Vauxhall Velox
| Vauxhall Velox | |
|---|---|
| File:Vauxhall Velox 4-Door Saloon 1958.jpg
PA S Saloon 1958
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| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Vauxhall (General Motors) |
| Production | 1948–65 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Executive car |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Related | Vauxhall Wyvern 1948-1957 Vauxhall Cresta 1954-1972 |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Vauxhall Fourteen (J) |
| Successor | Vauxhall Cresta PC |
The Vauxhall Velox is a six-cylinder automobile which was produced by Vauxhall from 1948 to 1965.
It was introduced by Vauxhall shortly before the London Motor Show in October 1948[1] as a successor to the Vauxhall Fourteen. Between 1948 and 1957 the Velox shared its body with the less powerful four-cylinder Vauxhall Wyvern. Between 1957 and 1965 it shared its body with the more luxuriously equipped Vauxhall Cresta and by the time production ended, in 1965, the Velox had evolved into a large family car, competing in the UK with the contemporary six-cylinder Ford Zephyr.
The Velox and its Opel contemporaries are remembered for having mirrored North American styling trends much more closely than other European models of the time. This was particularly apparent following the introduction in 1957 of the PA version of the Velox.
Velox LIP (1948–51)
| Vauxhall Velox LIP | |
|---|---|
| File:Vauxhall Velox ca 1949.jpg | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 1948-51 |
| Assembly | Luton, Bedfordshire, England Biel, Switzerland Australia,[2] Petone, New Zealand |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 4-door saloon 2-door tourer (Australia) [3] |
| Related | Vauxhall Wyvern |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 2275 cc I6 ohv 54 bhp (40 kW) |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 97.75 in (2,483 mm) [4] |
| Length | 164.5 in (4,178 mm) |
| Width | 62 in (1,575 mm)[5] |
| Height | 63 in (1,600 mm)[5] |
| Curb weight | 2,268 lb (1,029 kg) |
The classic four-door saloon boasted a newly developed straight-six-cylinder engine of 2275 cc, with overhead valves. The 54 bhp (40 kW) power output[5] provided for a claimed top speed of 74 mph (119 km/h). Power was delivered to the rear wheels via a three-speed manual gear box with synchromesh on the top two ratios.
Optional extras included a heater from which warm air was evenly distributed between the front and back areas of the passenger cabin and which could be set to de-ice the windscreen in winter or to provide cool air ventilation in summer. Also available at extra charge was an AM radio integrated into the fascia.
The body was shared with the four-cylinder Vauxhall Wyvern, a pattern that continued with subsequent versions of the Velox until 1957. The interior of the Velox was not greatly differentiated from that of the Wyvern, but it could boast superior seating materials and, for the rear seat, a central arm rest.
A car tested by The Motor magazine in 1949 had a top speed of 74.1 mph (119.3 km/h) and could accelerate from 0–60 mph (97 km/h) in 22.8 seconds. A fuel consumption of 22.3 miles per imperial gallon (12.7 L/100 km; 18.6 mpg‑US) was recorded. The test car cost £550 including taxes.[5]
Foreign production
Early Velox and Wyvern models were assembled at Vauxhall's Luton plant in England, at the General Motors plant at Biel in Switzerland and in Australia (by Holden in Melbourne) and New Zealand at the GM plant in Petone near Wellington.[6] The LBX model ID was applied to "chassis only" exports to Australia.[7] Australian production included a Caleche tourer [3] and a unique sedan with a more rounded boot and an additional window behind the rear door.[2]
A unique prototype two seater roadster was the Swiss Vauxhall Zimmerli-Velox 18-6. This used a coach built aluminium body on a tubular ladder chassis, with standard Velox running gear. It was built in 1949 for the Zimmerli brothers, who had a Vauxhall dealership in Reiden. The car survives today in near original condition.[8]
Velox EIP/EIPV & EBP (1951–57)
| Vauxhall Velox EIP Vauxhall Velox EIPV |
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|---|---|
1955 Vauxhall Velox EIP Saloon
