A rare find with fastback styling
Before the ‘droop-snoot’ came the original Vauxhall Firenza. A low production model by Vauxhall now means they are a rare sight today, although values seem unusually low considering. Arguably more attractive than the Capri, this cool coupe was based on the Vauxhall Viva with a twist to capture the younger market. Sleek, sporty and elegant was how it was marketed and with a range of engine options. Not sure why this wasn’t a winner.
LOREM IPSUM
- As with many other British Leyland
- Cars of the period, a number of “
- These upgrades were designed by
- Capacity was also upped to 1998cc
LOREM IPSUM
- As with many other British Leyland
- Cars of the period, a number of “
- These upgrades were designed by
- Capacity was also upped to 1998cc
LOREM IPSUM
- As with many other British Leyland
- Cars of the period, a number of “
- These upgrades were designed by
- Capacity was also upped to 1998cc
GALLERY
SPECIFICATION
| Years Produced | 1971-1973 |
| Performance | 0-60 mph 22 sec / Top Speed 84 mph |
| Power & Torque | 62 bhp / 65 lb ft |
| Engine | 1275 cc / four cylinder 8 valves |
| Drive-train | Front engine RWD |
| Transmission | Four speed manual |
| Weight | 868 kg |
VALUATION SINCE LAUNCH
| Launch Price | £1017 |
|---|---|
| Excellent | £6,000 |
| Good | £3,500 |
Overview
The 1970’s screams cool coupes. Combine this with innovative designs and you are presented with what can only be described at the time as the future of motoring. Of course these days all three examples are retro classics and are priced to buy for the enthusiast to enjoy.
INTERESTING FACT
In 1974 Foden commissioned a Rover V8 engine Marina to compete in the London-Sahara-Munich rally. This stormed through several stages before suffering rear-axle failure in the desert. The rear axle had been the only part obtained from a non-BL source.
Mark Wilkinson (Managing Partner of Heritage Classic Car Insurance) says
“For those of us who are arguably the wrong side of forty, pure nostalgia plays a big part when it comes to classic cars. These retro examples can’t fail to remind you of what your father may of owned so many years ago. Today the classic car industry thrives on such collectables to help preserve and maintain the history of our glorious motoring heritage”.
