1963 Vauxhall VX 4/90 Works Rally Car - ex-1964 RAC, Monte Carlo, Tulip & Welsh Rallies

In 1961, Vauxhall introduced the latest FB version of their established Victor range followed shortly afterwards by the VX 4/90 performance derivative fitted with a larger 1595cc engine fed by twin Zenith carburettors. It could be spotted by its contrasting side flashes and four-speed floor gearchange, optional on lesser models. Sales of the VX 4/90 proved a little slow initially, not surprising really when you consider that in the 'sporting' 1600 Saloon market, the Vauxhall was in direct competition with Ford's brilliant Cortina Lotus. So Vauxhall's Marketing Department had lunch with their Competition Depart and, following the Blue Oval's lead, it was time to get involved in motor sport.

Heralding Vauxhall’s entry into the international rally scene, this VX 4/90 is one of just three works-supported cars prepared to contest major events during the early 1960s. It competed in the 1963 and 1964 Monte Carlo Rally along with the RAC Rally Tulip Rally and Welsh Rally, as well as the 1963 Rally of the Midnight Sun and the demanding Spa Sofia Liege. These appearances firmly established the model’s reputation and underline the significance of this example within British rallying history.

In more recent years, the car has continued to prove its capabilities in historic competition. Its event record includes participation in the 1997, 1998 and 1999 Monte Carlo Challenge, the 1998 Classic Marathon, the 2000, 2002 and 2004 Monte Carlo Historique, the 2003 Vauxhall Centenary 1000 Mile Trial, the 2005 Winter Trial and the 2007 Rally of the Tests. Few cars can claim such an extensive and consistent competition history across both period and modern historic rallying.

The car is accompanied by an exceptional level of documentation which further supports its authenticity and eligibility. This includes a FIVA Identity Card, RAC Competition Log Book, RAC Historic Rally Vehicle Identity Form, FIA Historic Vehicle Identity Form and a copy of its original homologation papers. Together these credentials confirm the car’s status as a genuine 'works' rally machine and make it suitable for a wide range of prestigious historic events.

Power is provided by an engine originally prepared by renowned Vauxhall tuning specialist Bill Blydenstein. The engine was later refreshed by Blydenstein himself in 1991 ensuring that it retains the character and performance expected of a works' prepared car. Sold by the factory to a former apprentice of the works team in 1965, the car has remained closely connected to its competition roots throughout its life.

The specification reflects both its period accuracy and thoughtful upgrades for rally use. Equipment includes servo-assisted brakes, a limited-slip differential, roll cage, rally seats, full harness belts, period Halda Twinmaster instrumentation and a modern Brantz Rallytimer. These features combine to make the car both authentic and practical for competitive historic rallying.

With more than one hundred thousand pounds of expenditure documented during the current ownership, this VX 4/90 represents a rare opportunity to acquire a proven and event-ready works rally car. With its depth of history, provenance and preparation this is a machine that simply could not be recreated today regardless of cost.