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| Overview | |
| Production | 1951–57 235,296 made[9] |
| Assembly | Luton, Bedfordshire, England Australia,[10] Petone, New Zealand |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 4-door saloon [9] estate car [9] 2-door tourer [10] 2-door coupe utility [10] |
| Related | Vauxhall Cresta EIPC Vauxhall Wyvern EIX |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 2275 cc I6 ohv 55 bhp (41 kW) 2262 cc I6 ohv 64 bhp (48 kW) 2262 cc I6 ohv 67.5 bhp (50.3 kW) |
| Transmission | 3-speed manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 103 in (2,616 mm) [4] |
| Length | 172 in (4,369 mm) [11] |
| Width | 67 in (1,702 mm) [11] |
| Height | 63.5 in (1,613 mm) [11] |
| Curb weight | 2,352 lb (1,067 kg) - 2,436 lb (1,105 kg) |
In 1951 a longer, wider Velox was launched, designated as the EIP series,[9] and featuring a modern 'three box' shape and integral construction. The body was again shared with the 4-cylinder-engined Wyvern. The car was launched with the previous model's engine but with power output increased to 58 bhp (43 kW).[11] Wyvern and Velox models were also assembled at the General Motors New Zealand plant in Petone, north of Wellington. Holden built a quantity of utilities and Vagabond Convertibles based on the EIP series in Australia.These had a separate chassis with the Australian bodies fitted to them. These chassis were prefixed EBP
A car with the original 2275 cc engine tested by The Motor magazine in 1951 had a top speed of 77.4 mph (124.6 km/h) and could accelerate from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 23.7 seconds. A fuel consumption of 23.5 miles per imperial gallon (12.0 L/100 km; 19.6 mpg‑US) was recorded. The test car cost £802 including taxes.[11] In the same year, the magazine tested the similarly sized Ford Zephyr Six. Ford's test car was fitted with options including a radio, a heater and leather seating: thus equipped the Zephyr came with a recommended retail price of £842.[12]
In April 1952 the Velox was redesignated as the EIPV series,[9] and received a new over-square 2262 cc engine which had been in the development pipeline for several years.[6] This provided either 64 bhp (48 kW) [13] or, with a compression ratio improved to 7.6:1, 68 bhp (51 kW) of power.
A further test in 1952 by The Motor magazine of the EIPV with the short-stroke 2262 cc engine, found the top speed had increased to 80.4 mph (129.4 km/h) and acceleration from 0–60 mph (97 km/h) to 21.4 seconds. A similar fuel consumption of 23.6 miles per imperial gallon (12.0 L/100 km; 19.7 mpg‑US) was recorded. The test car cost had risen to £833 including taxes.[13]
In December 1952 General Motors Holden launched a tourer and coupe utility version of the EIPV Velox and EIX Wyvern models on the Australian market, these cars chassis were prefixed EBP for the Velox and EBX for the Wyvern. Both these cars used modified Vauxhall bodies affixed to the Bedford CA chassis. The tourer was originally to be called the Caleche but by the time of launch the model name was changed to Vagabond. The Vagabond was a two-door five seater with folding top and side curtains. It did not survive the 1955 face lift. The coupe utility continued on (Velox only from 1955) until officially withdrawn at the end of the 1957 model year.
1955 saw a significant facelift.[9] Most obvious of the many cosmetic changes was a new front grille and trafficators were replaced by flashing lights (red at the rear, US-style). More important was the introduction at this time of a sister model, branded as the Vauxhall Cresta. In addition to superior equipment levels, the Cresta was distinguished by a two tone paint finish.
Detroit was by now favouring annual facelifts, and Vauxhall reflected that trend, announcing further facelifts in 1956 (wind-up windows, larger rear window, wider grille slats, separate amber rear flashing indicator lights replacing US-style red units incorporated into the brake/tail light lens, new instrument graphics) and 1957 (electric wipers, larger tail lights, new grille, new 'magic ribbon' AC speedo) in line with the Wyvern model.[9] Technically, however, there were no further changes until the arrival of a completely new Velox in October 1957.
