Vauxhall History

Time-line and Vehicle Models

1903- First 5 hp single cyl. Vauxhall car. “Tiller” steering, no reverse. 18 [25] mph

1904- 6 hp model (with reverse). Addition of a “conventional” steering wheel

1904 12/16 hp three cyl. 2400cc 3-speed gearbox

1905 Move from Vauxhall, Sth London to Luton

1905 7/9 hp 1300cc, 3 cyl engine car.

1905 12/14 3cyl, 6-speed car

1905- 1909 18 hp, 3402cc, 5- main bearings. Bonnet flutes introduced.

1907- 1909 12/16 hp, 2500cc, 4 cyl, 5-bearing, 3-speed

1908- 1913 A-type 16/20 3053cc, 4-speed

1909- 1914 B-type 16 hp, 2315cc, 3-speed

1910 B-type acquired first Vauxhall 6-cyl. 4580Cc, 27 hp

1913 B-type increased to 5000cc, 33hp RAC (ref to as “35hp”)

1911- 1914 C-type Prince Henry 25 hp

1914 C-Type 3969ccc, 4-cyl, 75 mph capable

1912- 1922 D-type Many produce for army during WWI

1913- 1922 30/98 E-type (30hp RAC/98bhp)

1915 Competition: Griffin badge was re-introduced – from Fulkes le Breant crest

1920 E & D have electric lights and aluminium pistons. Std vehicle capable 85mph

1921 Britain introduced the “Horsepower tax” - based on RAC rating (bore size)

1922- 1927 OE 30/98 - E type updated with 4.2 ltr, ohv, detachable head

1922- 1926 OD 23/60 - D type with headgear similarly updated

1922- 1925 M-type 43 bhp, 55mph, side valve, alum head, 30mpg, 3-spd, rod brakes

1923 OE & OD finally get front brakes

1925- LM type 14/40. M-type update with 4-speed, 4 wheel brakes, 65mph.

1925 General Motors purchased Vauxhall

1925- 1928 S-type 25/70 6-cyl, 3881cc, single sleeve valves, 10 bearing- few made

1927- 1929 R-type 20/60 6-cyl, 2763cc, 7-bearing, ohv

1929- 1930 T-type (replaced R-type) 2915cc bore 75mm

1930- 1932 T80 -T updated to 80mm bore, 3317cc, silent 3^rd gear, 70mph

1930- 1933 Cadet VY 6-cyl, 17 hp, 2048cc, 3-speed, 62 mph

1931 Vauxhall started production of commercial “Bedford” trucks & buses

1931- 1933 Cadet VX export ver. 26 hp. Used Bedford 3180cc engine.

1932 VY first British car to get Synchromesh - 2^nd & 3^rd gear

1933- 1934 ASY Light Six 12 hp, 1531cc, 4-speed synchro, 12v

1934- 1934 ASX Light Six 14 hp, 1782cc

1934- 1936 BY Big Six 20 hp, 2393cc

1934- 1936 BX and BXL, Big Six 26 hp, 3180cc

1934- 1936 DX/DY Light Six models replace ASX & ASY

1937- 1938 DX/ DY [2^nd series]

1937- 1940 GY/GL(long chassis)- replaced B models. 25 hp, 3215cc

1937- 1939 H - 10 hp ,4 cyl, 1203cc, 3-speed, 6v, 65mph, Integral body introduced

1938- 1946 I - 12 hp, 4 cyl, 1442cc

1939- 1948 J - 14 hp, 6 cyl, 3-speed [All synchronised]

1939 - 1945 War years - Car production virtually ceased. Bedford trucks and “Churchill tanks” were produced and maintained for the army. Other war supplies were also produced. The Luton factory was bombed in 1940.

1946- Resumption of car production

1946- 1948 HIY - 10 hp, 4 cyl, 1203cc

1946- 1948 HIX - 12 hp, 4 cyl, 1442cc

1948- 1951 Wyvern LIX - 12 hp, 4 cyl 1442cc 3-speed

1948- 1951 Velox LIP - 18 hp, 6 cyl, 2275cc , 76mph capable

1952- 1957 Wyvern EIX - 1508cc short stroke motor, 75 mph capable

1952- 1957 Velox EIPV - 2262cc short stroke motor, 64 bhp, 80 mph capable

1953 One millionth Vauxhall, 50 year jubilee

1954- 1957 Cresta EIPC – Luxury version of the Velox EIPV

1957- 1961 FA Victor (Series 1 and 2) 1500cc, 55bhp Styles: saloon, estate

1957- 1962 PA (Crossing over in 60 to the PASX / PADX etc) Vers: Velox, Cresta

1961- 1964 FB Victor (and VX 4/90) 4 cyl, 1500cc, 1600cc L (1964 on)

1962- 1965 PB 6 cyl, 2.6 L 94 (3.3 L Cresta), man (+OD) & auto Styles: saloon & estate

1963- 1966 HA Viva (and HA 90) Styles: saloon, van,Bedford Beagle estate

1964- 1967 FC Victor 101 (and VX 4/90)

1965- 1972 PC (and Cresta and Viscount)

1966- 1970 HB Viva (and HB90) Styles: saloon, estate, GT, Brabham

1967- 1972 FD Victor (and VX 4/90, and Ventora (which went on till 75) and Victor 3300)

1970- 1979 HC Viva Styles: saloon, estate, coupe, Magnum, Firenza

1971- 1973 Firenza

1972- 1976 FE Victor – 1.8L & 2.3L vers, last car Vauxhall designed and built themselves

1973- 1975 Firenza Droopsnoot

1973- 1977 Magnum

1975- 1981 Cavalier (and coupe)

1975- 1984 Chevette

1976- 1978 (Victor name now dropped) FE VX

1978- 1982 (The first 6 cylinder Vauxhall since the Ventora) Royale (and coupe)

1978- 1986 Carlton

1980- 1982 Viceroy (what we call the Commodore!)

1980- 1984 Astra

1981- 1988 Cavalier II

NOTE: This information has been compiled from various sources. If you spot any errors, or can offer any additions, please contact the Webmaster.