Description
This is great value. From the early days of Rock’n’Roll comes this largely original 6-cylinder Velox in 2-tone White over Morocco Red boasting fabulous Detroit-inspired styling and a wonderful leather interior. A daily driver up until very recently, this rare survivor of a now highly sought-after model would benefit from some cosmetic attention but would seem very solid in all the right areas being MoT`d up until 2024 with no Advisory Notes. A wonderful opportunity to acquire a stylish 1950`s saloon to use and improve.
Launched in 1948, the Velox was a full-size family car set to compete head-to-head with the Ford Zephyr and up until 1957 shared the same body as the 4-cylinder Wyvern. Early cars up to 1951 reflected fairly conservative 4-door styling and featured an inline 6-cylinder 2275cc engine and 3-speed column change transmission. In August 1951, an all-new model was introduced (the E-Series) boasting a “three box” shape design and integral construction albeit with the original drivetrain from the previous model. This was to change some 12 months later with the introduction of an over-square 2262cc engine pushing power to 68BHP and providing a top speed of 80MPH. A major facelift in 1954 saw a re-design of the front end with new grill and trafficators both front and rear whilst subsequent years to 1957 saw further styling tweaks in keeping with US trends at that time. In October 1957, an all-new Velox was launched with Buick-inspired features, tail fins and more power. Known as the PA version, the model was built until 1962 when styling became much more restrained with the advent of the even larger PB saloon, itself in production until the final Velox rolled off the production line in 1965.
Our car was supplied new in Somerset in August 1956. Sadly, we know little of it`s story but up until very recently was residing in a little village in North Wiltshire, the daily driver of an elderly Vauxhall enthusiast. Only the lack of power steering has persuaded him to part with the car having just rebuilt the water pump and replaced the battery. Since acquiring the Velox, we have done very little but polish it and enjoy it.
The car presents just as can be seen in the photographs. All panel-work would seem very original and surprisingly solid whilst an older repaint has shrunk back slightly, especially to rear doors and sills, with consequent flaking of affected areas. Chrome and trim to the front of the car is generally good with some light pitting evident whilst the rear bumper has been historically painted. The car is an ideal candidate for a partial repaint but could easily be enjoyed as it is. The cabin is remarkably original with fabulous Oxblood leather bench seats, two-tone door cards with chrome inserts, a wonderful Art Deco-inspired painted dash and an excellent headlining. Turn the key and upon a quick push of the starter, the inline-6 fires immediately into life sounding both sweet and purposeful. Select 1st from the column-mounted transmission and the car glides away with 2nd and 3rd coming easily and smoothly. Now at cruising speed, the Velox wafts along with surprisingly positive steering, neutral handling and firm brakes. On a warm May afternoon, I took the Vauxhall for a spin across the West Dorset Downs towards Maiden Newton. It performed faultlessly with more than ample performance (50-55 MPH) with no dramas and felt very much at home on the open road with the ability to cover some distance with ease. Indeed, the whole feel and look of the car is incredibly evocative and would make the perfect family classic for someone looking for something immediately useable but offering potential to fettle and improve over time.
The Velox comes with sundry bills and a current V5C. Last benefitting from an MoT inspection in 2023, the car is naturally both MoT and road-tax exempt.
A very rare and rather stylish 1950`s classic saloon ready to be enjoyed.
Shore Classics is based on the West Dorset coast within easy proximity of both Weymouth and the County town of Dorchester. As classic and vintage dealers, we offer full brokerage facilities. So if you require some help and guidance with selling your classic car or motorcycle, just give us a call today.
Deposit now taken.
