A Rare Look at Two of Vauxhall’s Classic Supercar Concepts

Visionary Classics - Every car enthusiast knows that behind today’s sleek machines lies a fascinating history of bold experiments and daring designs. The story of Vauxhall, one of Britain’s most enduring carmakers, is no different. Starting life in 1857 as a builder of marine equipment before producing its first car in 1903, the company has always carried a spirit of invention. Now a subsidiary tied to Opel under the General Motors umbrella, Vauxhall’s legacy is not just about family hatchbacks and practical sedans—it also includes some truly wild concepts that pushed the boundaries of imagination.

The 1970 Vauxhall SRV and 1966 Vauxhall XVR are two forgotten concept cars that spent decades hidden in the brand’s Heritage Centre in Luton. (Picture from: AutomobilesReview)

Among the countless models Vauxhall has built over the decades, a handful of prototypes stand out as true works of creative engineering. Two of the rarest examples, hidden away for nearly two decades in the brand’s Heritage Centre in Luton, show just how adventurous the company once was. Both created during the 1960s and 1970s, they represent the kind of fearless vision that shaped an era of automotive experimentation.

 

1. 1966 Vauxhall XVR Concept

The first gem is the 1966 Vauxhall XVR, a car that stunned the crowds when it debuted at the Geneva Salon. The name itself—eXperimental Vauxhall Research—hinted at its purpose. Its styling drew inspiration from the American Mako Shark II concept, with a sharp nose that gave the car an almost predatory presence. What really caught attention, however, were the futuristic features: gullwing doors that rose dramatically, concealed pop-up headlights, and independent suspension that promised cutting-edge handling. 

The 1966 Vauxhall XVR Concept has designs inspired by the Mako Shark II XP 830 concept and debuted at the 1966 Geneva Salon. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

Behind the XVR’s dramatic lines was David Jones, then head of Vauxhall’s design team, supported by talents like Wayne Cherry, John Taylor, Leo Pruneau, and Judd Holcombe. Together, they built three prototypes: two lightweight fiberglass shells that never ran, and one fully functional version crafted in metal by Motor Panels of Coventry. That single working prototype housed a 2.0-liter Slant-4 engine producing about 100 horsepower, good enough to push the car past 100 mph—serious speed for the mid-1960s.

The 1966 Vauxhall XVR Concept is powered by a front-mid mounted 2.0L Slant-4 engine for the power of 100 bhp. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

Though the XVR was never destined for production, its influence reached beyond its short-lived debut. The car became a playground for new design ideas, such as unique dashboard treatments later explored in the Firenza model. More than just a showpiece, it symbolized Vauxhall’s willingness to experiment with form and function at a time when the automotive world was undergoing rapid change.

2. 1970 Vauxhall SRV Concept

Just a few years later, Vauxhall’s designers doubled down on innovation with the arrival of the 1970 SRV, short for Styling Research Vehicle. Unveiled at the Earls Court Motor Show, the SRV appeared almost otherworldly, its low-slung shape suggesting a two-door sports car while cleverly hiding the fact it was actually a four-door with seating for four. Created under Wayne Cherry, who by then had taken the reins as chief designer, the SRV carried a presence that could rival any futuristic vision of its era.

The 1970 Vauxhall SRV Concept designed by Wayne Cherry and debuted at the 1970 Earls Court Motor Show. (Picture from: CarStyling.ru)

The engineering details of the SRV were just as fascinating as its looks. Constructed from lightweight glass-reinforced plastic, it featured a transversely mounted mid-engine layout, something almost unheard of in mainstream British design at the time. The controls were even built into the driver’s door—a quirky but futuristic decision. On top of that, the SRV packed innovations like an aerofoil nose for aerodynamic stability, an electric self-leveling suspension system, and even a device called a manometer to measure air pressure across its bodywork. These touches weren’t just for show; they were glimpses into the kind of forward-thinking ideas that would eventually influence future automotive technology.

Looking back today, both the XVR and SRV stand as proof of how fearless Vauxhall’s designers once were. While neither car reached production, they embody the spirit of experimentation that kept the automotive world moving forward during the 1960s and 1970s. In an age where cars are becoming more uniform and technology-driven, seeing these rare classics reminds us that creativity and imagination have always been the real engines of progress. *** [EKA [10062020] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | WIKIPEDIA | AUTOMOBILES REVIEW | CARSTYLING.RU ]

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