Classic Vauxhall Chevette Packs S2000 Powerplant Under Hood
F20C swaps don't get more unusual or unique than this.
First Timer
There's no doubt that one of the most appealing features of the Honda S2000 is its engine. That high-revving, naturally-aspirated inline-four is truly one of history's greatest powerplants, which is also why we see them swapped into other vehicles quite frequently. But this is the first time we've ever seen an F20C-swapped Vauxhall Chevette, which recently crossed the virtual auction block at Bring a Trailer.
Photos: Bring a Trailer
Starting on the Outside
The story of this cool little ride begins when the seller purchased it in England back in 2008 and then imported it into the U.S. a year later. After that, a literal ton of work was done to transform it into something truly unique, beginning with the addition of giant fender flares, front and rear spoilers, rocker extensions, a custom fuel filler, driving lights, and S2000 side mirrors.
Photos: Bring a Trailer
>>Join the conversation about this F20C Vauxhall Chevette right here in S2Ki.com.
Capable Suspension
The 16-inch wheels were also sourced from an S2000, and are now wrapped with the ever-popular Toyo Proxes R888R tires. They cover disc brakes at all four corners, which pair with an independent rear suspension and Bilstein coilovers to provide a nice balance of handling and braking capability.
Photos: Bring a Trailer
>>Join the conversation about this F20C Vauxhall Chevette right here in S2Ki.com.
Familiar Looking Cabin
If the interior looks a lot like an S2000, well, there's a good reason for that. A whole host of components were taken straight from a Honda roadster and fitted to the Chevette, including the seats, dash, center console, steering wheel, rear trim, floor sections, window switches, and digital instrument cluster.
Photos: Bring a Trailer
>>Join the conversation about this F20C Vauxhall Chevette right here in S2Ki.com.
Clean Swap
The car's borrowed F20C powerplant has around 99k miles and is mostly stock save for a custom air intake and dual exhaust. It sends power to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission and limited-slip rear differential, both of which - you guessed it - also came from the donor S2000. Everything looks very well done, and there's even additional bracing added to the front frame rails, inner rockers, and A-pillars.
Photos: Bring a Trailer
>>Join the conversation about this F20C Vauxhall Chevette right here in S2Ki.com.
Meshing Well
The end result of all that work is a truly unique vehicle that's also surprisingly well done. Sometimes, these Frankenstein projects turn out looking a lot like that famous monster, but everything here just works. Regardless, the new owner got a pretty good deal with a hammer price of just over $15k, which is likely much less than it cost to put this thing together.
Photos: Bring a Trailer
>>Join the conversation about this F20C Vauxhall Chevette right here in S2Ki.com.