Max
Saehan Gemini
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saehan"

[crazytim]

GM T platform
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The General Motors T-car was an automobile platform for subcompact cars. It was the 1970s' most prolific world car program. The T-cars were all rear-wheel drive unibody cars.

GM reused the T-body name beginning in 1979 with the front-wheel drive Opel Kadett D and the Vauxhall Astra Mk I. This version of the T-body also became widespread throughout the world.

Other names for the FWD T platform are the GM2700 and the GM3000, applied to Opel Astra G/B and Zafira A and their rebadges.

The platform was superseded by GM Delta platform.

[crazytim]

Complete list of GM T-cars (rear-wheel drive)
Body styles; (1) Coupe; (2) 2-door sedan (B11); (3) 3-door hatchback (B08); (4) 4-door sedan (B69); (5) 5-door hatchback (B68) (wheelbase 5in. longer than the others); (w) 3-door wagon(B15); (t) Pickup truck (v) Sedan delivery (B70).

Argentina
GMC Chevette 4
Opel K-180 4
Australia
Holden Gemini 1, 4, w
Holden Piazza Coupé
Brazil
Chevrolet Chevette 2,3,4
Chevrolet Marajó w
Chevrolet Chevy 500 t
Canada
Pontiac Acadian 3, 5
Colombia
Chevrolet Chevette
Ecuador
Aymesa Cóndor
Chevrolet Cargo
Germany
Opel Kadett C 2,3,4,w, targa
Japan
Isuzu Bellett Gemini 1,4, w(?)
Isuzu Gemini 1,4, w?
Isuzu Piazza Coupe, totally different body styling.
Malaysia
Opel Gemini
New Zealand
Vauxhall Chevanne v
South Korea
Saehan Bird 4
Saehan Max t
Daewoo Maepsy 4
Daewoo Max t
UK
Vauxhall Chevette 2,3,4,w
Bedford Chevanne v
United States
Chevrolet Chevette 3,5 (also sold in Canada)
Buick-Opel 1,4;
Pontiac T1000 3,5
Opel-Isuzu 1,4
Isuzu Impulse See "Piazza/Impulse" above
Isuzu I-Mark 1,4
Uruguay
Grumett Color
Venezuela
Chevette
San Remo w

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carros.mercadolivre.com.br/chevrolet/marajo_DisplayType_G

produto.mercadolivre.com.br/MLB-78016134-chevy-500-1984-linda-_JM

brazilian auction site

[crazytim]

Typing up a section on the Gemini from a book about Holdens since the beginning to the early 90s. Stupidly forgot to note down the name of the book, very handy though for positive identification of various trims and general gemini info...
Here goes...

TX GEMINI: (March 1975-March 1977)
Early in 1975 Holden released its first world car. The T-car, as it was designated, was designed by General Motors to be produced by various divisions of its organisation, in different countries, under different badges.
In Germany, it was an Opel Kadett, in the UK it was the Vauxhall Chevette, in the USA the Chevrolet Chevette and so on. Each country tailored the car to its own requirements, using its own engines, transmission, trim etc. The huge cost of the original development was thus shared between GM divisions.
Australia's T-car, the TX Gemini, was a version of the Isuzu Gemini from Japan. Although Japanese in design and using an OHC motor and manual transmission imported from that country, the Gemini was produced at GM-H's Brisbane plant with a high degree of local content.
Sold in two body styles, a four door sedan and a two door coupe, it was an instant success, being voted Wheels car of the year and soon became the most popular four cylinder on the Australian market.
The biggest selling variant was the four-door SL Gemini; next was the two-door SL Gemini coupe. Also available was the price leading four-door Gemini.
All cars shared the same 1600 OHC engine and four speed floor shift manual transmission with a centre console on SL models.
Holdens Trimatic (T bar shift) automatic transmission was available as an option.
High backed full foam front bucket seats were standard on all cars, with recliners and better trim fitted to SL's.
All models had two column-mounted control stalks, hazard flashers and front disc brakes (power boosted on SL's).
The SL's equipment list also included push button AM radio with rear speaker, electric clock and ciggerette lighter. The dashboard was a one-piece foam pad with the instrument cluster unit deeply recessed.
Radio and heater controls were mounted centrally with two large face-level outlets above them, amd a small vent outlet at either end of the dash. The flow through venthilation system was fan boosted on all models and factory fitted integrated air conditioning was optional.
Sl's were distinguished externally with full wheel covers, pin striping, chrome sill mouldings and SL badges on front guards. The side window frames were blacked out and four door models had chrome mouldings along the top of both door frames.
Optional on SL coupes was a fashion pack (option number A8T) with coloured plaid seats and door triminserts and spoke type wheel covers.
Mechanical specification was slightly different from the normal small cars of the time, with front suspension utilising double wishbones and coils (rather than the ubiquitious MacPherson struts) and the rear suspension had a three link-and-coil set up with torque tube drive (not leaf springs or four links as usually found on opposition makes). Steering was by a front mounted rack and pinion.
The 1600 engine had chain driven overhead cam, cross flow alloy head, two barrel Nikki carborettor and cast iron free-flow exhaust header with teo outlets into a Y pipe. From November 1976 onwards, models had a single outlet exhuast header.
Differential assemblywas made by Borg Warner, Australia and rear brakes were duo-servo units very similar to LH and LX Toranas.
Early cars used the MSE type four speed transmission with reverse to the left. November 1975 saw the introduction of the MSG four speed gearbox with reverse to the right and back. This type was used on all later Gemini's.

