It received great attention and good reviews from critics, regarding the mechanic solutions, comfort, drivability and stability.

[1] When it was introduced in September 1987, the car was named the Gurgel 280 but by the time sales started it was changed to the BR-800.

[5] It had a very simple and robust design, eliminating totally the V-belt by using the crankshaft for activating the alternator, and the camshaft for water and oil pump.

In a later stage of development, the V-belt was reintroduced for the alternator, so that the battery would be charged even at low engine speeds.

In July 1990, the Brazilian president Fernando Collor decided to give a similar tax cut to all cars with engines smaller than one litre, thus equating the price of the BR-800 with those of significantly larger and more usable cars, reducing the BR-800 sales to a trickle.