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Vauxhall Velox - Flickr - foshie.jpg
Vauxhall Velox EIP or EIPV Saloon, pre 1955 facelift
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Australian Vauxhall Velox EIPV Coupe Utility 1954
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Vauxhall Velox EIP Convertible.jpg
Australian Vauxhall Velox Vagabond EIP or EIPV Tourer
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Vauxhall Velox first registered UK 1992 built UK 1956 ca 2300 cc.jpg
Vauxhall Velox EIPV Saloon 1956
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Vauxhall Velox ca 1953 in Hertfordshire.jpg
Vauxhall Velox EIPV Saloon 1957
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Vauxhall Velox Stationwagon 1957 (15510823475).jpg
Velox EIPV Grosvenor estate by Grosvenor Carriage Co 1957
Velox PA (1957–62)
| Vauxhall Velox PA | |
|---|---|
| File:'60-'62 Vauxhall Velox Sedan (Hudson).JPG
Velox PA SY
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|
| Overview | |
| Production | 1957–62 |
| Assembly | Luton, Bedfordshire, England Australia Petone, New Zealand |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 4-door saloon 5-door estate car |
| Related | Vauxhall Cresta PA |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 2262 cc I6 ohv 82.5 bhp (61.5 kW) 2651 cc I6 ohv 94.6 bhp (70.5 kW) |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 105 in (2,667 mm) [4] |
| Length | 177.5 in (4,508 mm) |
| Width | 68.5 in (1,740 mm) |
| Curb weight | 2,520 lb (1,143 kg) - 2,576 lb (1,168 kg) |
Velox PA S (1957–59)
At the 1957 London Motor Show Vauxhall presented radically new Velox and Cresta models: these would come to be known as the PA versions, being the first of the P series. Particularly eye catching was the new wrap-around windscreen, combined with a three part rear window it created an airy passenger cabin, providing exceptional all round visibility. The back of the Velox was graced by tail fins, a Detroit inspired trend already taken up by the car's Ford rival, and which would in the next two years be followed also by UK rival BMC, and such European competitors as Fiat, and Peugeot. On the inside the new Velox also followed US practice of combining a front bench seat with a column-shift gear lever, continuing a trend that dates back to the first Velox models of 1948. Velox models were also assembled at the General Motors Holden plants throughout Australia, and the General Motors New Zealand plant in Petone, north of Wellington. The Wyvern was replaced by the new Victor model line which was also built in the New Zealand. Specially engineered versions of the Velox were built for use by the NZ Traffic Police.
Minor modifications to the car's six-cylinder engine raised power output to 83 bhp (61 kW). As before, the Cresta was distinguished from the Velox model by superior levels of equipment and also a two-tone paint finish.
Velox PA SY (1959–60)
The Velox PA received its first facelift in October 1959 when the front grill was enlarged and the three-piece rear window was replaced by a single wrap-around window. Technical improvements had to await the 1960 facelift, however.
Velox PA SX (1960–62)
The October 1960 facelift for 1961 was marked by further modifications to the trim, new rear lights with modified tail fins (no longer with indicators built in), combined front park/indicator lamps and a new dashboard with the two round dials replaced by a rectangular cluster with "magic ribbon" speedometer – the strip indicating speed changed from green to amber at 30 mph and to red at 60 mph. There was also a new engine, still of six cylinders, but now increased in capacity to 2651 cc, and delivering 95 bhp (71 kW). The UK had recently embarked on its first programme of motorway building, and the Velox now boasted a straight line maximum speed of 94 mph (151 km/h). Velox models were also assembled at the General Motors New Zealand plant in Petone with special versions again built for local traffic police.
PA five-door estate models, completed by an independent coachbuilder, Martin Walter, were also available.
In their 1961–62 forms, the Velox and its Cresta sibling continued without further significant changes until replaced towards the end of 1962. For 1962, the painted dashboard gave way to simulated wood, the ashtray was moved from an in-dash drawer to the dashtop, wipers were lengthened to overlap slightly, a horn ring was added to the Velox steering wheel and there were minor instrument cluster changes to increase the size of warning lights.
