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Fancy a rally homologation special that makes RS Escorts look common? Alan Anderson has just the thing
This competition evolution Vauxhall is even further removed from the standard 135bhp Chevette HS.
What’s more, with only six black HSRs ever made, PUR 444W’s rarity is assured, which goes some way to justifying a price that the Droop Snoot Group owners’ club (DSG) says is actually cheap for a genuine HSR such as this one.
The engine starts instantly, with oil pressure correctly at maximum on its gauge. The highly tuned Dell'Ortofuelled, twin-cam unit soon settles down without temperament or clatter and provides thrilling performance once the sweet spot is reached. The clutch biting point appears high but is probably down to adjustment, because there’s no slip or judder and the five-speed Getrag ’box is excellent. As befits its low mileage, this HSR feels nicely taut and handles a treat on its semi-slick Toyo 888 tyres which, while getting old, have plenty of grip. The higher-downforce and bodykitted HSR is a world away from an already heady HS because it sports a modified chassis, suspension, rear disc brakes and lightweight panels. All handbuilt, this HSR probably kicks out circa 160bhp.
According to the DSG, while 50 HSRs were widely purported to have been made – in contrast to the 400 HSs – only 34 actually were; 28 in silver and just six in black. PUR 444W was originally built in July 1979, and underwent a comprehensive restoration ten years ago. The rebuild stands up well. wide-arch glassfibre wings, aprons, bonnet and boot haven’t cracked, although there is some very minor bubbling on the ‘snoot’ by the bonnet edge. The bonnet features additional competition holding pins, while the 13-inch alloy wheels seem mint.
The driver’s seat vinyl has just been repaired and a new headlining was bought in 2015. Other than this, it’s hard to tell what’s been restored and what’s original. Pleasingly, there’s been no attempt to modify the cabin over the decades. The lurid tartan trim looks unmarked, and the front sports seats haven’t sagged. The bright red carpeting is protected by even brighter matching over mats. The only sign of ageing is the rather faded leather-covered steering wheel. Both handbrake lever and special gear knob appear to be in excellent shape.
There’s an arresting sight under the bonnet, with the 2.3-litre engine’s twin-cam cylinder head, carburettors and ITG air filters all seeming clean and correct. There’s even a Dealer Team Vauxhall sticker on the bulkhead signed by Gerry Johnstone, former DTV boss. A matching-numbers car, it comes with a fat ring binder overdosing on history, and includes correspondence from some of the previous eight owners, plus a DSG certificate of manufacture. The maintenance bill includes a 2008 receipt for a cylinder head gasket set, while in 2020, the original Vauxhall distributor was changed to a rare and highly sought-after Bosch item, set up by an expert. The dealer now believes there are only three known survivors in the UK and the DSG knows PUR 444W well.
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