Auction Car of the Week: 2003 Vauxhall VX220 Turbo

A lightweight, two-seat roadster built in Hethel, Norfolk. It can only mean one thing… a Vauxhall?

The Vauxhall VX220 was produced between 2001 and 2006, thanks to a deal struck in 1999 between Lotus and General Motors. Based on the second-generation Lotus Elise, it was seen at the time as a less exotic take on the acclaimed British icon.

Twenty years after this example left the factory, the VX220 is held in high regard as a driver-focused sports car. It’s also rare, with only 7,207 produced – compared to 35,124 examples of the Elise.

Add lightness

This VX220’s 72kg aluminium chassis and fibreglass body panels helped make it 60kg lighter than the 1.6-litre Mazda MX-5 of the time – despite using a 2.0-litre ‘Z20LET’ turbocharged engine from an Astra GSI.

With 197bhp in a sub-tonne package, the VX220 Turbo was capable of 0-62mph in 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 151mph. Plus it had the agility to match.

This particular VX220 has only 22,000 miles on the clock from its two owners – the latter in possession of the car since 2009. Its bodywork is naturally corrosion-free and its bright red paint is in gleaming condition. Taking a look inside, minor creases to the seat bolsters are the only signs of wear.

Seeing red

The VX220 Turbo’s MOT history is excellent, with only one advisory in 20 years (for low tyre tread, resolved immediately). Its latest MOT runs until September 2024. Other paperwork includes a stamped service book, plus a selection of documents, invoices and receipts.

A high-mileage VX220 sold for less than £10,000 earlier this year on Car & Classic, while a car with moderate miles sold prior to that for £14,000. However, the excellent condition and low mileage found here should lead to a higher price.

Car & Classic’s auction for the 2003 Vauxhall VX220 Turbo, in association with Retro Motor, is live now and runs until 31 October 2023. The car is expected to sell for between £15,000 and £20,000.

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