Vauxhall vehicles are renowned for their exceptional quality, stylish design, and cutting-edge technology. The company boasts a captivating heritage and has made significant contributions to the realm of vintage automobiles. Witness the timeless elegance of Vauxhalls from the 1920s, including the breathtaking classic 30/98, as well as the pre and post-World War II cars. Additionally, marvel at the presence of a Churchill Tank, proudly crafted at the Luton factory as a testament to Vauxhall's commitment during the war.
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MotorTranscript
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01:18 As one of the most long-standing and successful motor companies
01:23 Britain has ever known, Vauxhall, alongside other great names
01:27 of the car industry, makes up the foundation of the nation's
01:31 unique motoring heritage.
01:34 Over the years, Vauxhall has produced a plethora of models
01:38 ranging from military transport and sports cars, to family and
01:42 commercial vehicles, and today we have the pleasure of exploring
01:46 a handful of the most celebrated of these models.
01:50 However, before we delve into a full inspection of our first
01:55 featured model, let's just take a few moments to uncover the
01:59 history that lies behind the famous Vauxhall name and reveal
02:03 the events that have made the company what it is today.
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02:11 Interestingly, Vauxhall Motors can trace its lineage back to
02:19 South London in the late 19th century, where Vauxhall Ironworks
02:23 produced a single-cylinder petrol engine for the Jabberwock,
02:27 a small river launch.
02:31 Vauxhall's first production motor car made an appearance in 1903
02:35 with a non-reversing, two-speed vehicle that featured a
02:39 five-horsepower engine, believed to be a direct descendant
02:43 of the engine developed for the Jabberwock.
02:47 Soon, Vauxhall, which also designed and manufactured other types
02:54 of engines and machinery, specifically for marine equipment,
02:58 developed a separate division to concentrate on motor car production
03:02 because it was feared the cars could be compromised by the diversity
03:06 of the company's products.
03:09 This decision gave way to the birth of Vauxhall Motors Limited.
03:14 Going in to produce some great sporting successes and what is
03:21 now perhaps Vauxhall's most renowned vintage motor, the Prince Henry,
03:26 the company went from strength to strength and, akin to other
03:30 car manufacturers of the time, Vauxhall also played a significant
03:34 wartime role in the conflicts of both the First and Second World Wars.
03:40 The Vauxhall plant at Luton, where the company had moved in 1905
03:47 as part of a major expansion programme, was heavily involved
03:51 in the development of World War II aircraft, most notably the Halifax,
03:55 Mosquito and Lancaster bombers and the jet engine.
04:00 Unfortunately, and of course only to be expected, the Luton factory
04:05 became a prime enemy target.
04:08 In 1940, the German bombers were right on target and Vauxhall-Luton
04:13 suffered a heavy bombardment with 39 members of staff losing
04:17 their lives, a tragic consequence of the valuable war work
04:21 Vauxhall were undertaking.
04:25 After the war, having previously moved away from making grand
04:30 and exclusive performance cars, Vauxhall production was gradually
04:34 re-established and a succession of reliable quality cars suitable
04:39 for the mass motoring market streamed off the production line.
04:43 However, with only the best part of an hour to explore the finest
04:48 and most memorable of these models, let's now move on to the first
04:52 featured vehicle of the programme to discover the ins and outs
04:56 of what has made Vauxhall cars so appealing to the masses.
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05:38 Some classic car models have exotic sounding names, whereas others
05:43 are known by combinations of letters and numbers, yet these less
05:47 instantly memorable models are often the best kept secret treasures
05:51 of the vintage motoring world.
05:54 This is definitely true of Vauxhall's 1398, which only the discerning
06:00 classic car enthusiast will probably have ever heard of.
06:05 The Vauxhall 1398 was in production between 1913 and 1922, and this
06:12 remarkable specimen in striking red was manufactured in 1924.
06:18 This was part of a new generation of Vauxhall cars thanks to the
06:23 inspired design work of L. H. Pomeroy, an engineering genius.
06:31 As the 20th century advanced, Lawrence Pomeroy persuaded the
06:35 management at Vauxhall that they needed to back a new sports car
06:39 and look for success on the fast developing Grand Prix racing
06:43 circuits and in automobile trials.
06:47 The result was the fondly named Prince Henry, first built in 1910,
06:53 the forerunner to this truly lovely 1398, which could achieve speeds
06:58 of up to 70 miles per hour.
07:01 Incidentally, if you're trying to think of an English Prince Henry
07:06 from this period in history, you're on the wrong track.
07:10 The name actually came from a motoring reliability trial, the Tour of
07:15 Prussia, a prestigious event that tested the competitors over 1,200 miles.
