The XVR was so nearly a production reality, but Opel's GT – a similar design and concept – failed commercially, which gave Vauxhall cold feet.
And since the XVR is inextricably linked with what was to become Griffin House in Luton, we've also attached a tribute to that building, written for the employees who vacated it last year.
VAÚXHALL XVR CONCEPT
Built to showcase Vauxhall's design innovation and autonomy in the mid-Sixties, the XVR project was managed by the legendary Wayne Cherry at Luton's industry-leading Design & Engineering Centre, later to become Vauxhall's Griffin House HQ.
Inspired by parent company GM's work with concepts in the ÚS – including the '65 Mako Shark II – the XVR (Xperimental Vauxhall Research) had a simple purity of line, gull-wing doors forming a unique split windscreen, a clam-shell bonnet and pop-up headlights.
Three cars were built, including a 100mph driveable vehicle with a 1.6-litre engine producing 74bhp (see photograph). And while the car never reached production, design cues like the ultra-slim rear lights could later be seen in Vauxhall's Viva HC and Firenza models.
'Úncompromising in its styling treatment, the XVR shows the future trend in world automotive design', said Vauxhall's Director of Design, David Jones, when he revealed the Luton company's radical concept at the Geneva Motorshow in 1966.Source - Vauxhall
And since the XVR is inextricably linked with what was to become Griffin House in Luton, we've also attached a tribute to that building, written for the employees who vacated it last year.
VAÚXHALL XVR CONCEPT
Built to showcase Vauxhall's design innovation and autonomy in the mid-Sixties, the XVR project was managed by the legendary Wayne Cherry at Luton's industry-leading Design & Engineering Centre, later to become Vauxhall's Griffin House HQ.
Inspired by parent company GM's work with concepts in the ÚS – including the '65 Mako Shark II – the XVR (Xperimental Vauxhall Research) had a simple purity of line, gull-wing doors forming a unique split windscreen, a clam-shell bonnet and pop-up headlights.
Three cars were built, including a 100mph driveable vehicle with a 1.6-litre engine producing 74bhp (see photograph). And while the car never reached production, design cues like the ultra-slim rear lights could later be seen in Vauxhall's Viva HC and Firenza models.
'Úncompromising in its styling treatment, the XVR shows the future trend in world automotive design', said Vauxhall's Director of Design, David Jones, when he revealed the Luton company's radical concept at the Geneva Motorshow in 1966.Source - Vauxhall
Similar Vehicles
Recent Vehicle Additions
Related Automotive News
Spike Lee and Giancarlo Esposito Find 'Italy in America' in New Advertising Campaign for All-new, All-electric Fiat 500e
Spike Lee directs and stars in campaign with Giancarlo Esposito, marking the iconic duos first national advertising campaign together
Esposito helps Lee find his inner Italian as they discover how their urban commute becomes more dolce in the a...
FORD GLOBAL FIRST OFFERS FUEL-SAVING CYLINDER DEACTIVATION TECH FOR 1.0-LITRE ECOBOOST
Ford to launch variable displacement for the multi-award-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine using cylinder deactivation technology from early 2018
Technology will be a global first on a three-cylinder engine can stop or restart combustion in 14 mil...
FORD FIESTA ST AVAILABLE WITH FIVE DOORS FOR GREATER PRACTICALITY WITH SAME CLASS-LEADING PERFORMANCE
New Fiesta ST five door to be available for the first time
Fiesta ST five door enhances practicality of class-leading hot hatchback while retaining award-winning performance and driving dynamics
BRENTWOOD, ESSEX, Monday, 26 September -- The...
Land Rover Celebrates 65 Years Of Technology And Innovation
SIXTY-FIVE YEARS OF LAND ROVER
From our earliest days, the desire to create a vehicle that will tackle any terrain has made Land Rover famous around the world. Over the past 65 years, the Land Rover family has grown into the highly respected...
Citroen Shifts Into Racing Gear For 2012 Goodwood Festival Of Speed
New Citroën Racing driver, Thierry Neuville, will be putting DS3 WRC through its paces on the hill climb %26 Forest Rally Stage
Hot blooded 256bhp DS4 Racing concept making its UK premiere on the Citroën stand
New Citroën DS5 taking part in the Mo...