Minor Features:
-early cars rear panel reading Holden Isuzu
-later cars rear panel reading Holden Gemini
-all models 13x4-1/2 steel wheels with 100mm four-stud wheel pattern.
-coupes had different tail light treatment to sedan with smaller, seperate reverse lights.
-large 10.9 cubic foot boot capacity.
-base model hub caps were HD/HR/LC/LJ/LH/LX items without painted centres

Specifications:
-Wheelbase 2404mm
-Front track 1301mm
-Rear track 1318mm
-Height 1318mm (1296mm coupe)
-Width 1570mm
-Length 4133mm

Engines:
1600 OHC (pre ADR 27A) Comp ratio...8.7 Output...63kW Eng#prefix...(Q suffix)
1600 OHC (post ADR 27A) Comp ratio...8.7 Output...61kW Eng#prefix...Q (suffix)

Transmissions:
-M20 Four-speed manual
-M40 three speed Trimatic T-bar

Final drive:
-Borg Warner 3.89 all models

Model Range:
8TE69 Gemini four door
8TF69 Gemini SL four door
8TF27 Gemini SL coupe
8TF27 (opt A8T) Gemini SL fashion pack coupe

Release dates:
Initial release: 6 March 1975
Fashion pack: April 1976

Prices at release:
Four door Gemini $4026
Four door SL $4335
two-door SL coupe $4482
Total produced: 43,099



TC GEMINI: (March 1977-April 1978)

The TC Gemini, the second version of the GM T-car, was a minor facelift of the original TX. Front appearance was enhanced by a vertical bar grille and at the rear by a silver garnish panel (TX rear panel was black). SLs gained new wheel covers similar to the TX but without the holes in the centre section.
To increase the Australian content, new Smiths heater/demister/venthilation system was used which did away with the two smaller vents at the ends of the dash fascia . Howeber, factory air conditioning cars retained these vents.
The fashion pack (option number A8T) previously only available on TX two door coupes, was made available on both two and four door SLs. A ride and handling suspension option package (option number ?9R) adding front stabilising bar and steel radial tyres was made available.
Early in the model life, a limited edition variant was inroduced called the Gemini Sandpiper. Both two door coupe and four door sedan versions were sold. They were identified by a black grille with chrome top edge, gold pin striping and 'Sandpiper" with a bird decal on the side rear quarter panel o\n coupes and on the rear doors for sedans. Wheel trims were Fashion pack items. Interior appointments included check cloth inserts in seats and door trims, wood grain dash inserts, radio/cassette combination and four spoke steering wheels. The ?9R suspension package was also fitted.

Minor features:
-door side impact beams used
-SL coupe had heated rear screen

Specifications:
-Engine, Transmission and final drive as for TX

Model Range:
TE69 Gemini four door
TF69 Gemini SL four door
TF69 (opt A8T) Gemini SL fashion pack four door
8TF69 (opt A9W)Gemini Sandpiper four door
8TF27 Gemini SL coupe
8TF27 (opt A8T) Gemini SL Fashion pack coupe
8TF27 (opt A9W) Gemini Sandpiper coupe

Release dates:
Initial release: March 1977
Sandpiper: April 1977

Prices at release:
Gemini four door $4925
Gemini SL four door $5290
Gemini Sandpiper $5540
Four door
Total produced: 17,256


TD GEMINI: (April 1978-October 1979)