07:21 The Prince of Prussia who instigated the trials was Henry, and as the
07:26 Vauxhalls performed so well, they were nicknamed the Prince Henry
07:30 in his honour.
07:33 From the outset, the 1398 was considered better, faster and more
07:41 practical than the Prince Henry, and even the earliest examples could
07:46 reach 100 miles per hour, stripped out in racing form.
07:52 In the first instance, the Vauxhall 1398 boasted a four-cylinder,
07:57 simple but effective side valve engine that entered production in 1919
08:03 after the First World War.
08:06 Although solidly built, weighing in at 2,690 pounds, the car was a touch
08:12 on the heavy side, but it was undeniably a fast drive with impressive
08:17 performance and good road handling capabilities.
08:21 The only downside was the expensive price tag at 1,670 pounds, which
08:28 at the time placed the 1398 in the same category as the Bentley 3-litre.
08:35 This was a car for the serious driver, with plenty of money at their
08:40 disposal to indulge a passion for speed, and with an engine capacity
08:45 of over 4,500 cc, they were never going to be disappointed.
08:51 There were about 270 cars manufactured before there was a major
08:57 design change in 1922, and as this 1398 dates back to 1924, it falls
09:05 into this newer category.
09:07 Known as the OE type rather than the E type model, the main change
09:12 was to the engine, which was converted to overhead valve operation.
09:17 The brake horsepower rose from 90 to a rousing 115, and the
09:23 performance definitely reflected this.
09:26 However, despite the 1398's excellent speed, it didn't benefit from
09:31 four-wheel brakes, and a modification was made in 1926 to offer a
09:37 120 brake horsepower version, thankfully with four-wheel brakes to
09:42 control it.
09:43 The last of the 1398's was produced in 1927, after 312 models of this
09:52 particular variant had been unleashed on the motoring world, but the
09:56 wind of change had been blowing from across the Atlantic.
09:59 The American automobile giant, General Motors, which had been evolving
10:05 since 1897, made a bid for the Luton-based Vauxhall.
10:10 The English company was paid $2.5 million by the president of General
10:16 Motors, A.P. Sloan Jr., and the future of Vauxhall post-World War I
10:22 was assured.
10:23 However, for the Vauxhall 1398 and Lawrence Pomeroy's sporty designs
10:31 in the higher price bracket, it was the end of the line.
10:35 Once GM had taken over the Luton site, car design and development was
10:40 aimed at the mass motoring market.
10:43 By 1930, the first product of the merger, the Cadet, came in under the
10:49 £300 mark, a big reduction when you compare it with the 1398's £1,670
10:57 some ten years earlier.
11:00 Driving was made more straightforward, with the introduction of
11:04 Vauxhalls with synchromesh gearboxes, and the pioneering spirit so
11:09 bravely introduced with the 1398 was lost in favour of practicality,
11:15 as GM never allowed Vauxhall to experiment on this scale again.
11:20 It's a real bonus to be able to offer a rare 1398 in this programme
11:28 on Vauxhalls, particularly one as loved and treasured as this
11:32 classic car, carefully preserved by its present owner as a legacy
11:37 for future generations of Vauxhall enthusiasts to enjoy.
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13:12 By the mid-1930s, Vauxhall had firmly established itself within
13:17 Britain's motoring industry, and with approximately 6,000 employees
13:22 working at its Luton factory, the company were preparing to introduce
13:27 the D-Range.
13:29 With its previous move away from the upmarket sector, and into
13:34 producing more practical and economic vehicles, the arrival of
13:38 Vauxhall's more contemporary models, the DX and DY, would reaffirm
13:44 its indelible imprint on the mass motoring market.
13:48 Today, we have the opportunity to explore this fine 1937 DX Vauxhall.
13:57 With its 14 horsepower, 6-cylinder engine, the DX model was also
14:02 known as the 14-6, whilst Vauxhall's DY designation was assigned
14:08 to the 12-6 models.
14:10 Having been in its current owners' hands for roughly the past 10 years,
14:17 this particular model has been completely rebuilt from what was once
14:21 a heap of parts to this excellent restored classic.
14:25 In its time, the car would have sold for around £220, making its
14:31 family-friendly image even more alluring to the 1930s motorist.
14:37 Adding further to the Vauxhall 14's appeal was the replacement of
14:43 the then-conventional solid front axle and semi-elliptic springs,
14:48 with the Dubonnet-style independent front suspension.
14:52 Originally designed by Frenchman Gustave Chedrou, the development
14:57 of the suspension system was financed by ex-motor car racer André Dubonnet.
