VAUXHALL’S CLASSIC STASH UNDER THREAT
Britain’s oldest manufacturer is looking into the future of its 60-strong collection – we investigate the company’s options
Vauxhall has confirmed that it has begun a consultation over the future of its Griffin House site in Luton – including its heritage collection of more than 60 historically significant Vauxhalls and Bedfords.
The manufacturer, which Peugeot-Citroën (Groupe PSA) has owned since last year, has entered a 45-day consultation about the future of its heritage collection, which marque clubs hope will result in its relocation.
Kevin Bricknall, of the Cavalier and Chevette Club, said: ‘ We hope PSA will try and keep the collection in the Luton area, but suspect that it won’t stay the same size. At the moment we think it is a case of wait and see what PSA proposes.’
Vauxhall’s 60-strong collection of classics is facing an uncertain future after it began a 45-day consultation about the future of its site in Luton.
The manufacturer has entered talks with unions about options for its site at Griffin House, where the car’s collection of historic Vauxhalls and Bedfords is based. The collection is used to promote Vauxhall’s heritage at events across the country and its cars frequently appear in the press and on TV.
They range from a 1903 5hp, which often represents the company in the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, to a 2002 Vectra, the final passenger car built at Luton.
A spokesman said: ‘ Vauxhall Motors has entered into a 45-day consultation period with trade union representatives to vacate its current Head Office at Griffin House.
‘The proposal includes the relocation of the Heritage Centre within the Luton area. It’s not possible to give you any more detail at this stage.’
A spokesperson for Peugeot – which is part of the PSA group that has owned Vauxhall since last year – declined to comment.
The heritage collection, which is maintained by in-house restorers Andy Boddy and Terry Forder, also includes the XVR, SRV and VX Lightning one-off concept cars and a 1905 three-cylinder, the first Vauxhall built at Luton.
Vauxhall has also bought back and restored classics in house, including a 1969 Viva GT, which it completed in 2016.
Vauxhall clubs are hopeful that the cars in the collection will stay together, possibly at a relocated site in the Luton area.
Mark Ridley, administrator of the
Nova Sport Register, said: ‘If the worst were to happen and the collection was broken up, we’d like to see the Vauxhall Heritage collection sold to museums with conditions, not to profiteers.
Kevin Bricknall, of the Cavalier and Chevette Club, said: ‘ We hope that PSA will try and keep the collection in the Luton area but we suspect it won’t stay the same size as it is currently.
‘At the moment we think it is a case of wait and see what PSA proposes.’