Vauxhall Cavalier History
Catalog record
This is a brief catalog introduction with limited source documentation. A licensed, identity-checked lead photograph has not yet been added for this page. Detailed year, configuration and ownership coverage must be identified separately; this page is not a complete vehicle catalog.
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Model history available. Detailed year guides are not published for this model.
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The Cavalier launched in 1975 as Vauxhall's GM-'U-Car' large family car, closely related to the Opel Ascona and Manta. The transformative second generation arrived in 1981 — front-wheel drive on GM's J-body — and became a company-car phenomenon, with over 800,000 of that generation sold.
The third generation (1988–1995) was a rebadged Opel Vectra A and continued the Cavalier's fleet dominance. Across three generations and a 20-year run, more than 1.8 million Cavaliers were sold, making it one of the best-selling cars ever in Britain. The name was retired in 1995 when the UK adopted the Vectra badge.
Generations
Mk1 · Cavalier Mk1
GM 'U-Car' related to the Opel Ascona B / Manta B; rear-wheel drive.
Mk2 · Cavalier Mk2
Front-wheel-drive J-body car that became a company-car staple; over 800,000 sold.
Mk3 · Cavalier Mk3
A rebadged Opel Vectra A; the last Cavalier before the UK switched to the Vectra name.
Body styles
- Saloon
- Hatchback
- Coupe
- Estate
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