15:03 In order for Vauxhall to implement the independent front suspension,
15:08 General Motors, who'd taken Vauxhall over in 1925, licensed a
15:13 simplified version of the Dubonnet design to be built.
15:17 Being among Britain's first medium-priced cars to have independent
15:23 front suspension, the 14/6 not only broke new ground for Vauxhall itself,
15:28 but also for the whole of Britain's general motoring public.
15:32 Promoted as the car that could step over bumps, and with advertising
15:38 slogans that read "Don't Ride, Glide", Vauxhall made sure its new
15:44 model was a more than suitable replacement for its predecessor,
15:47 the Light Six.
15:52 The Light Six, introduced in 1933, had proved to be an unprecedented
15:58 success for Vauxhall, with 250 of the vehicles leaving the Luton
16:03 factory on the very first day of its release.
16:06 After its launch, records show that 40% of all 14-horsepower cars
16:13 on the road in the UK were Vauxhalls, which was largely down to
16:17 the popularity of the Light Six.
16:21 With sales exceeding 20,000 in 1934, as well as an annual company
16:27 turnover of 7 million, the DX and DY range had a lot to live up to.
16:33 But with Vauxhall's careful planning and hard work, this challenge
16:37 was easily met.
16:39 In 1935, during the first year of release, the DX and DY models
16:48 quantified their success by leading company sales to rise well
16:53 beyond 25,000 cars.
16:56 Also on offer during this successful sales year was a 14-horsepower
17:02 deluxe saloon model with sliding roof and a no-draft Fischer
17:07 ventilation system.
17:09 In 1937, the Vauxhall 14 underwent a restyle, producing what today
17:17 has been classed as the Series Two.
17:20 Vauxhall's DX range now included the 14-horsepower deluxe saloon,
17:26 priced at £215, a slightly more expensive 14-horsepower deluxe
17:32 touring saloon, and also the 14-horsepower Grosvenor Fawesome
17:36 Coupé that could be bought for the sum of £275.
17:42 Also at this time, road tax for a 14-horsepower vehicle of any make
17:47 was around £10.10, so altogether, purchasing a Vauxhall 14 DX model
17:54 was not a bad buy.
17:56 Whilst retaining a cable braking system, the improved features of
18:01 the Series Two included a waterfall grille that replaced the Series
18:06 One mesh grille, easy clean wheels that replaced the wire wheels,
18:10 and the addition of a camshaft-driven windscreen wiper assembly.
18:15 As the dawn of the Second World War approached, Vauxhall switched
18:22 its efforts to manufacturing equipment and vehicles for the armed
18:26 forces, and civilian production was suspended.
18:29 After the conflicts, however, motor production picked back up again,
18:35 and Vauxhall continued its pre-war model line in the form of the H,
18:40 I and J types.
18:42 The I type was launched in 1938 to replace the 12-horsepower DY model
18:53 and featured an improved engine, whilst the J type, launched in 1939,
18:59 continued Vauxhall's 14-horsepower series and retained the
19:03 six-cylinder engine of the DX range.
19:06 Differences between the J and DX models included the incorporation
19:12 of a three-speed fully synchronised gearbox and an integral body
19:16 construction, which made the J type considerably lighter and,
19:20 in turn, cheaper to run, although today, this hasn't deterred the
19:25 21st century enthusiast from appreciating the qualities of the Vauxhall DX.
19:32 Noted for its smooth operation and comfortable design, the 14-6 with
19:39 its independent front suspension marked a first for Vauxhall,
19:43 promoting success and widespread popularity.
19:47 Today, now seen in a more nostalgic light, the unique character and
19:52 craftsmanship of this fabulous car is admired by many and defines
19:57 a momentous period in Vauxhall's history.
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22:04 There's something definitely nostalgic about the appearance of the
22:11 Vauxhall 10. In point of fact, it's everything you would expect to see
22:15 in a motor car from the 1930s boom years.
22:20 The age of steam, with the general public travelling everywhere by train,
22:24 was beginning to spiral into a decline as automobiles for the masses
22:29 started to become a viable alternative.
22:33 The middle classes were thoroughly enjoying being able to drive themselves
22:37 around the countryside and Vauxhall, relatively recently acquired by
22:42 General Motors, focused on this new and very lucrative area of the market.
22:48 The Vauxhall 10 was truly trailblazing, as it was the first British manufactured
22:54 car to incorporate an integral body and chassis to great effect.
22:59 From the point of view of the drive of the car, the ride was much quieter,
23:03 as noise levels were drastically reduced by the revolutionary design.
