Vauxhall VX 2300 (110 Hp)

The Vauxhall VX 2300 was a short-lived but notable saloon produced by Vauxhall between 1976 and 1978. Positioned as a sporting variant of the larger VX series, it aimed to offer a more engaging driving experience than its more conservatively styled siblings. While not a massive sales success, the VX 2300 represents a period of experimentation for Vauxhall, attempting to inject some performance and style into the traditionally practical British saloon market. It’s important to note that Vauxhall is a British brand, and the VX series, including the 2300, was primarily marketed within the United Kingdom and Europe. It did not receive significant sales or recognition in the North American market.

The Vauxhall VX 2300: A British Sporting Saloon

The VX 2300 occupied a niche position within the Vauxhall lineup. The VX series, launched in 1973, was intended to modernize Vauxhall’s offerings and compete with increasingly sophisticated European and Japanese rivals. The 2300 variant, introduced three years later, was distinguished by its larger engine and subtly sportier trim. It was intended to appeal to drivers seeking a blend of practicality and performance, a formula that was becoming increasingly popular in the 1970s.

Engine & Performance

The heart of the VX 2300 was its 2.3-liter inline-four cylinder engine. This engine produced 110 horsepower at 5000 rpm and 187 Nm (137.92 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3000 rpm. While these figures may seem modest by modern standards, they provided a respectable level of performance for a saloon of its size and era. The engine featured a single overhead camshaft (OHC) valvetrain and was naturally aspirated. The power-to-weight ratio of 93.1 Hp/tonne and torque-to-weight ratio of 158.3 Nm/tonne contributed to a reasonably lively driving experience. The engine was mated to a four-speed manual transmission, driving the rear wheels. This rear-wheel-drive configuration was typical for British saloons of the time and contributed to the car’s handling characteristics. The engine’s specific output was 48.3 Hp per liter, a respectable figure for a naturally aspirated engine of the 1970s.

Design & Features

The VX 2300 was a four-door saloon with a relatively conventional design for the period. It featured a boxy silhouette, typical of 1970s automotive styling. However, the 2300 variant often included subtle styling cues to differentiate it from the standard VX models, such as a black grille and revised trim. The interior was functional and comfortable, offering seating for five passengers. Features were relatively basic by modern standards, reflecting the car’s price point and the era in which it was produced. Safety features were limited, typical of cars from the 1970s, with seatbelts being the primary safety equipment. The focus was more on providing a practical and reliable vehicle than on incorporating advanced safety technology. The car’s dimensions – 4546 mm (178.98 in.) in length, 1699 mm (66.89 in.) in width, and 1371 mm (53.98 in.) in height – positioned it as a mid-size saloon. The wheelbase measured 2667 mm (105 in.), providing a comfortable ride.

Technical Specifications

The Vauxhall VX 2300, despite its short production run, remains a fondly remembered example of 1970s British motoring. It offered a blend of practicality, performance, and style that appealed to a specific segment of the market. While it didn’t achieve widespread success, it represents a noteworthy chapter in Vauxhall’s history and a testament to the enduring appeal of the classic British saloon.