Vauxhall Royale 2.0 E (110 Hp)

The Vauxhall Royale 2.0 E (110 Hp) represents a significant, albeit often overlooked, chapter in the history of British executive motoring, particularly within the General Motors Europe family. Produced for a brief period between 1983 and 1984, this full-size sedan was Vauxhall’s offering in the competitive European executive segment. The Royale was, in essence, a badge-engineered version of the Opel Senator, a strategy common for GM during this era to provide brand differentiation across different markets. While never officially sold in the United States, the Royale played a crucial role in providing Vauxhall customers in the UK with a sophisticated, rear-wheel-drive sedan that blended traditional European luxury with robust engineering. Its appeal lay in its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and a powertrain designed for smooth, long-distance cruising, making it a compelling choice for business executives and families seeking an upscale vehicle.

Engine and Performance: The Heart of the Vauxhall Royale 2.0 E (110 Hp)

At the core of the Vauxhall Royale 2.0 E (110 Hp) was a longitudinally mounted, naturally aspirated 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine. This powertrain architecture was a staple for many European sedans of its time, balancing performance with relative economy. The engine, with a displacement of 120.77 cubic inches (1979 cm3), featured a Single Overhead Camshaft (SOHC) valvetrain with two valves per cylinder, a proven and reliable configuration for mass-produced vehicles. Fuel delivery was handled by a multi-port manifold injection system, which was considered advanced for the early 1980s, offering more precise fuel metering compared to carbureted systems and contributing to better efficiency and emissions control.

The engine produced a respectable 110 horsepower at 5400 revolutions per minute, a solid figure for a non-turbocharged four-cylinder in a large sedan of this vintage. Torque output stood at 119.49 lb.-ft. (162 Nm) at a relatively low 3000 rpm, indicating a powerplant designed for accessible pulling power and comfortable daily driving rather than high-revving sportiness. This torque characteristic, combined with the rear-wheel-drive architecture, provided a predictable and stable driving experience. Mated to a four-speed manual transmission, the powertrain allowed the Royale 2.0 E to achieve a top speed of 111.85 mph (180 km/h). While not blistering by modern standards, this was more than adequate for autobahn cruising and typical European road conditions, reflecting its executive cruiser aspirations.

The car’s performance was also influenced by its weight-to-power ratio of 12.5 kg/Hp (80.3 Hp/tonne) and a weight-to-torque ratio of 8.5 kg/Nm (118.2 Nm/tonne). These figures suggest a balanced approach, where the engine’s output was well-matched to the vehicle’s mass, ensuring decent acceleration and responsiveness for its class. The 75-liter (19.81 US gallons) fuel tank capacity further underscored its design for long-distance travel, offering a practical range between fill-ups, a critical consideration for European motorists of the era.

Design, Features, and Engineering of the Royale

The Vauxhall Royale 2.0 E (110 Hp) was offered exclusively as a four-door, five-seat sedan, embodying the classic executive car silhouette of the early 1980s. Its design was characterized by clean lines, a relatively upright stance, and a commanding road presence. With an overall length of 192.01 inches (4877 mm), a width of 68.03 inches (1728 mm), and a height of 53.78 inches (1366 mm), the Royale was a substantial vehicle. The generous wheelbase of 105.63 inches (2683 mm) contributed significantly to interior space and ride comfort, a hallmark of executive sedans.

Inside, the Royale aimed for comfort and practicality. The five-seat configuration provided ample room for occupants, and the trunk space, at 13.91 cubic feet (394 liters), was generous enough to accommodate luggage for extended trips or family needs. The emphasis was on durable materials and functional ergonomics, typical of German-engineered vehicles of the time (given its Opel Senator roots). While specific luxury features would vary by trim, the Royale would have offered a comfortable and well-appointed cabin designed for the discerning buyer.

Underneath its dignified exterior, the Royale featured a sophisticated chassis for its time. The front suspension utilized an independent McPherson strut design with coil springs and an anti-roll bar, a common and effective setup providing a good balance of handling and ride comfort. The rear also featured an independent coil spring suspension, which was a more advanced choice than the solid axle designs still prevalent in some competitors, further enhancing ride quality and road holding. Braking performance was handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear, a capable system for a vehicle of this size and performance potential, ensuring confident stopping power.

The car’s dimensions and chassis tuning were geared towards stability and comfort, as evidenced by its minimum turning circle of 32.94 feet (10.04 m), making it reasonably maneuverable for its size. The ground clearance of 5.98 inches (152 mm) was typical for a road-going sedan, offering sufficient clearance for everyday driving conditions without compromising the car’s aerodynamic profile.

Legacy and Market Context

The Vauxhall Royale, specifically the 2.0 E (110 Hp) variant, occupied a unique niche in the UK market. As a rebadged Opel Senator, it represented Vauxhall’s attempt to offer a premium, large executive sedan that could compete with rivals from Ford (like the Granada) and other European manufacturers (such as Mercedes-Benz and BMW, albeit at a slightly different price point). Its relatively short production run of just two years (1983-1984) for this specific variant marked the end of an era for the Royale nameplate, as Vauxhall streamlined its offerings and eventually adopted the Opel Senator name directly for the UK market in subsequent generations.

The Royale’s robust engineering, comfortable ride, and spacious interior made it a popular choice for business fleets and private owners who valued understated elegance and reliability. While it may not have achieved the iconic status of some of its German counterparts, it contributed significantly to Vauxhall’s image as a producer of well-engineered, capable vehicles. Today, the Vauxhall Royale 2.0 E (110 Hp) is a classic car appreciated by enthusiasts for its historical significance, its connection to Opel’s engineering prowess, and its embodiment of early 1980s European executive motoring. It serves as a reminder of a time when large, comfortable, rear-wheel-drive sedans were the benchmark for automotive luxury and practicality across the continent.

Technical Specifications