23:09 Unusually, this was a major technological advance that actually reduced the cost
23:14 of production, which Vauxhall very wisely passed on to the consumer.
23:20 With a remarkably reasonable price tag at £168, remember the 1398 which we've
23:27 already had a look at from the 1920s, retailed at £1,670, the Vauxhall 10
23:34 was set to become a phenomenal success.
23:38 Also, the Vauxhall 10 was a 10 for a very good reason.
23:43 When it was introduced in 1937, engine size mattered.
23:48 It was restricted by taxation and a 10 horsepower vehicle meant that it
23:53 fitted into a lower rated tax class.
23:56 However, Vauxhall very shrewdly kept the engine size small, whilst creating
24:01 a car that had the feel of a much larger, more prestigious vehicle,
24:06 and the plan worked.
24:11 When the motoring press got hold of the first Vauxhall 10 to road test,
24:15 they were suitably impressed, and many a newly launched modern car would
24:19 be envious of the reviews this revolutionary Vauxhall received.
24:25 The Motor magazine, the "What Car?" of its day, said, "This is an
24:30 extraordinary car. It seats four in comfort, exceeds 42 miles per gallon,
24:36 and cannot fail to become one of the most popular cars on the British market."
24:43 It was an accurate prediction indeed, because in the first five months,
24:47 10,000 Vauxhall 10s were sold, and the customers who took delivery of their
24:52 precious vehicles were delighted with their purchases.
24:57 The Vauxhall 10 was in production for a total of three years, and 55,000
25:02 were sold on a worldwide basis. They were surprisingly popular in New Zealand
25:07 and Australia, where even today you'll find classic car collectors with a
25:12 Vauxhall 10 numbered amongst their prized possessions.
25:18 As we take a close-up look at this much-loved Vauxhall 10 in the heart of
25:23 the English countryside, we've the perfect opportunity to consider exactly
25:27 what made this particular model of Vauxhall so popular, beyond the obvious
25:32 price considerations. When Vauxhall came up with the design for the 10,
25:38 the goal had been to produce a car that would have independent front suspension
25:42 and a low weight-to-size ratio. The front suspension was courtesy of
25:49 enclosed torsion bars, and this, combined with semi-elliptic rear springs,
25:55 made for an extremely comfortable ride. This was considered to be the ultimate
26:01 modern car when compared to the opposition.
26:06 It's hard to imagine today, but the Vauxhall 10 relied upon a three-speed
26:11 gearbox, yet it was still capable of producing 75 miles per hour, quite an
26:16 achievement for the time, and, thankfully, with effective hydraulic brakes, it was
26:21 a very safe vehicle for the ever-improving open roads of Britain.
26:28 For the style-conscious, this delightful car boasted full leather upholstery,
26:33 and there were even models with what was termed in the 1930s as a "sunshine roof".
26:42 More powerful models eventually superseded the Vauxhall 10 when the road tax
26:46 was no longer charged in relation to horsepower, but more on that subject
26:51 will follow when we look at the next Vauxhall selected for this programme.
26:57 However, it mattered little that Vauxhall, under the control of General Motors,
27:02 had moved with the times, evolving to lead the way in the family car market,
27:08 because the world was about to change beyond recognition, and there was
27:12 nothing anyone could do about it.
27:17 When Adolf Hitler storm-trooped his way into Poland in 1939, the British
27:30 government had no alternative but to declare war on Germany.
27:35 Britain became a nation at war, and the Vauxhall plant at Luton in Bedfordshire
27:40 had more important things to worry about than designing and manufacturing
27:45 the perfect family car.
27:49 During the six years of the Second World War, the Luton factory did continue
27:54 to produce the Vauxhall 10, but only a hundred of them for government use,
27:59 compared to the quarter of a million 4x4 trucks that were produced for the army.
28:06 Also, tanks were in very short supply, and Vauxhall was called upon to rise
28:11 to the challenge.
28:15 The Churchill tank was created from drawing board to full production at Luton
28:20 in just a year, which was a herculean achievement.
28:25 In all, 5,640 Churchill tanks were manufactured by Vauxhall, and 3,000 of the
28:32 38-tonne mighty battle machines were returned to Luton for running repairs
28:38 after sustaining damage during active service.
28:42 This particular example of a Churchill tank is a long way from home, in Normandy,
28:48 where it stands as a memorial commemorating the D-Day landings of 1944.
28:56 As an interesting postscript on Vauxhall's war efforts, it wasn't only tanks that
29:01 were produced, every department found itself in the firing line, as the body shop
29:06 manufactured more than 5 million fuel cans, 4 million rocket engine parts,
29:12 and three quarters of a million helmets.
