The Big Car Database

Opel / Vauxhall Velox 1948–1965

Vauxhall Velox
Vauxhall Velox 4-Door Saloon 1958.jpg
PA S Saloon 1958
Overview
Manufacturer Vauxhall (General Motors)
Production 1948–65
Body and chassis
Class Executive car
Layout FR layout
Related Vauxhall Wyvern 1948-1957
Vauxhall Cresta 1954-1972
Chronology
Predecessor Vauxhall Fourteen (J)
Successor Vauxhall Cresta PC

The Vauxhall Velox is a six-cylinder automobile which was produced by Vauxhall from 1948 to 1965.

The Velox was a large family car, directly competing in the UK with the contemporary six-cylinder Ford Zephyr, and, to a slightly lesser extent the A90, A95, and A110 Austin Westminster models.

It was introduced by Vauxhall shortly before the London Motor Show in October 1948 as a successor to the Vauxhall Fourteen. Between 1948 and 1957 the Velox was shared its body with the less powerful four-cylinder Vauxhall Wyvern. From August 1954 through to October 1965 it shared its body with the more luxuriously equipped Vauxhall Cresta, a tradition that ended upon the introduction of the new PC Vauxhalls. The Velox name was discontinued at that time in favour of the more upmarket Cresta name while a new flagship model, the Viscount, was launched.

The Velox and its Opel contemporaries are remembered for having mirrored North American styling trends much more closely than other European models of the time. This was particularly apparent following the introduction in 1957 of the PA version of the Velox.

Velox LIP (1948–51)

Vauxhall Velox LIP
Vauxhall Velox ca 1949.jpg
Overview
Production 1948-51
Assembly Luton, Bedfordshire, England
Biel, Switzerland
Australia,
Petone, New Zealand
South Africa
Body and chassis
Body style 4-door saloon
2-door tourer (Australia)
Related Vauxhall Wyvern
Powertrain
Engine 2275 cc I6 ohv
54 bhp (40 kW)
Dimensions
Wheelbase 97.75 in (2,483 mm)
Length 164.5 in (4,178 mm)
Width 62 in (1,575 mm)
Height 63 in (1,600 mm)
Curb weight 2,268 lb (1,029 kg)

The classic four-door saloon boasted a newly developed straight-six-cylinder engine of 2275 cc, with overhead valves. The 54 bhp (40 kW) power output provided for a claimed top speed of 74 mph (119 km/h). Power was delivered to the rear wheels via a three-speed manual gear box with synchromesh on the top two ratios.

Optional extras included a heater from which warm air was evenly distributed between the front and back areas of the passenger cabin and which could be set to de-ice the windscreen in winter or to provide cool air ventilation in summer. Also available at extra charge was an AM radio integrated into the fascia.

The body was shared with the four-cylinder Vauxhall Wyvern, a pattern that continued with subsequent versions of the Velox until the introduction of the more compact Vauxhall Victor at the beginning of 1957. While the Velox exterior differed only in badging, additional brightwork and different coloured wheels, the interior boasted superior seating materials over the Wyvern including a central arm rest in the rear.

A car tested by The Motor magazine in 1949 had a top speed of 74.1 mph (119.3 km/h) and could accelerate from 0–60 mph (97 km/h) in 22.8 seconds. A fuel consumption of 22.3 miles per imperial gallon (12.7 L/100 km; 18.6 mpg‑US) was recorded. The test car cost £550 including taxes.

Foreign production

Early Velox and Wyvern models were assembled at Vauxhall's Luton plant in England, as well as in Australia (by Holden in Melbourne) and in New Zealand at the GM plant in Petone, near Wellington. The LBP model ID was applied to "chassis only" exports to Australia, where local production included a two-door Caleche tourer and, in early four-door saloons a unique "six-light" body featured an additional rear window behind the back door, giving the car more resemblance from the rear to the pre-war designed J-series Vauxhall Fourteen it replaced (see accompanying illustration below).

Velox LIP production also took place in Switzerland, where a 400kg van version (built by Geser of Lucerne) was a common sight in the 1950s serving as Swiss Post Office vehicles. Despite the lack of bumper over-riders suggesting the four-cylinder Wyvern powerplant, all vans were Veloxes. Conventional Velox and Wyvern four-door saloons were assembled at the General Motors plant at Biel.

Also built in Switzerland was a unique prototype two seater roadster known as the Vauxhall Zimmerli-Velox 18-6. This used a coach built aluminium body on a tubular ladder chassis, with standard Velox running gear. It was built in 1949 for the Zimmerli brothers, who had a Vauxhall dealership in Reiden. The car survives today in near original condition.

