CAR owners and retailers can motor down memory lane to mark the 40th anniversary of one of Vauxhall’s most popular saloons; the Cavalier.

Produced over three generations from 1975 until 1995, the model is heralded as the fifth most popular car ever sold with more than 1.8 million purchased.

This classic was once a common sight on the roads of East Lancashire.

It was 1975, the same year that the comedy film Monty Python and the Holy Grail was released and the first episode of the sitcom Fawlty Towers was broadcast on TV, when the original rear-wheel drive Vauxhall Cavalier went into production.

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The Cavalier L came on to the motoring scene boasting thick foam seats, reclining front seats with inertia reel seat belts, heated rear window, two speed wipers with electric speed wash, reverse lights, hazard warning flashes and fascia warning lights; all surrounded by soft carpeting.

One step above this base model was the GL, which had plush, velour seats, wall-to-wall, rich tufted carpet, quartz-activated clock, illuminated cigar lighter, ashtray and glove box.

Top-of-the-range Cavalier GL Coupe completed the trio of inaugural Cavalier trims.

Wal Singh, director at Accrington Garages, commented: “At the time, the GL was arguably one of the sportiest-looking Vauxhalls ever.

“With a soft-grip, four-spoke steering wheel; a driver’s door map pocket; arm-rests; and wood veneer accents on the doors, it offered sophistication, style and comfort.”

Some six years later and the MKII incarnation was created, with class-leading levels of fuel economy and performance previously unthinkable for this sector.

In 1988, the third and final version came to market and remained in production until 1995, when after 20 years on sale, order banks closed for good on the iconic car.