29:17 Even the design and styling team found themselves working on camouflage,
29:22 inflatable decoy trucks, and string and canvas decoy aircraft.
29:29 Returning to our classic Vauxhall 10, it's evident that the ingenuity of the designers
29:34 behind its groundbreaking new style were very talented indeed.
29:39 And when the war cry called the staff of Vauxhall to arms,
29:43 they served their country with honour and pride.
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30:39 Now, as our next proud owner presents his wonderfully restored Vauxhall J-Type,
30:46 it may be difficult, initially, to see much difference between this model
30:50 and the previous two Vauxhalls we've seen on parade.
30:54 This is because, although his J-Type, dating back to 1948, is most definitely
31:00 in the post-war category, it owes its design and styling to both the Vauxhall 14
31:06 and the Vauxhall 10 of the pre-war era.
31:10 It would also have perhaps been helpful if these three crucial models in the Vauxhall story
31:15 had been different colours, but we've had black, black, and then more black.
31:21 It would no doubt delight that great motoring mogul Henry Ford,
31:25 but when it comes to classic treasures like ones featured in this programme,
31:30 choice is always limited to what survived.
31:34 Also, it's important to remember that we're dealing with the period of history
31:39 immediately prior to the Second World War and directly after,
31:43 so black would, without question, have been the most common colour used in British car manufacturing,
31:49 regardless of make or model.
31:54 When the war finally came to an end in 1945, the British car industry had to pick up
31:59 where it had left off six years earlier.
32:02 Also, drivers were still strictly rationed with petrol coupons right up until 1950,
32:09 and the government decreed that the majority of cars to come off the newly re-opened production lines,
32:15 including Vauxhalls from Luton, were exported to improve the country's bank balance.
32:21 There was no room for design, innovation or anything fancy,
32:26 and for Vauxhall, modification of the 10 and 14 models proved to be their starting point.
32:34 Eventually, the government changed car taxation from a horsepower-related system
32:43 to a flat-rate system, and the classic Vauxhall 10 could logically be upgraded
32:48 with a more powerful engine.
32:51 Firstly, the H-type, with its 12 horsepower, took over from the 10,
32:56 and then came the J-type, which you see here today.
33:00 This particular model is one of the last, having been manufactured in 1948,
33:06 the final year of the J-type's production.
33:10 The "don't ride, glide" principle still held true,
33:15 and with minor modifications rather than design innovations,
33:19 the J-type offered a number of improvements.
33:22 Already enjoying the benefits of light handling thanks to the integral body construction,
33:28 the addition of the extra horsepower with the 1781cc six-cylinder engine
33:34 gave the J-type an extra edge.
33:37 In fact, the J-type is often called the Vauxhall J14-6
33:42 as a direct result of the configuration.
33:46 For the discerning driver, other modifications included the luxury
33:51 of an adjustable steering column, adjustable footrests,
33:55 and double-action shock absorbers.
33:58 And all this was available for the competitive price of £220.
34:06 Between 1938 and 1948, 30,511 Vauxhall J-types were produced,
34:14 and had any of the original owners kept one of these classic cars,
34:19 they would be delighted at what their investment would net them today.
34:24 Collecting classic cars can be an absolute joy,
34:29 and the car you see here being put through its paces has brought great pleasure to its owner.
34:35 Unusually, when the car was purchased five years ago,
34:38 most of the original bodywork was intact, with only a small amount of rust.
34:43 The majority of cars of this type have required extensive restoration,
34:48 and few with as many original features as this model actually exist.
34:53 This is most definitely reflected in the value of the car,
35:01 as this owner has at least doubled his investment in a very short space of time.
35:07 However, as you can see for yourself, this is a mere technicality.
35:12 This has been a question of finding an old, forgotten treasure,
35:16 and lovingly bringing it back to life.
35:19 The joy of saving a classic car, and the challenge of keeping it in the best possible condition,
35:26 is truly what it's all about.
35:29 It's very gratifying for this owner to know the monetary value of this vehicle,
35:33 but it's been a labour of love, and parting him from his car would be no easy task.
35:40 It's also interesting to ask classic car owners for their top tips,
35:46 and in this case, it was concerning that dreaded scourge of the motorist of any era - rust.
35:53 With this J-type, life was made a lot easier,
35:57 because there was minimal rust damage, and prevention is always better than cure.
36:02 OK, if you're happy to take on a complete restoration project, that's fine.
36:07 But if you're taking your first steps towards classic car collecting,
36:11 you might be glad of a few tips on how to spot potential rust problems before you buy.
36:17 It's always worth getting to know other classic car owners.
