Many assume that the X2-engined HD was the first “sporty” performance sedan offered by Holden.
Sorry, you’re wrong. It was the 1962 Vauxhall Victor VX 4/90.
Built from CKD (completely knocked down) packs by GM-H, the VX 4/90 was the sports sedan version of the new FB Victor range.
It delivered performance and luxury that was way above the local offerings.
A top speed of 90 mph/145km/h was claimed from the 81bhp/60.5kW 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, which boasted a special alloy head and twin Zenith carburettors.
The gear box was an all synchromesh four-speeder, with a floor shifter.
Up front were 10.5 inch/267mm power front disc brakes.
Handling was taken care of by 30 per cent stiffer suspension.
By comparison the new EJ Holden had only 75 bhp/56kW of power and struggled with a bigger, heavier body and woefully small drum brakes.
No synchromesh on first gear for Holden buyers either.
Interior appointments were better than those of the new EJ Premier.
Thick carpets covered the floor.
There were front bucket seats, ash trays and armrests for all, heater/demister, electrically-operated wipers and washers, rev counter, headlight flasher and gauges for water temperature, oil pressure, amps, fuel and a trip meter.
A padded and wood grained dashboard and door trims added to the aura of luxury.
And it all cost about 20 per cent more than a Holden Special.
The purpose of the VX 4/90 was to fill a niche in the UK market, that Vauxhall’s product planners had identified.
They reckoned that a medium-sized car (in UK terms) with a higher-than-average performance, with sporty/luxury inclusions, yet retaining the cost/price advantages of a volume-produced sedan, would sell profitably.
To distinguish it from the more sedate Victors, the VX 4/90’s exterior trim, side flash and lights were taken from Canadian Victor, called the Envoy in that country.
The design of the distinctive side flash was changed in 1963.
Vauxhall modestly believed it could shift about 1000 per month.
They totally underestimated the car’s popularity.
After only eight months a year’s worth had been sold — with 3500 exported.
Vauxhall knew they had a winner.
The VX 4/90’s success help convince Ford that high performance variants of its new Cortina, launched in October 1962, would also find willing buyers.
The origin of the VX 4/90 name is explained by David Booker, founder of the world’s best Vauxhall heritage website, Vauxpedia.com.
David says that it is VauXhall 4 cylinder 90 mph.
The VX descriptor became synonymous with sporty Vauxhalls over the next decades.
When the Holden Monaro was sold in the UK, it carried the storied VX badge, as did its VE Commodore replacement.
David Burrell is the editor of retroautos
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