Vauxhall 10 Saloon

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What a shame the war got in the way. Vauxhall had introduced their super little 10hp in late 1937 with a most advanced chassis-less design mirroring technically sophisticated GM models overseas.

Far more contemporary than its equivalent from Austin, Morris or Ford, it was highly engineered. So much so in fact that it was referred to internally as “the million pound car” – reflecting the huge investment that had gone into its design and production.

The technology went beyond the bodywork, with up-to-the-minute front suspension and a very neat OHV 1,200cc engine. Producing around 34bhp performance was never going to be startling, but its clever construction kept the overall weight down to just over 900kgs and you could still buy cars in the late 1980s with similar power-to-weight ratios!

Just as production really got into gear the factory had to turn itself to making tanks for the war effort. The 10hp was made briefly post-war, but the company decided to concentrate on larger more expensive cars until the excellent Viva came along in 1963.

The vendor of this car acquired it to take to local shows, but never quite got around to using it as he had hoped. He reports that it runs and drives, adding that it has been dry stored for around 13 years so could do with a thorough service before use once more. We are told that it is in sound, nicely patinated condition with its original upholstery and recent carpets.

Pleasing to drive thanks to their modern layout, yet still with attractive pre-war styling, the Vauxhall 10 makes an interesting alternative to its more conventional 10hp competitors, just as it did in the day.