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VauxhallVelox-front.jpg
S saloon
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VauxhallVelox-rear.jpg
S saloon rear view
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'60-'62 Vauxhall Velox Sedan (Hudson).JPG
Vauxhall Velox PA SY Saloon
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Vauxhall Velox PA estate ca 1959.jpg
SY estate / wagon 1959
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1962 Vauxhall Velox PA SX (19951674888).jpg
Vauxhall Velox PA SX Saloon
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1962 Vauxhall Velox PA SX (19517177324).jpg
Vauxhall Velox PA SX Saloon
Velox PB (1962–65)
| Vauxhall Velox PB | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Overview | |
| Production | 1962–65 |
| Assembly | Luton, Bedfordshire, England Petone, New Zealand Australia [14] |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | Four-door saloon Five-door estate car |
| Related | Vauxhall Cresta PB |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 2651 cc I6 ohv 94.6 bhp (70.5 kW) 3293 cc I6 ohv 115 bhp (86 kW) |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 107.5 in (2,730 mm) [4] |
| Length | 181.75 in (4,616 mm) |
| Width | 70.25 in (1,784 mm) |
| Curb weight | 2,632 lb (1,194 kg) |
The final version of the Velox, launched along with the Cresta PB at the London Motor Show in October 1962, was well over four and a half metres long: it was the largest Velox ever built, longer and wider than the benchmark Ford Zephyr with which it competed in the UK. Taking its cues from the Victor FB introduced the previous year (and sharing the doors of the smaller car),[15] the new car was stylistically more restrained than its flamboyant predecessor, the removal of vertical fins emphasizing the car's width. Power output was increased to 115 bhp (86 kW).
In October 1964 the Velox PB became available with a more powerful 3294 cc engine.[16] This made it one of the fastest European saloons of its day. The 2.6 was retained for some export markets. The update also included a new full-width grille,[16] new tail lights incorporating optional reversing lights, twin rear exhaust pipes, 120 mph speedometer (was 110), new interior trim and, towards the end of the run, a switch from three-speed Hydramatic (PNDLR selector) to two-speed Powerglide (PRNDL). PB Velox models were again assembled at the General Motors New Zealand plant in Petone and special versions were again built for local traffic police. The 3.3 was particularly popular with these government customers.
October 1965 saw the introduction of the Vauxhall Cresta PC, equipped with that same 3294 cc engine. This time no Velox version was offered. Rather, the Cresta itself became the base model, with two headlights, complemented by the more luxurious Cresta Deluxe, with four headlights, and the vinyl roof Vauxhall Viscount with more luxurious trim and power windows.
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1964 Vauxhall Velox PB (10962962843).jpg
Vauxhall Velox PB Saloon (1962-64)
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1965 Vauxhall Velox (14697732238).jpg
Vauxhall Velox PB Saloon (1964-65)
Vauxhall Velox in popular culture
The car that Burt Munro (played by Anthony Hopkins) drove, and which appeared in the movie The World's Fastest Indian was a 1954 Velox. These were imported into New Zealand CKD in large numbers up until replaced by the PC Cresta in 1966. GM first supplemented then replaced the PC (before its 1972 model year update) with Holden cars imported CKD from Australia, base model Belmonts were supplied to the New Zealand Police force.
In first series of Only Fools and Horses, episode 3 Cash and Curry, Del Boy boasts of owning a Vauxhall Velox, with Rodney being forced to act as his driver. He sells the car in order to raise £2,000 in an attempt to act as a go between for one Indian businessman to another Indian businessman. The two men, who turn out to be Con Men, cannot speak to each other per religious instruction however Del seeing opportunity attempts to act as a middle man in a trade, of money for a statue. However when neither want to part with their possessions first Del uses his own cash to buy the statue and then when he attempts to sell it to the buyer he is shocked to discover he has disappeared.
"From a Vauxhall Velox", a song appearing on Billy Bragg's second album Brewing Up with Billy Bragg in 1984 takes its name from a play on the title of the Bob Dylan song "From a Buick 6" on Dylan's 1965 album Highway 61 Revisited.
References
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Norm Darwin, 100 Years of GM in Australia, 2002, page 133
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Norm Darwin, The History of Holden since 1917, page 88
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Vauxhall L - Wyvern & Velox, vauxpedianet.uk2sitebuilder.com Retrieved on 7 March 2015
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 9.5 9.6 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 Norm Darwin, 100 Years of GM in Australia, 2002, pages 134-135
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 11.4 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ The Chevy II Race on Sales and Track, m.shannons.com.au Retrieved on 22 November 2012
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ 16.0 16.1 Vauxhall PB - Velox & Cresta, vauxpedianet.uk2sitebuilder.com Retrieved 16 November 2015
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