Vauxhall Royale 2.8 (140 Hp)

The Vauxhall Royale 2.8 (140 Hp) represents a significant, albeit often overlooked, chapter in the history of British executive automobiles during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Produced by Vauxhall, a long-standing British subsidiary of General Motors, the Royale was essentially a rebadged version of the German-engineered Opel Senator and Opel Commodore C, tailored for the UK market. This strategic approach allowed Vauxhall to offer a competitive large sedan and coupe in a segment dominated by established European and even some American luxury cars, without the prohibitive costs of developing an entirely new platform. Launched in 1978, the Royale was positioned as a premium offering, designed to appeal to buyers seeking comfort, refinement, and a degree of performance in a sophisticated package. It served as Vauxhall’s flagship model, embodying the brand’s aspirations for upward mobility and a more prestigious image. During its relatively short production run from 1978 to 1981, the Royale established itself as a comfortable and capable cruiser, particularly appreciated for its smooth inline-six engine and rear-wheel-drive architecture. While never officially sold in the United States, the Royale’s technical underpinnings and design principles echoed the global engineering prowess of General Motors, making it a fascinating example of cross-border automotive development within the GM family. It was a true product of its era, reflecting the design philosophies and technological capabilities prevalent in the automotive industry as it transitioned into the 1980s, prioritizing spaciousness, a comfortable ride, and a robust powertrain suitable for long-distance travel across Europe.

Engine & Performance of the Vauxhall Royale 2.8 (140 Hp)

At the heart of the Vauxhall Royale 2.8 (140 Hp) lay a robust and well-regarded 2.8-liter inline-six engine, a powerplant celebrated for its smooth operation and dependable performance, characteristic of many European executive cars of the period. This naturally aspirated unit, with a displacement of 2784 cubic centimeters (169.89 cu. in.), was engineered to deliver a balanced blend of power and refinement, making the Royale an excellent choice for extended journeys. The engine produced a respectable 140 horsepower at 5200 revolutions per minute, translating to a specific output of 50.3 horsepower per liter. More importantly for real-world driving, it generated a substantial 157.84 pound-feet of torque at a relatively low 3400 rpm. This ample torque at mid-range engine speeds ensured strong pulling power and effortless acceleration, crucial for an executive sedan designed to carry passengers and luggage comfortably.

Fueling the engine was a traditional carburetor system, a common technology for the late 1970s, known for its simplicity and reliability, though it naturally predated the widespread adoption of electronic fuel injection. The valvetrain featured a Single Overhead Camshaft (SOHC) design with two valves per cylinder, a configuration that balanced performance with mechanical simplicity and durability. With a compression ratio of 9:1, the engine was designed to run efficiently on the petrol (gasoline) available at the time. Power was transmitted to the rear wheels via a 4-speed manual transmission, offering a direct and engaging driving experience that enthusiasts appreciated. This rear-wheel-drive architecture, combined with the independent suspension system, provided a predictable and stable ride, especially at higher speeds.

In terms of outright performance, the Vauxhall Royale 2.8 (140 Hp) was capable of reaching a maximum speed of 118.06 miles per hour (190 km/h), a highly competitive figure for a large sedan of its era. The car’s weight-to-power ratio stood at 9.8 kg per horsepower, or 102.2 horsepower per tonne, indicating a solid if not blistering performance. The weight-to-torque ratio, at 6.4 kg per Newton-meter (156.2 Nm per tonne), further underscored its ability to accelerate smoothly and maintain momentum. The combination of a potent inline-six engine, a robust manual gearbox, and a rear-wheel-drive layout cemented the Royale’s reputation as a capable and enjoyable car to drive, offering a blend of traditional engineering and executive comfort that was well-suited to the European motoring landscape.

Design & Features of the Vauxhall Royale

The Vauxhall Royale, appearing on the scene in 1978, embodied the quintessential executive sedan styling of its era. With its four-door, five-seat configuration, it was designed first and foremost for passenger comfort and dignified road presence. The body type, a classic sedan, featured clean lines and a somewhat formal profile that projected an image of understated elegance and solidity. Its overall length of 192.01 inches (4877 mm), width of 68.03 inches (1728 mm), and height of 53.78 inches (1366 mm) gave it substantial dimensions, contributing to a spacious interior and a commanding stance on the road. The wheelbase, measuring 105.63 inches (2683 mm), was generous, playing a crucial role in providing a smooth ride and stable handling, particularly at highway speeds.

Inside, the Royale was appointed to a standard befitting an executive car. While specific interior features like power windows or air conditioning might have been options or standard on higher trims, the general emphasis was on comfortable seating for five adults, quality upholstery, and a well-laid-out dashboard with clear instrumentation. The trunk space was practical, offering 13.91 cubic feet (394 liters) of cargo volume, ample for luggage during family trips or business excursions. The fuel tank capacity of 19.81 US gallons (75 liters) provided a good cruising range, further cementing its credentials as a long-distance tourer.

Underneath its dignified exterior, the Royale featured a sophisticated chassis for its time. The front suspension utilized an independent McPherson strut setup with coil springs and an anti-roll bar, a common and effective design for balancing ride comfort with handling precision. The rear suspension also employed an independent coil spring system, which was a significant factor in the car’s reputation for a smooth and composed ride, isolating occupants from road imperfections. Braking performance was handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear, a capable setup that provided confident stopping power, a crucial safety feature for a vehicle of this size and performance potential. The minimum turning circle of 32.94 feet (10.04 meters) was reasonable for a car of its dimensions, aiding maneuverability in urban environments despite its length. The Royale’s design and features were a testament to late 1970s automotive engineering, prioritizing comfort, stability, and a refined driving experience.

Technical Specifications: Vauxhall Royale 2.8 (140 Hp)