General Motors struck a deal with Lotus to help fund a much needed new Lotus Elise Series II. The first concept design was created by Niels Loeb and Martin Smith and code named ‘Project Skipton’, and was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in 1999.
Badged as the Opel Speedster in Europe and the Vauxhall VX220 in the UK, production ran from 2000 until 2005.
These agile mid-engined sports cars were built at the Lotus Cars plant in Hethel, Norfolk and utilised the Lotus bonded aluminium frame weighing a mere 68kg. The aggressive and crisp styled bodywork was constructed of fibreglass with lightweight fixtures and fittings. The whole car weighing in at just 875kg.
A GM derived 2.2-litre engine was installed in the VX220 and reviews raved about the great mid-range performance and the car’s impressive handling, brakes and steering.
In 2003 a limited number of 2.0-litre Turbo versions were produced, and in 2004, just 65 VXR220 special edition models sold and lead the way for the subsequent GM VXR badged models.
First registered in January 2003, this very low mileage VX220 was purchased by the current owner on 16th October 2013 from an independent specialist.
The car comes with an impressive full service history file which includes the stamped service book showing consistent maintenance carried out by Vauxhall from 2005 until 2016 and other specialists from 2013.
The owner tells us that this will be a reluctant sale. It is a “dream to drive” but now that it is 19 years old and stored under a carport, it ideally needs to be garaged in order to preserve its present condition and value.
The up to date V5 is present along with the current MOT which runs until the 15th July 2022. There were some ‘Monitor’ advisories indicating minor corrosion to the suspension arms (see photo of MOT certificate). The tax runs until the 1st June 2022.
In addition to the service book, the original Owner’s Manual and Pioneer sound system booklets come with two keys (with alarm) and a healthy selection of servicing and parts receipts.
Being a true sports car, the interior is naturally spartan and functional but focussed on pure driver engagement.
The ergonomic leather steering wheel (with airbag) and popular optional leather bucket seats make the driving position very comfortable - everything you need falls easily to hand. The aluminium structure is visible at floor level and adds to the ‘sporty’ feel.
Overall the condition of the interior is very good. There is a small crack on the dash top and there are some scuffs below the sound system and on the sides of the transmission tunnel.
Also we can see a few marks on the door trims around the window winders, but this is minimal. The owner points out that the drivers seat bolster has been re-upholstered.
We are assured that all the electrical equipment operates as it should, and certainly when we turned the ignition key to the first position, all the essential warning lights instantly came on. The main rev’ counter and speedo instruments look great and all the switchgear is fine.
There is a small concession to luxury in the form of a cup holder between the seats along with cigarette lighter point, and of course, the Pioneer bluetooth radio/CD player (with usb port).
The boot space is pretty much immaculate and the release catches work well.
The beautifully angular design of the VX220’s body looks particularly striking in this Star Silver metallic paintwork. Externally, this example has clearly been very well cared for and is a continued credit to the current owner.
During the photoshoot we couldn’t detect any dents, significant chips, scratches or cracks to the fibreglass. There is a very small scuff on the front offside wheel arch and to the drivers door mirror, and a small scrape to the front service lid rear edge. There are no reports of any accident damage.
The lights, glass, mirrors and trim are all good although the nearside rear light cluster has been replaced and has black light surrounds rather than silver and there is some minor de-lamination at the lower edge of the windscreen.
This VX220 has it all going on! - it benefits from a desirable hardtop (which was around £1200 for an OE item back in the day) and it also has a ‘roll up’ soft top.
Both of these are in very good condition, and we are told, don’t leak. Of course, when the sun shines, it can easily become a targa convertible too - brilliant!. An all weather breathable cover will be included.
The nearside wing bracket is corroded (see photo) and, as noted on the MOT, there is some corrosion on the suspension arms. From what we can see whilst on the road, the aerodynamic underside looks clean and undamaged.
Stock 17” alloy wheels sit on all four corners, and whilst not in mint condition, are absolutely fine. Bridgestone Potenza 175/55 tyres sit up front and Pirelli P6000 225/45 at the rear.
The 2,198cc (2.2i 16V) GM engine produces around 145bhp and will reach 0-62mph in 5.9 sec with a top speed of 135mph. Although, driven carefully, this unstressed and durable engine should return 30mpg plus!.
Aside from the diligent servicing over the years, maintenance has included the replacement of the fuel injectors by Lotus specialist, Morland Jones, in 2016, and more recently, three new shock absorbers, new engine mounts, a replacement ABS sensor and wiring, and a new heater cable have been fitted. A new battery was also installed in 2021.
The 5-speed Getrag gearbox is said to work well. AP competition callipers are deployed on the front vented discs and we believe Brembo are standard fitment on the rears.
The highly tuned double wishbone suspension, coil springs and front anti-roll bar offers great cornering and handling capabilities combined with a surprisingly comfortable ride.
The last annual service was carried out at Lotus specialists Lakeside Engineering Ltd in May 2021 at 45,332 miles (see photo).
The owner describes this VX220 as “very light and fun to drive” and having “brilliant acceleration with lots of torque” accompanied by a “healthy and throaty roar”.
Aesthetically, the VX220 is a stunning little rocket-ship and represents the perfect alternative to a Lotus Elise, minus the Lotus Maintenance costs. With around 400 non-turbo models registered on UK roads today, they are a rare sight indeed and should only go up in value as a consequence.
This particular VX220 has clearly been cherished and should continue to excite the new custodian for years to come.
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2003 Vauxhall VX220 Targa
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