Velox EIP/EIPV & EBP (1951–57)

Vauxhall Velox EIP
Vauxhall Velox EIPV
Vauxhall Velox 4-Door Saloon 1955.jpg
1955 Vauxhall Velox EIP Saloon
Overview
Production 1951–57
235,296 made
Assembly Luton, Bedfordshire, England
Australia,
Petone, New Zealand
Body and chassis
Body style 4-door saloon
estate car
2-door tourer
2-door coupe utility
Related Vauxhall Cresta EIPC
Vauxhall Wyvern EIX
Powertrain
Engine 2275 cc I6 ohv
55 bhp (41 kW)
2262 cc I6 ohv
64 bhp (48 kW)
2262 cc I6 ohv
67.5 bhp (50.3 kW)
Transmission 3-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase 103 in (2,616 mm)
Length 172 in (4,369 mm)
Width 67 in (1,702 mm)
Height 63.5 in (1,613 mm)
Curb weight 2,352 lb (1,067 kg) - 2,436 lb (1,105 kg)

In August 1951 a longer, wider Velox was launched, designated as the EIP series, and featuring a modern 'three box' shape and integral construction. The body was again shared with the 4-cylinder-engined Wyvern. The car was launched with the previous model's engine but with power output increased to 58 bhp (43 kW). Wyvern and Velox models were also assembled at the General Motors New Zealand plant in Petone, north of Wellington. Holden built a quantity of utilities and Vagabond Convertibles based on the EIP series in Australia.These had a separate chassis with the Australian bodies fitted to them. These chassis were prefixed EBP

A car with the original 2275 cc engine tested by The Motor magazine in 1951 had a top speed of 77.4 mph (124.6 km/h) and could accelerate from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 23.7 seconds. A fuel consumption of 23.5 miles per imperial gallon (12.0 L/100 km; 19.6 mpg‑US) was recorded. The test car cost £802 including taxes. In the same year, the magazine tested the similarly sized Ford Zephyr Six. Ford's test car was fitted with options including a radio, a heater and leather seating: thus equipped the Zephyr came with a recommended retail price of £842.

In April 1952 the Velox was redesignated as the EIPV series, and received a new over-square 2262 cc engine which had been in the development pipeline for several years. This provided either 64 bhp (48 kW) or, with a compression ratio improved to 7.6:1, 68 bhp (51 kW) of power.

A further test in 1952 by The Motor magazine of the EIPV with the short-stroke 2262 cc engine, found the top speed had increased to 80.4 mph (129.4 km/h) and acceleration from 0–60 mph (97 km/h) to 21.4 seconds. A similar fuel consumption of 23.6 miles per imperial gallon (12.0 L/100 km; 19.7 mpg‑US) was recorded. The test car cost had risen to £833 including taxes.

In December 1952 General Motors Holden launched a tourer and coupe utility version of the EIPV Velox and EIX Wyvern models on the Australian market, these cars' chassis were prefixed EBP for the Velox and EBX for the Wyvern. Both these cars used modified Vauxhall bodies affixed to the Bedford CA chassis. The tourer was originally to be called the Caleche but by the time of launch the model name was changed to Vagabond. The Vagabond was a two-door five seater with folding top and side curtains. It did not survive the 1955 face lift. The coupe utility continued on (Velox only from 1955) until officially withdrawn at the end of the 1957 model year.

1955 saw a significant facelift. Most obvious of the many cosmetic changes was a new front grille and trafficators were replaced by flashing lights (red at the rear, US-style). More important was the introduction at this time of a sister model, branded as the Vauxhall Cresta. In addition to superior equipment levels, the Cresta was distinguished by a two tone paint finish.

Detroit was by now favouring annual facelifts, and Vauxhall reflected that trend, announcing further facelifts in 1956 (wind-up windows, larger rear window, wider grille slats, separate amber rear flashing indicator lights replacing US-style red units incorporated into the brake/tail light lens, new instrument graphics) and 1957 (electric wipers, larger tail lights, new grille, new 'magic ribbon' AC speedo) in line with the Wyvern model. Technically, however, there were no further changes until the arrival of a completely new Velox in October 1957.

Velox PA (1957–62)

Vauxhall Velox PA
'60-'62 Vauxhall Velox Sedan (Hudson).JPG
Velox PA SY
Overview
Production 1957–62
Assembly Luton, Bedfordshire, England
Australia
Petone, New Zealand
Body and chassis
Body style 4-door saloon
5-door estate car
Related Vauxhall Cresta PA
Powertrain
Engine 2262 cc I6 ohv
82.5 bhp (61.5 kW)
2651 cc I6 ohv
94.6 bhp (70.5 kW)
Dimensions
Wheelbase 105 in (2,667 mm)
Length 177.5 in (4,508 mm)
Width 68.5 in (1,740 mm)
Curb weight 2,520 lb (1,143 kg) - 2,576 lb (1,168 kg)

Velox PA S (1957–59)

At the 1957 London Motor Show Vauxhall presented radically new Velox and Cresta models: these would come to be known as the PA versions, being the first of the P series. Particularly eye catching was the new wrap-around windscreen, combined with a three part rear window it created an airy passenger cabin, providing exceptional all round visibility. The back of the Velox was graced by tail fins, a Detroit inspired trend already taken up by the car's Ford rival, and which would in the next two years be followed also by UK rival BMC, and such European competitors as Fiat, and Peugeot. On the inside the new Velox also followed US practice of combining a front bench seat with a column-shift gear lever, continuing a trend that dates back to the first Velox models of 1948. Velox models were also assembled at the General Motors Holden plants throughout Australia, and the General Motors New Zealand plant in Petone, north of Wellington. The Wyvern was replaced by the new Victor model line which was also built in the New Zealand. Specially engineered versions of the Velox were built for use by the NZ Traffic Police.

