Vauxhall Royale 2.3 TD (86 Hp)

The Vauxhall Royale 2.3 TD (86 Hp) represents a significant, though often overlooked, chapter in the history of British executive motoring during the mid-1980s. Produced from 1984 to 1987, this particular iteration of the Royale sedan was Vauxhall’s flagship offering in the United Kingdom, essentially a rebadged version of the Opel Senator, itself a larger, more luxurious derivative of the Opel Rekord. While not directly sold in the United States, the Royale played a crucial role in Vauxhall’s strategy to compete in the competitive European executive car segment, offering a compelling blend of comfort, space, and a then-modern turbocharged diesel powertrain. Its design and engineering reflected the prevalent automotive trends of its era, emphasizing a robust, rear-wheel-drive architecture and a focus on long-distance cruising capability, particularly appealing to business users and families seeking a premium yet economical sedan.

The Vauxhall Royale 2.3 TD (86 Hp): Engineering and Performance

At the heart of the Vauxhall Royale 2.3 TD (86 Hp) was its robust 2.3-liter turbocharged diesel engine. This inline four-cylinder unit, with a displacement of 2260 cubic centimeters (137.91 cubic inches), was designed to deliver a balance of usable torque and reasonable fuel efficiency, characteristics highly valued in the European market during the 1980s. The engine produced a peak power output of 86 horsepower at 4200 revolutions per minute, a figure that, while modest by today’s standards, was respectable for a diesel powertrain of its time, especially in a non-luxury segment. More critically for a diesel, it generated a healthy 139.4 lb.-ft. of torque, available across a practical rev range of 2200-2400 rpm. This low-end torque was instrumental in providing the Royale with sufficient pulling power for everyday driving and highway cruising, contributing to a sense of effortless progress despite the car’s substantial curb weight of 3020.33 pounds.

The engine’s configuration featured a SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) valvetrain with two valves per cylinder, a common and reliable setup for the period. A compression ratio of 23:1, characteristic of diesel engines, ensured efficient combustion. The inclusion of a turbocharger was a significant technological advancement for a mainstream executive car in the mid-80s, boosting both power and efficiency compared to naturally aspirated diesel alternatives. Power was transmitted to the rear wheels via a 5-speed manual transmission, a choice that offered direct driver engagement and allowed for optimized gear selection for varying driving conditions, from urban commuting to open-road touring. This drivetrain architecture, with its front-longitudinal engine layout and rear-wheel drive, was typical of executive sedans of the era, providing a balanced chassis and predictable handling characteristics.

Performance figures for the Royale 2.3 TD reflected its design intent as a comfortable cruiser rather than a sports sedan. It could achieve a maximum speed of 103.77 miles per hour, making it perfectly capable of maintaining highway speeds across European motorways. The weight-to-power ratio stood at 15.9 kg/Hp (62.8 Hp/tonne), indicating its focus on durability and load-carrying capacity rather than outright acceleration. The weight-to-torque ratio of 7.2 kg/Nm (138 Nm/tonne) further underscored the engine’s ability to move the substantial sedan with relative ease. The 75-liter (19.81 US gallons) fuel tank capacity provided an excellent cruising range, a crucial attribute for a vehicle designed for long-distance travel, especially when considering the fuel economy benefits inherent in a diesel engine.

Design and Features of the Royale Sedan

The Vauxhall Royale, specifically the 4-door sedan body type, was designed to exude a sense of understated elegance and practicality, aligning with the expectations of its target market in the mid-1980s. With an overall length of 192.01 inches, a width of 68.03 inches, and a height of 53.78 inches, the Royale commanded a significant road presence. Its generous dimensions contributed to a spacious interior, comfortably accommodating five occupants, a key selling point for an executive sedan often used for business travel or family transport. The wheelbase, measuring 105.63 inches, was fundamental to both its stable ride quality and the ample legroom afforded to rear-seat passengers.

The design language of the Royale was characteristic of European cars from the period: clean lines, a relatively upright stance, and large glass areas that provided excellent visibility. While not overtly flashy, its styling conveyed a sense of solidity and conventional luxury. Inside, the focus was on comfort and functionality. Though specific interior features are not detailed, a car of this segment and era would typically include comfortable cloth or optional velour upholstery, a well-laid-out dashboard with clear instrumentation, and amenities such as power steering, central locking, and potentially power windows and a sophisticated audio system for the time. The trunk space of 13.91 cubic feet was ample for luggage, making it practical for extended journeys.

Mechanically, the Royale was engineered for a comfortable and composed ride. It featured an independent front suspension with McPherson struts, coil springs, and an anti-roll bar, a setup known for its balance of ride comfort and handling precision. The rear suspension also utilized an independent coil spring design, further enhancing passenger comfort by effectively absorbing road imperfections. This sophisticated suspension system, combined with the rear-wheel-drive layout, contributed to the Royale’s reputation as a smooth and stable highway cruiser. Braking duties were handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear, providing reliable stopping power for a vehicle of its size and performance capabilities. The minimum turning circle of 32.94 feet, while not exceptionally tight, was adequate for maneuvering a car of this length in typical urban environments. The ground clearance of 5.98 inches was standard for a sedan of its class, offering sufficient clearance for most road conditions without compromising its low-slung, executive appearance.

Technical Specifications: Vauxhall Royale 2.3 TD (86 Hp)