Vauxhall Silver Aero concept car set for NEC classic motor show

The Vauxhall Silver Aero prototype will be on display on the Cavalier and Chevette Club stand at this year’s NEC classic motor show in November.

The car, which was first shown at the 1980 Birmingham Motor Show as a styling exercise, was intended to show the strengths of the Luton design studio.

The project involved turbocharging a Cavalier Sportshatch, which had been fitted with Bill Blydenstein’s 2.4-litre conversion kit, before creating a bodykit to match.

The aerodynamic qualities of the new panels lowered the Cavalier Sportshatch drag coefficient to 0.32Cd and lead the way for the the later Manta GTE.

The Silver Aero was also fitted with Compomotive alloys – not that they could be seen behind the aerodynamic flush-fitting caps. The intention was to offer the aerodynamic panelwork as officially approved accessories through the dealer network, as well as to show there was still life in the Mk1 Cavalier shape.

Kevin Bricknall, of the Cavalier and Chevette Club, said, ‘As we are celebrating 40 years of the Cavalier Mk1 and Chevette - both Wayne Cherry-styled cars - we thought it would be brilliant to have Silver Aero on the stand. 

‘Silver Aero was the last car to be designed at the Luton Design Department before its closure and having Silver Aero at the 1980 Motor Show was the last chance the Vauxhall studio had to have something displayed publically.’

The club is keen to source period images and footage of the car, especially from the 1980 Birmingham Motor Show. Owner Dave Boon would like to construct a period display to sit alongside the car. If you have any images or footage, please contact Dave via the club by email at enquiries@cavalierandchevetteclub.co.uk.

The 2015 Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show will be held from 13-15 November.

For more information or to buy show tickets visit www.necclassicmotorshow.com.