Vauxhall DX14

History

Amazing though it may seem to a modern audience, Vauxhall was once renowned as the maker of some of the finest cars in the world. Right through the Edwardian era and into the 1920s, models like the Vauxhall 30/98 were considered by some to be the equal of a Bentley.

By the time that the 14 was launched in 1933, Vauxhall had been taken over by the the American giant, General Motors. And while the dictates of commercial necessity meant that standards had to be lowered somewhat, GM were still intent on preserving at least some of the traditional Vauxhall reputation for quality.

Furthermore, an injection of Yankee ingenuity meant that the mass-produced cars embodied a lot more modern technology than their contemporary British rivals. With good handling, light steering and a strong, semi-unitary structure, the DX14 was a lively performer for its era, with good acceleration from it's 6-cylinder OHV 1781cc engine.

In the current ownership since 1997, this example has for several years been an ongoing restoration project which is now nearing completion. A sporting saloon that still easily keeps up with modern traffic, it is said to be in excellent mechanical condition and to drive very well. It is rare to find this model without a cracked cylinder block which makes it particularly desirable. The bodywork has recently been resprayed to the original specification while the interior, although showing signs of it's 60-year age, is original and perfectly useable. MOT'd and taxed, and still on it's original number plate, this car is ready to enjoy as it is but can be gradually improved over time.