Chav Vehicle Modification is an often derogatory term used largely in describing the act of modifying (usually) cheap and often old cars that have gained a certain reputation. A number of these cars for example would be the Peugeot 106 and also the 306 to an extent, the Ford Escort and Fiesta, the Vauxhall Cavalier, Astra, more recently the Corsa. The vehicle that is most commonly associated with this trend is the Vauxhall Nova.

Common modifications

Cars are usually modified by the use of body kits, large spoilers, debadging, and louder exausts however despite the more aggressive styling these cars often have small stock engines (largely for insurance reasons - most young people cannot afford to insure large and powerful cars in the UK).

The modification of vehicles that would fall in these categories is often of low quality and often does not match the colour of the rest of the car.

The modifications will usually cost the owner of the vehicle a great deal of money, usually far exceeding the purchase price of the car. These modifications will usually an inversely proportional effect on the final value of the vehicle. The combination of added weight and aerodynamic drag will have the effect of reducing the already modest performance still further.

These vehicles will inevitably end up doing the rounds on internet auction sites, either in a finished or unfinished condition.

In many cases, the unprepared or amateur modifier will be running the risk of making their pride and joy undrivable. Examples of this are big wheels which rub the wheel arches and/or limit steering lock, body kits which scrape on speed humps and lowering of ride height which makes the vehicle bottom out on anything but the smoothest roads.

On the rare occasion where the performance of the vehicle is increased, the modifier will usually have a tendency to spend all available funds on the engine, and ignore the brakes and suspension. This will usually result in a car that is blisteringly fast in a straight line, but will be incapable of stopping quickly or negotiating corners. This is especially true when a larger, heavier and more powerful engine is transplanted in a small car, which is most easily achieved by using an engine donated from another vehicle by the same manufacturer. A common example of this is fitting a 2.0litre engine from a Vauxhall Astra/Cavalier into a Vauxhall Corsa/Nova. Once this has been done, it is unlikely that the modifier will inform their insurance company, a fact which is often boasted about on the aforementioned auction sites e.g. "Insurance is low as it's registered as a 1.2". This course of action will have severe implications for all involved when the inevitable accident takes place.


The term 'Chavved up' refers to a car modified in this manner.

Driving Style

The drivers of this type of car follow an unwritten (until now) rule when behind the wheel of their 'beast'.

They Must always:

Red line the engine in every gear - this is essential, especially in built up areas.

Use maximum over-run when slowing down (using engine-braking presumably because the brakes do not stop the car - see above.)

Lean forward at all times, with the right hand at the top of the steering wheel, and left hand on the volume control of the 'In Car Entertainment'.

Tail-gate and overtake whenever possible - usual victims include tractors, push bikes and mopeds - anything faster presents too much of a challenge.

Wear a baseball cap and scowl at anyone in a better car.

Acknowledge their mates who are on foot, with a short, upward tilt of the head, then perform a wheelspin or turn up the music for their entertainment.

See also

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Chav

Boy racer

Rice burner