Vauxhall fans, prepare for the most wonderful time of the year. Okay, no, not the holiday season. It’s nearly time for the Vauxhall Heritage Center to open its doors to the public, and the brand has announced its opening day.
June 12, 2016 is the date, and Vauxhall’s head office on Park Street, Luton is the place. Over 100 years of motoring history is housed inside the Heritage Center, with 73 vehicles representing the brand dating back to 1903.
At this year’s event Vauxhall will be marking two anniversaries: 50 years since the first Viva HB drove off Ellesmere Port’s production line, and 30 years since the last Bedford commercial vehicle was manufactured. Supporting this, an early SL-model HB will be on display, as well as two CVs that bookended Bedford production: a 1931 2-ton truck and two CFs – a one-off electric model, and a near concours production panel van.
Two new additions will be welcomed to the collection, too, with Vauxhall taking in a 2009 Astra VXR Nürburgring and a 1949 Wyvern L-Type.
Be sure to arrive on time see all the action, which begins at 10 a.m. sharp. And, best of all, admission is free.
Comment
Taking the Vauxhall Heritage collection public is great PR. Only a small number of people will make use of these facilities but they have the potential to be brand ambassadors and influence others who may not be enthusiasts.
Anyone who has visited the various auto museums run by manufacturers soon realize the pride and respect these manufacturers have for their history. It sends a very powerful message to any attendees.
I was allowed access to the Opel collection as well as their underground concept cars for photographic purposes, likewise GM Heritage at Warren. Recently GM bought a heritage building in Flint that would be an ideal place to display their great collection.
The cars are there, and retired enthusiasts could easily keep operating costs down. What are we waiting for.