By Classic Yorkshire contributor Tony Lofthouse
News of the imminent closure of the Luton vehicle plant reminds me of a distinctive Vauxhall coupe that tried and failed to take on the big selling Ford Capri over fifty years ago.
General Motors launched the Firenza in 1971 as a sporty development of the Viva HC family runaround.
It was a laudable attempt to appeal to Ford buyers with a car sporting gutsy engines such as the 2279cc sports.
Things got serious in 1973 when Vauxhall brought us the Firenza HP or ‘Droopsnoot’ as it became known. It was styled by General Motors designer Wayne Cherry and was aimed at the affordable GT market.
The Firenza was given an aerodynamic front end – hence its nickname – a five-speed gearbox, uprated suspension and a 2.3 litre slant-four engine.
Its nose was moulded from fibreglass and the car’s distinctive twin headlights came from the Renault Alpine A310.
The car could reach 0-60mph in 7.6 seconds and would mark a triumphant return to motorsports for Vauxhall, led by DTV – Dealer Team Vauxhall.
The new Firenza might have impressed with its clean lines and lively performance but buyers looking for a choice of finish could rightly feel shortchanged. Production was restricted to one colour – Silver Starfire!
Despite optimistic sales forecasts of 1,000 cars a year only 204 Firenza HPs were ever made. In part, it was a victim of the 1973 global fuel crisis and, closer to home, assembly problems at Ellesmere Port.
The car lived on until 1975.
Whilst it might have been a disaster for Vauxhall it did leave a legacy with its front-end design influencing the look of future Chevette and Cavalier models. Its styling would also leave its trace on Ford’s Mk2 RS2000 Escort and 80’s big seller, the Sierra.
The ‘HP’ is an underrated car that gives a great ride and while it didn’t’ sell in its thousands, it’s rarity makes it a coveted classic today.
To find out more about the Firenza HP and its Vauxhall off-springs take a look at: www.droopsnoot.co.uk
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