The TD Gemini, launched in 1978, was a further facelift of the TX and TC models and included many upgrades and improvements as well as an increased model range.
New for TD was RTS (Radial tuned suspension) as used on the bigger Holdens and the availability of 5 speed manual gearbox.
Cosmetic changes included a new simpler grille, rectangular headlights, (round on basic models) and the rear number plate was moved above the bumper bar. New wheel trims were found on all models.
The model variants added to the range were a two door station wagon and a panelvan and the two and four door SL/E. The station wagons and panelvans shared the same basic body which was developed in Australia by GM-H. It utilised the Japanese front sheet metal and dash while the doors and all rear panels were sourced from Opel in Germany. All major mechanical components were shared with the two and four door sedan models.
The up-market SL/E Gemini, available as a two-door coupe and four-door sedan, used many interioer items from the TC Sandpiper, such as radio/cassette, four spoke steering wheel, timber dash inserts, and added velour seat trim and cut pile carpet with trim inserts on the doors.
The exterior was upgraded with chrome headlight and grille surrounds, chrome door window frames and GM-H designed alloy wheels (similar to Sunbird SL/E).
The new MSG five-speed gearbox was based on the well proven four-speed unit which had been used since November 1975 on TX and TC models. It was standard on the new SL/E and optional on all other models.
The differential was Holdens new small Salisbury unit as fitted to the UC Torana range and used tapered Timkin rear wheel bearings as found on all large Holdens since mid 1971.
In April 1979, rear brakes were changed from Torana style duo-servo type to the new Commodore rear drumassemblies.
The SL/E sedan was replaced by the SL/X four door in early 1979. It had slightly lower equipment levels than the SL/E but a much more attractive price. The SL/X lost thealloy wheels which were replaced by the fashion pack and Sandpiper spoked design wheel covers while the grille was black. The new model was aimed more at the younger sportymarket not so much at the luxury market.
The Gypsy package was made optional on panelvans and included extra instrumentation and identifying decals.

Minor Features:
-Gypsy van had a tacho in place of dash clock with amp/oil gauges and clock moved to centre console.
-Nylon plaid cloth inserts available on SLs and station wagons.
-Wheels were 13x5"
-Heated rear screens standard on all except base sedans, panelvans and station wagons.-SL/E coupe and four door used colour coded exterior mirrors similar to Sunbird SL/E and HZ Sandman
-SL/E door trims went to top of door

Specifications:
-Wheelbase 2404mm
-Front track 1301mm
-Rear track 1305mm
-Height sedan 1363mm, coupe 1341mm, wagon 1342mm, panelvan 1351mm
-Width 1570mm
-Length Sedan and coupe 4133mm, wagon and van 4158mm

Engine:
-As for TX and TC

Transmissions:
-M20 four speed manual
-M75 five speed manual
-M40 three speed Trimatic T-bar

Final drive Ratio:
Holden Small Salisbury 3.90 all models

Model Range:
8TE69 Gemini four door
8TE70 Gemini Panelvan
8TF15 Gemini Wagon
8TF69 Gemini SL four door
8TF69 (opt A8P) Gemini SL/X four door
8TF69 (opt A8J) Gemini SL/E four door
8TF27 Gemini SL coupe
8TF27 (opt A8J) Gemini SL/E coupe

Release dates:
Initial release: April 1978
SL/X March 1979

Prices at Release:
Gemini four door $5330
Gemini SL/E Four door $6380

Total produced 42,396


TE GEMINI: (October 1979-March 1982)

The TE series, introduced in late 1979, was the fourth Gemini T-car and the first involving major sheet metal changes.
Chassis and mechanical modifications were kept to a minimum, but the exterior was given all new front and rear styling, making the car appear bigger. The front grille and headlight area had a sloped style reminiscent of the Commodore, while the rear end was squared off with large tail light clusters fitted.
The bumper bars were then popular chrome bold square style with rubber ends. The front parking lights were vertically mounted at either end of the grille in a similar fashion to Commodore VB front blinkers.
The interior was as before. The only noticable change being the new instrument cluster with two large and two small dials and re-arranged warning lamps. SL/X sedans gained improved seating with adjustable headrests on the front bucket seats and high backed rear seat squabs.
The changes to the model line up were the dropping of the coupe and SL/E models and the introduction early in 1981 of a diesel engined version of the SL/X (available only with five speed manual transmission).
The station wagon and panelvan models were not introduced at the same time as the sedans. They were delayed until early in the next year.
The Sandpiper returned as the Sandpiper II package in mid 1981 and the Gypsy panelvan was made a regular production option.
Mechanical changes other than the diesel were limited to revised manual gearbox ratios and changes to anti-pollution equipment to meet ADR 27B in 1981.

Minor features:
-Heated rear screen standard on station wagon
-Diesel SL/X used different gearbox ratios and fully imported differential assembly.
-New fully shrouded, colour-coded exterior mirrors fitted to all models except panelvan and base sedan.
-Remote mirrors also available.
-Base sedan and station wagon wheel trims same as TD
-SL and station wagon had new turbine style wheel covers.
-SL/X had pressed style road wheel with exposed nuts and centre caps.
-Base sedan and panelvan had different had different grilles from other cars in the range with round head lights.
-SL/X door trims went to top of the door.
-Gypsyvan had TD SL/E style alloy wheels and nylon plaid patterned seat trim insertsand TD SL/E four spoke steering wheel.
-Power booster fitted to brakes on all models including base sedan and panelvan.