Minor modifications to the car's six-cylinder engine raised power output to 83 bhp (61 kW). As before, the Cresta was distinguished from the Velox model by superior levels of equipment and also a two-tone paint finish.

Velox PA SY (1959–60)

The Velox PA received its first facelift in October 1959 when the front grill was enlarged and the three-piece rear window was replaced by a single wrap-around window. Technical improvements had to await the 1960 facelift, however.

Velox PA SX (1960–62)

The October 1960 facelift for 1961 was marked by further modifications to the trim, new rear lights with modified tail fins (no longer with indicators built in), combined front park/indicator lamps and a new dashboard with the two round dials replaced by a rectangular cluster with "magic ribbon" speedometer – the strip indicating speed changed from green to amber at 30 mph and to red at 60 mph. There was also a new engine, still of six cylinders, but now increased in capacity to 2651 cc, and delivering 95 bhp (71 kW). The UK had recently embarked on its first programme of motorway building, and the Velox now boasted a straight line maximum speed of 94 mph (151 km/h). Velox models were also assembled at the General Motors New Zealand plant in Petone with special versions again built for local traffic police.

PA five-door estate models, completed by an independent coachbuilder, Martin Walter, were also available.

In their 1961–62 forms, the Velox and its Cresta sibling continued without further significant changes until replaced towards the end of 1962. For 1962, the painted dashboard gave way to simulated wood, the ashtray was moved from an in-dash drawer to the dashtop, wipers were lengthened to overlap slightly, a horn ring was added to the Velox steering wheel and there were minor instrument cluster changes to increase the size of warning lights.

Velox PB (1962–65)

Vauxhall Velox PB
Vauxhall 4-Door Saloon.jpg
Overview
Production 1962–65
Assembly Luton, Bedfordshire, England
Petone, New Zealand
Australia
Body and chassis
Body style Four-door saloon
Five-door estate car
Related Vauxhall Cresta PB
Powertrain
Engine 2651 cc I6 ohv
94.6 bhp (70.5 kW)
3293 cc I6 ohv
115 bhp (86 kW)
Dimensions
Wheelbase 107.5 in (2,730 mm)
Length 181.75 in (4,616 mm)
Width 70.25 in (1,784 mm)
Curb weight 2,632 lb (1,194 kg)

The final version of the Velox, launched along with the Cresta PB at the London Motor Show in October 1962, was well over four and a half metres long: it was the largest Velox ever built, longer and wider than the benchmark Ford Zephyr with which it competed in the UK. Taking its cues from the Victor FB introduced the previous year (and sharing the doors of the smaller car), the new car was stylistically more restrained than its flamboyant predecessor, the removal of vertical fins emphasizing the car's width. Power output was increased to 115 bhp (86 kW).

In October 1964 the Velox PB became available with a more powerful 3294 cc engine. This made it one of the fastest European saloons of its day. The 2.6 was retained for some export markets. The update also included a new full-width grille, new tail lights incorporating optional reversing lights, twin rear exhaust pipes, 120 mph speedometer (was 110), new interior trim and, towards the end of the run, a switch from three-speed Hydramatic (PNDLR selector) to two-speed Powerglide (PRNDL). PB Velox models were again assembled at the General Motors New Zealand plant in Petone and special versions were again built for local traffic police. The 3.3 was particularly popular with these government customers.

October 1965 saw the introduction of the Vauxhall Cresta PC, equipped with that same 3294 cc engine. This time no Velox version was offered. Rather, the Cresta itself became the base model, with two headlights, complemented by the more luxurious Cresta Deluxe, with four headlights, and the vinyl roof Vauxhall Viscount with more luxurious trim and power windows.

Vauxhall Velox in popular culture

The car that Burt Munro (played by Anthony Hopkins) drove, and which appeared in the movie The World's Fastest Indian was a 1954 Velox. These vehicles were shipped into New Zealand as a crate of parts...or CKD.[Completely Knocked Down ) in large numbers up until replaced by the PC Cresta in 1966.

In first series of Only Fools and Horses, episode 3 Cash and Curry, Del Boy boasts of owning a Vauxhall Velox, with Rodney being forced to act as his driver. He sells the car in order to raise £2,000 in an attempt to act as a go between for one Indian businessman to another Indian businessman. The two men, who turn out to be Con Men, cannot speak to each other per religious instruction however Del seeing opportunity attempts to act as a middle man in a trade, of money for a statue. However when neither want to part with their possessions first Del uses his own cash to buy the statue and then when he attempts to sell it to the buyer he is shocked to discover he has disappeared.

"From a Vauxhall Velox", a song appearing on Billy Bragg's second album Brewing Up with Billy Bragg in 1984 takes its name from a play on the title of the Bob Dylan song "From a Buick 6" on Dylan's 1965 album Highway 61 Revisited.

Back in the late 1970s a punk rock band in New Zealand, called Johhny Velox and the Vauxhalls, made a moderate impact on the local music scene.