Vauxhall Cavalier I (Mark I) gallery (1975–1981)
The first generation of the mid-size family car featuring a classic rear-wheel-drive layout shared with Opel Ascona B and Manta B.
The first-generation Vauxhall Cavalier (Mark I) was introduced in late 1975, marking a pivotal step in aligning Vauxhall's product portfolio with Opel in Europe. Built on General Motors' rear-wheel-drive U-car / V-body platform, it shared its core underpinnings with the Opel Ascona B and Opel Manta B. The Cavalier was distinguished visually by its unique aerodynamic droop-snoot front-end styling created by Vauxhall design director Wayne Cherry. Body styles included two-door and four-door saloons, a sleek two-door sports coupe, and, starting in 1978, a versatile three-door fastback hatchback known as the Sports Hatch. Powertrains included Vauxhall's 1.3-litre overhead-valve engine alongside Opel's Cam-in-Head (CIH) 1.6, 1.9, and 2.0-litre petrol units delivering between 60 hp and 110 hp. Power was sent to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual or an optional GM three-speed automatic transmission. While initial models were built at GM's plant in Antwerp, Belgium, production was moved to Vauxhall's Luton facility in 1977 to meet overwhelming UK demand. The Mark I ceased production in 1981, having established the Cavalier nameplate as a major force in the fleet and family car market.
