If you happen to be in the UK don’t miss Vauxhall’s open day on June 10.
Vauxhall’s world-renowned Heritage Centre in Luton is celebrating its first quarter-century.
Housing a collection of 75 vehicles, spanning the company’s entire 115-year history, families and enthusiasts will be able to see everything from the first Vauxhall – a 5hp, single-cylinder, chain-driven ‘horeseless carriage’ – to the very latest 448kW VXR8 GTS-R (a Holden by another name).
Sitting between these book-end cars will be a few others with significant anniversaries.
The 1918 D-type Staff Car helped mobilise the British Army during WW1.
It’s also been 70 years since Vauxhall stopped building Churchill tanks for WWII and recommenced car production at Luton, and the L-Type Wyvern tells this story perfectly.
There are many other anniversaries, too.
It’s 35 years since the first Astra GTE, 55 years since the first Viva, 40 years since the first Chevette HS – but arguably the most important is Vauxhall’s best-selling Corsa which this year turns 25.
The XVR and SRV concepts showcase Vauxhall’s industry-leading design capability in the 60s and 70s, while the VX Lightning shows how this could have continued into the 21st century.
There will also be a nod to Bedford, with vehicles ranging from the 1930 two-ton truck, to the CA and CF panel vans.
The breadth and quality of Vauxhall’s Heritage Collection is unique, with most cars roadworthy and maintained by Senior Restorer, Andy Boddy and Terry Forder.
A majority of the vehicles were also built just around the corner from the Heritage Centre, at the famous Kimpton Road plant.
Vauxhall’s Heritage Centre Open Day will run from 10am to 4pm.
