11. VAUXHALL VXR220

It’s not often that one of Vauxhall’s press cars is responsible for launching an entire brand, but in the case of KE04 GYH, it achieved just that. The VXR220 was the first model off the start line in a concerted effort by the company to return to its sporting roots. Built before series production started, the car you see in the photograph (individually numbered VXR- 000) was the first to wear the now well-known VXR badge, and spearheaded the launch of the eponymous sporting brand in 2004.

Based on the already successful VX220 Turbo model, the VXR220’s 2-litre Family2 turbocharged engine produced 220hp thanks to a free-flow air filter, a hybrid turbocharger and re-programmed ECU. It also received more cooling capacity, changes to the exhaust, a turbo heat-shield and undertray, along with minor revisions to the chassis to cater for the extra performance. And what performance it had! Capable of 0- 60mph in 4.2 seconds and with a top speed of 155mph, the VXR220 arguably put its Lotus Elise cousin in the shade, with a more pliant ride and greater engine flexibility too.

KE04 GYH was in service during 2004- 05, winning CAR magazine’s Performance Car of the Year shoot- out against some of the world’s top exotica. In summary, CAR judged it: ‘ A well-designed, well-engineered driver’s car that is guaranteed to spark a warm glow of anticipation every time you reach for the keys.’ Production lasted from 2000-2005.