36:23 They're a friendly lot, and better than any manual or encyclopedia.
36:27 Many classics have specific problem rusting areas due to design factors,
36:34 and fellow enthusiasts will point you in the right direction.
36:37 But there are some useful general pointers that the owner of this beautiful J-type has suggested.
36:43 Front wings always need careful scrutiny when it comes to rust.
36:49 Likewise, the areas immediately around the headlamps.
36:53 Always watch out for seals leaking around the windscreen,
36:57 because this will cause extensive corrosion.
37:00 Doors are a little easier to cope with, as they can be replaced,
37:05 if the model you've chosen isn't too obscure.
37:08 But do check that the door frames are OK.
37:11 Always be wary of a seller who won't let you give a suspect area a gentle prod.
37:18 And make sure you lift the carpet in the boot to check the floor and the rear wheel arches.
37:24 If you're in any doubt, walk away, and wait until you can find the soundest rust-free option.
37:31 This wonderful J-type is a perfect example of what can be achieved with a good purchase in the first place.
37:40 So take your time, and be realistic about your restoration abilities.
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39:45 If there was little development immediately after the war in the design department at Vauxhall,
39:50 it didn't take long for the creative juices to flow once more.
39:55 The people of Britain were enjoying peace in their time,
39:58 and the utilitarian make-do-and-mend principles of the war years gave way to indulgence, luxury and style.
40:07 Our next Vauxhall is the epitome of elegance and post-war chic,
40:12 and you can really get a sense of British optimism from this classic 1956 Velox.
40:19 The first Velox appeared in 1948 alongside the Wyvern, and the Vauxhall 10, 12 and 14 were phased out.
40:30 The Wyvern retained the 12 horsepower engine from the H-type,
40:35 but the Velox L-type was given a completely new 2.2 litre, 6-cylinder engine.
40:42 There was a growing fascination for things American,
40:46 and of course the wartime alliance had done much to warm transatlantic relations.
40:51 Just as Britain was enjoying a design revolution, so were the Americans,
40:57 and with Hollywood influencing cinema-goers once again,
41:01 and television beginning to make an impact, American style was something to aspire to.
41:09 The first of the Veloxes showed the earliest signs of this American influence on British car design.
41:15 There was a distinctly racy front end and fared-in headlights,
41:20 but the steering column gear change was probably the most notable transatlantic import at this stage.
41:27 Looking at this Velox today, it's evident that Vauxhall were on the right track.
41:34 This model, known as the E-type, was restyled in 1951.
41:39 Between its debut and the end of production in 1957,
41:43 342,000 of the newer styled cars had been manufactured at the Vauxhall factory in Luton.
41:51 With a new, full-width body shell design that boasted stylish front wings and distinctive lights,
41:58 the Velox was a hit with the increasing numbers of British motorists,
42:03 taking to the road for pleasure as well as convenience.
42:07 By 1953, Vauxhall, just like the rest of Great Britain, had put the war years firmly in the past,
42:15 and a new sense of glamour was being celebrated.
42:18 It was the company's golden jubilee, and they'd come an incredibly long way in just 50 years.
42:27 From the first Vauxhall of 1903, with its 5-horsepower chain-driven horizontal engine and no reverse gear,
42:35 right through to the stylish Velox and other contemporary models,
42:39 it had been a truly remarkable journey, as, of course, had been the entire first half of the 20th century.
42:47 For Vauxhall, the future was assured.
42:50 13,000 people were employed at the Luton factory,
42:54 and annual production had reached a record high of 100,000 vehicles.
42:59 The millionth Vauxhall conveniently rolled off the production line in the golden jubilee year,
43:07 which was perfect timing for the Vauxhall PR gurus of the day.
43:11 Vauxhall's good fortune reflected that of the nation, and a major initiative was launched to expand.
43:20 With an injection of £36 million, Vauxhall became a force to be reckoned with,
43:25 and when you take a closer look at the stylish lines and classic grace of this wonderful Velox, you can see why.
43:33 For this owner, this particular Velox is rather special.
43:39 When we mentioned earlier that classic car owners can be, to say the least,
43:43 reluctant when it comes to parting with their vehicles, we weren't joking.
43:48 With its distinctive big back window and silver straw paintwork, the car was sold by this owner,
43:54 but he was delighted to get it back eight years ago, and he certainly has no intention of parting with it again.
44:01 With the early motorcars of the 20th century, it was still perceived by the average motorist
44:09 that getting from A to B was as much as they could ask.
44:12 But, as you've seen for yourself, by the time it got to the Velox, there was much more on offer.
