Innovation Through the Decades: Vauxhall's 1970s SRV Concept

Super Wedge - Vauxhall Motors, the esteemed British automotive manufacturer, boasts a rich history dating back to its origins in 1857 as a maritime equipment maker under the guidance of Alexander Wilson. The transition to car manufacturing in 1903 marked a significant chapter for Vauxhall, now officially recognized as General Motors UK Limited, in affiliation with Adam Opel AG and jointly owned by General Motors (GM).

The 1970 Vauxhall Styling Research Vehicle (SRV) Concept emerged as a four-door, four-seat sports car with a cab-forward design reminiscent of the iconic long-tail LeMans cars. (Picture from: AutoEvolution)

Our exploration today takes us to the dynamic era of the 1970s, witnessing Vauxhall's venture into crafting mesmerizing concept cars. Within this narrative, we'll unveil a hidden gem from Vauxhall's past—a remarkable concept discreetly preserved within the walls of its Luton-based Heritage Centre for almost two decades.

The 1970 Vauxhall SRV Concept constructed with a fiberglass body and movable panels for enhanced aerodynamics, also featured gull-wing flap-style rear doors and strategically hinged covers concealing the rear wheels. (Picture from: AutoEvolution)

In the mid-1960s, Wayne Cherry, a skilled designer at General Motors, seized the opportunity to shape a concept car for Vauxhall. The XVR, a sports coupe unveiled at the 1966 Geneva Salon, marked the beginning of a series of visionary designs, with the Styling Research Vehicle (SRV) prominently standing out.

Interior view of the Vauxhall SRV Concept, coupled with instruments hinge out with door. (Picture from: ClassicAndSportsCar)

Making its debut at the 1970 London Motor Show, the SRV Concept emerged as a four-door, four-seat sports car with a cab-forward design reminiscent of the iconic long-tail LeMans cars. Constructed with a fiberglass body and movable panels for enhanced aerodynamics, the SRV featured gull-wing flap-style rear doors and strategically hinged covers concealing the rear wheels. A generously sized louvered cover discreetly veiled the engine compartment, adding an element of mystique to its aesthetic.

The Vauxhall SRV Concept powered by a transversely mounted dual overhead cam (DOHC) 2.3-liter slant four engine, equipped with fuel injection and twin turbochargers. (Picture from: AutoEvolution)

Crucially, the SRV Concept transcended the realm of mere design exhibition; it embodied a daring exploration of styling. Envisioned to be powered by a transversely mounted dual overhead cam (DOHC) 2.3-liter slant four engine, equipped with fuel injection and twin turbochargers, the concept teased with a fusion of power and innovation. Yet, the engine mock-up within the bay was a blend of fiberglass, aluminum, and wood, emphasizing its conceptual essence.

Beyond aesthetics, the Vauxhall SRV Concept boasted an electrically adjusted suspension, leveling at the rear. (Picture from: SupercarWorld)

Within the SRV Concept's interior, fixed front seats harmonized with adjustable driver controls, steering columns, and pedals. Instruments found their home on a pod cleverly hinged to the driver's door. Beyond aesthetics, the SRV Concept boasted an electrically adjusted suspension, leveling at the rear, offering a glimpse into forward-thinking handling adjustments achieved through fuel redistribution across different tanks.

Following its brilliant debut at the Earls Court Motor Show in October 1970, the SRV Concept continued its captivating journey at the 1971 Geneva Motor Show. Today, this iconic relic of Vauxhall's history rests within the revered halls of the Vauxhall Heritage Center—a living testament to the brand's unwavering commitment to preserving its innovative legacy throughout the decades. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CONCEPTCARZ | AUTOEVOLUTION | STORY-CARS | SUPERCARWORLD | CLASSICANSSPORTSCAR | SUPERCARS.NET ]

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