“Certain to bring admiring glances from friends and business associates” - The Vauxhall VX 2300 GLS

How many of us collected brochures in our younger days? In 1977 this writer avidly read the latest Vauxhall all-range brochure, starting with the Chevette and progressing via the Viva HC, Magnum and Cavalier to the majesty that was the VX 2300 GLS. Here was “a beautifully styled 4 door saloon that sits in a class by itself” with “bold ribbed velour upholstery” and even “Continental armrests, front and rear”. And https://www.mathewsons.co.uk/ is now selling this very rare survivor.

Back in 1975, the introduction of the Cavalier meant it was essential for Vauxhall to differentiate it from the three-year-old Victor FE range. On the 9th of January 1976, they unveiled the VX range at the Brussels Motor Show. The mid-Atlantic bodywork remained, but the changes were extensive: a more comfortable cabin and modified engines, suspension and rear axle, as well as a new grille.

The VX meant the demise of the Victor name after over 18 years; Vauxhall’s market research found the brand now had a negative image. There was also no heir to the 3.3-litre Ventora, which ceased production in 1975 in the aftermath of the OPEC Fuel Crisis. The Telegraph remarked, “It will be the first time in more than forty years that Vauxhall have not had a six-cylinder model in the range”.

Instead, motorists from the Margo and Jerry Ledbetter School of Fashion could order a VX 2300 GLS with a front spoiler, quad headlights, power-assisted steering, four headlights, front fog lamps, pile carpeting and, of course, a vinyl roof. The dashboard was finished in the finest simulated “walnut look” veneer available to humanity. In late 1977, the GLS gained tinted glass and a push-button radio.

48 years ago, a VX 2300 GLS with optional three-speed automatic transmission was £4,457, which compared well with the Princess 2200 HLS Automatic at £4,658. Other rivals included the £4,531 Triumph 2000TC Automatic and the Ford Granada 2000GL Automatic at £4,732. Autocar thought, “One can assume that the VX Series has an assured place until the next round of GM rationalisation sees a possible replacement for both it and the Opel Rekord, but that is a long way off yet”.

This was a prediction on par with Decca’s report on The Beatles in 1962 - “Guitar groups are on the way out”. In the autumn of 1978, the Carlton, a UK version of the Opel Rekord E, succeeded the VX. Towards the end of production, some dealers offered a £1,000 discount, and the GLS never achieved the sales figures that should have been its due.

One challenge to Vauxhall dealers was the lack of a six-cylinder option; another was the VX’s lines. Its trans-Atlantic appearance reflected Luton’s plans to market the Victor FE in Canada, once their major export market. By late 1977, the debut of the Granada Mk. II made VX look faintly dated by comparison, in the manner of a repeat of The Protectors on ITV.

Today, the VX 2300 GLS more than lives up to the brochure’s promise of “a car you can feel as comfortable in discussing a business contract while speeding down the motorway, as you can meandering out to your favourite sporting pursuit at the weekend”. Not to mention “the GLS is certain to bring admiring glances from friends and business associates”.

With thanks to Mathewsons Classic Cars for their time.

With thanks to Mathewsons Classic Cars for the permission to use the images in this blog.