44:18 This was, as the advertising department was keen to tell us, comfort with flexibility,
44:24 and the drive was something very special.
44:27 With its high performance, short-stroke engine, this Velox is still a delight to drive,
44:33 giving the impression of power coupled with ability.
44:37 And if you're looking to start your own collection of classic cars without going too far back in time,
44:42 this might just be the ideal choice.
44:45 Classic cars are rarely bought to be the main form of family transport,
44:51 so you can let your heart rule your head to a certain degree.
44:55 If you have a particular model you're looking for, try joining an appropriate car club,
45:00 because you'll soon discover any that are for sale.
45:04 Classic car magazines are also very useful, as are classic car shows,
45:09 but do keep your eyes peeled wherever you go.
45:12 Adverts in newsagents' windows, for example, can uncover a well-loved and cared-for treasure,
45:18 and, of course, the internet can not only help you find the perfect classic car to buy,
45:23 but also turn up all the spare parts that you're likely to need to keep your vehicle running.
45:32 The Vauxhall Velox is very much a car of the post-war era of new prosperity,
45:37 and a valuable addition to our Vauxhall collection for this programme.
45:42 It may not have the seniority of the 1398, or the nostalgic sentimentality of the Vauxhall 10s and 14s,
45:51 but it has all the glamour of a 1950s Hollywood film star,
45:56 and a comfortable, stylish ride that is worthy of preservation for many years to come.
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47:31 For our last Vauxhall, we're coming even more up to date,
47:35 as this VX490 Victor can only be described as a true 1960s machine.
47:42 Produced between 1961 and '64, this sporty version of the standard Victor was very popular,
47:49 and later reincarnations of the VX490 were always sporty and, most definitely, a discerning driver's car.
48:00 As the Velox E-Type that we've just been looking at was superseded by a more streamlined, glossy model in 1957,
48:08 the Vauxhall, with its distinctive wrap-around windscreen and four-cylinder, one-and-a-half-litre engine, came onto the scene.
48:16 It was well-received, and although the Victor is perhaps not the best known of all Vauxhalls,
48:22 the penchant for a little alliteration was developing nicely, as later Vivas, Venturas and Vectras could prove.
48:30 Ironically, by the time the Victor made its debut just four years after Vauxhall's golden jubilee,
48:38 the workforce had doubled, and the company's annual turnover had risen to 76 million.
48:44 It had taken 50 years for Vauxhall to make its first million cars; it achieved a second million by 1959.
48:52 Gone were the days of the 3098 with its exclusive price tag and even more exclusive number of customers,
49:00 Vauxhall had become, just as GM intended, the cars of the motoring masses.
49:05 With the encouragement of the government of the day, Vauxhall opened a second manufacturing plant at Ellesmere Port on Merseyside,
49:13 and production output increased even more dramatically.
49:17 This VX490 has a great sporty look, and its colour scheme certainly helps.
49:25 Because of the classic lines and 1960s chic, which has enjoyed a fashion revival in recent years,
49:32 this will always be a highly collectible car.
49:35 The drive is surprisingly good for a car of this age, although all of the Victors were rapidly updated,
49:42 as motoring technology surged ahead.
49:45 In 1964, more powerful engines were introduced, and in 1968, a completely new Victor was created,
49:54 with either a 1.6 or a 2.0 litre engine.
49:57 With a revolutionary inclined overhead cam, driven by a neoprene belt,
50:04 it was the first production car in Britain to offer this feature.
50:09 In fact, as Vauxhall celebrated its golden jubilee, the new FD Victor enjoyed great public acclaim,
50:16 as the Times called it the "star of the motor show", and it was actually voted "British Car of the Year".
50:23 A more powerful 3.3 litre 6 was created, called the Ventura,
50:29 and when Victor models were revamped once more in the 1970s, the VX490 was again the sporty option.
50:38 There are a number of Vauxhall owners and drivers clubs, and the VX490 does have a dedicated drivers club,
50:45 where enthusiasts of the FD and FE series Victors are also very welcome.
50:51 It's always worth checking out these organisations, as mentioned earlier,
50:55 particularly for locating vehicles and spare parts.
50:59 The Vauxhall VX490 Drivers Club actually publishes its own magazine and magazine cover,
51:06 and the events they organise can be very worthwhile and, more importantly, thoroughly enjoyable.
51:13 It can't be stressed enough that other owners, whatever their chosen breed of classic car, are very useful to know,
51:23 and as we enjoy watching this delightful Vauxhall VX490 taking to the open road,
51:28 here are a few of the most commonly offered gems that our owners have come up with during the making of this programme.