Specifications:
-Wheelbase 2404mm
-Front track 1301mm
-Rear track 1305mm
-Height 1335mm
-Width 1570mm
-Length base sedan 4214mm, SL & SL/X sedans 4234mm, wagon 4276mm, panelvan 4259mm

Engines:
1600 OHC Comp ratio: 8.3 Output: 50kW Eng#Prefix: Q(suffix)
1800 Diesel Comp ratio: 21.0 Output: 40kW Eng#Prefix: I(suffix)

Transmissions:
-M20 four speed manual (petrol engine only)
-M75 five speed manual (petrol engine only)
-M76 five speed manual (diesel engine only)
-M40 three speed Trimatic (petrol engine only)

Final drive ratio:
-3.90 Holden small Salisbury (petrol engine)
-3.58 Isuzu Diff (diesel engine)

Model range:
8TE69 Gemini Four Door
8TE70 Gemini Panelvan
8TF15 Gemini Wagon
8TF69 Gemini SL four door
8TF69 (opt A9H) Gemini SL/X four door
8TF69 (opt A9W) Sandpiper II

Release dates:
Sedans October 1979
Panelvans and station wagons February 1980
SL/X Diesel March 1981
Sandpiper II June 1981

Prices at release:
Gemini four door $6240
Gemini SL/X four door $6890

Total produced: 70,567



TF GEMINI: (March 1982-March 1983)

March 1982 saw the introduction of the fifth T-car, the TF series Gemini.
The TF was similar to the TE but had many interior and exterior upgrades.
The SL/Xs grille and headlight arrangement resembled the VH commodore giving it a big car look.
All other models, including the base sedan and panelvan, had the same rectangular lights and a grille similar in design to the TE SL but with vertical as well as horizontal bars. All sedans recieved tail lights similar to the VHs louvre style lights.
Front blinker lights were mounted vertically each end of the grille and the side repeater lights of the previous models were deleted. The SL/X also had wide side mouldings at bumper height. The bumper bars were a new one piece polypropylene moulding, black in colour.
Changes inside included an all new dash fascia and instruments as well as a fully colour co-ordinated interior trim layout. The steering column and control stalks were shared with the upcoming JB Camira.
A limited edition shadow toned SL/X called the Star Sign Package was released early in 1982SL/X models had a model code of its own. No longer just an option number.

Minor Features:
-SL/X had quartz halogen head lights
-SL door trims went to the top of the door, window sill same as SL/X
-SL/X had a new design centre console
-Window winders were plastic and colour coded similar to Commodore
-New dash fascia had four face level air vents
-All models had dual horns
-Wheels offset 10mm further out making track 20mm wider front and rear
-Petrol engines had mechanical fuel pump (all previous models had an in-tank electrical unit)
-Belt driven air injection pump added to engine to reduce exhaust pollution without reducing performance
-SL/X model had full instrumentation (all in dash)
-Gypsy van had same instruments and steering wheel as SL/X
-Petrol engined manual four and five speed had wider spaced ratios

Specifications:
-Wheelbase 2404mm
-Front track 1321mm
-Rear track 1325mm
-Height 1330mm (1340mm wagon and van)
-Width 1570mm
-Length 4247mm

Engine, Trans & Diff:
-As for TE

Model Range:
-As for TE except SL/X now coded 8TV69, and Star Sign Package based on 8TV69 (opt V6Q)

Release Dates:
Initial Release March 1982
Star Sign Package April 1982

Prices at Release:
Gemini four door $7370
Gemini SL/X four door $8370

Total Produced: 28,326


TG GEMINI: (March 1983-April 1985)

The sixth and final T-car, the TG Gemini series, was released in March 1983. Similar in many ways to the TF, the range was enlarged and many models were upgraded. The new addition to the range was the strangely named ZZ/Z sedan, an SL/X level car with sport alloy wheels, front and rear spoilers, front guard wind splitters and other sports type enhancements.
All cars from base sedan and panelvan upwards recieved SL/X type seats with adjustable head rests and were trimmed in vinyl or cloth to suit the particular model.
The SL models recieved the TF SL/X wheel covers and the SL/X their own new design covers. The SLs also had the SL/Xs grille and headlights.
One other change to the line up was the station wagon which was badged and equipped as an SL. All previous model station wagons had been trimmed above the base sedan level but below the SL trim and equipment level.

Minor Features:
-SL/X used four spoke steering wheel from TD and TE SL/E and SL/X
-All models had analogue clocks standard except SL/X and ZZ/Z which were digital
-Heated rear screen standard on all models

Specifications:
-Engines, Transmissions and final drive as for TF.

Model Range:
-As for TF except for ZZ/Z based on 8TV69 (opt U4E)

Release date:
All models March 1983

Prices at Release:
Gemini four door $7920
Gemini SL/X Four door $9050

Total produced: 24,675

Only took 4 goes at it but there it is the whole article!! Enjoy!!