51:36 It might sound a bit boring when you're itching to get tinkering with your newly bought classic,
51:42 but start a maintenance log, because it's easy to lose track of what you have, or more importantly, haven't done.
51:50 Draw up a schedule of work and attend to the little things that are inexpensive, as well as major servicing issues.
51:58 On the subject of driving on the road, experienced classic car owners are well used to the impatience of modern speed freaks.
52:06 For some reason, a classic vehicle pottering along is seen as a challenge to be overtaken at the earliest possible opportunity,
52:14 whether it's safe or not.
52:17 You'll have to second guess what the idiot on your tail is going to do next,
52:21 and you can't assume they'll have any notion of what you might do, especially if you have semaphore indicators.
52:27 Almost all of the drivers we've spoken to urge prospective purchasers of classic cars to work out where to store their newly acquired treasure,
52:37 because they do the deed.
52:39 Not only is it wise to confer with your nearest and dearest if you want to keep your work in progress on the front lawn,
52:46 it can also quite literally keep you out of the divorce courts.
52:50 Also, the worst thing you can do to any car, ancient or modern, is park it on grass and throw a plastic sheet over it.
53:01 The damp will rise and have nowhere to go, and corrosion will be accelerated.
53:06 A garage is pretty essential in most owners' opinions, or at the very least, a sheltered carport where you'll be comfortable working on your vehicle.
53:16 But as we watch this Vauxhall VX490 disappearing off into the distance,
53:21 it's living proof that all the work involved in restoring a classic car is well worth the effort.
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54:01 Sadly, our time looking at these much-loved and treasured Vauxhalls is drawing to a close,
54:21 and having spanned much of the 20th century with models featured, we'll conclude by bringing the Vauxhall story up to date.
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54:34 When the Vauxhall Corporation turned their attention to a smaller car in the 1960s,
54:44 alongside the Vixtas and Veluxes, the other great V, the Viva, was born.
54:51 With its 1,050cc engine, 100,000 Vivas were sold in less than a year,
54:57 and it heralded the way of the future, a legacy that drivers are still enjoying to this day.
55:03 The Viva was replaced by the first Vauxhall hatchback, the Chevette, which enjoyed regular placing in the top ten for UK car sales.
55:12 A succession of new cars appeared, the much-loved Cavalier, the Royale, and the Carlton,
55:18 but the 1980s brought a decline in sales due to stiff competition from import markets,
55:24 and the motor industry across the board suffered a crisis of confidence.
55:28 Some great old British names like Austin never recovered, being swallowed up by Rover,
55:35 but General Motors was not going to let Vauxhall fall by the wayside.
55:39 When others were battening down the hatches, GM came up with an immense investment programme
55:45 that would take almost seven years and millions of pounds to come to fruition.
55:50 The new front-wheel drive Astra proved incredibly popular,
55:54 and is still in production today in an up-to-the-minute 21st century evolution.
55:59 In direct competition with the Ford Fiesta, the Nova entered the small car market and performed superbly,
56:07 and the present-day Corsa owes a great deal to its Nova ancestry.
56:13 Losses were turned into profit, and Vauxhall was a force to be reckoned with on a worldwide scale.
56:19 In terms of character, originality and sheer bravery,
56:24 many would argue that Vauxhall's greatest hour came during World War II,
56:29 when adaptability and resilience truly did come to the fore.
56:33 Others would argue that the classic design capabilities of Lawrence Pomeroy,
56:38 and his majestic Prince Henry and elegant 3098 epitomised the true spirit of Vauxhall,
56:44 before GM moved the company in a different direction.
56:48 Yet few could fail to give credit to the giant American corporation
56:53 that took an, albeit thriving, English cottage industry
56:57 and carried it right through to the 21st century and way beyond.
57:01 You only have to see the proud emblem of the Griffin
57:04 to realise that Vauxhall's identity will always stand testimony to its heritage.
57:09 It'll take some careful pronunciation here,
57:12 but the emblem belonged to a soldier of the Middle Ages,
57:15 one Fulk Lebront, who was granted a London manor by a grateful King of England.
57:21 The manor house was known as Fulk's Hall, which over the years became known as Vauxhall,
57:28 and the name stuck to the whole district, which is of course where the very first Vauxhall cars originated.
57:34 For classic car owners and modern Vauxhall enthusiasts alike,
57:39 the strength and endurance of the distinctive Griffin emblem
57:43 on Vauxhall's well-polished livery is appropriate indeed.
57:47 For as long as this mythical winged beast,
57:50 with the body of a lion and the head of an eagle, proclaims Vauxhall's credentials,
57:55 the company has every chance of creating even more classic cars for the collectors of the future.
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