Vauxhall VX220 buyer’s guide: what to pay and what to look for

By Malcolm McKay

| 18 Apr 2019

Classic & Sports Car – Buyer’s guide: Vauxhall VX220

Why you’d want a Vauxhall VX220

Developed alongside the Elise S2 but with many different parts, the VX220 was a thoroughly sorted sports car.

Longer, wider, more flexible and forgiving than an Elise, it was every bit as much fun. The bonded, extruded-aluminium chassis weighed just 68kg, contributing to a weight of well under a tonne. Mid-range punch was its strongest suit, the 2.2 engine far more flexible than the smaller, more highly strung units in the Elise. Testers raved about its impressive handling, brakes and steering, especially considering its controlled, supple ride.

The Vauxhall (or Opel, as the car was marketed for mainland Europe) badging did cause sales resistance when new and that continues even now, but it’s short-sighted. These superb machines are all the more interesting for their mainstream manufacturer heritage. Just don’t take them to a Vauxhall dealer now – Elise/VX specialists have the know-how to look after them properly.

Despite the experts’ views on its high safety levels, three were written off by journalists on the first day of the launch in Spain, proving that it could surprise those expecting normal Vauxhall driving limits.

The Turbo of 2003 was even more of a challenge and definitely required circumspection on wet roads, but rewarded with supercar levels of performance. Just be careful you don’t buy one that has been heavily crashed.

Just 65, now super-desirable VXR220 models were built (left); Union Jack VX220 was done for a marketing promotion

Inspect panel gaps carefully and look thoroughly for repairs: a cracked front clam and headlamps may be enough for a car to be written off, so Category C/D cases need not put you off if the damage was limited and properly repaired. The condition of the ‘crashbox’ at the front of the chassis is crucial. Paint bubbling is not usually an indication of poor repairs – it’s a common issue, especially around the bootlid, spoiler and doors, and requires professional baking on repainting to prevent it recurring.

Many VX220s have been tuned, with Turbos putting out 3-500bhp, but those tend to have lots of reliability issues. An Eaton M62 supercharger installation used by GM’s Saturn Ion Red Line and Chevy Cobalt SS (and by Ariel in the Atom) is a popular and well-developed upgrade for NA cars, giving Turbo-level performance.

Prices bottomed two years ago. Now they’re climbing, an active forum supports owners and specialists have begun to remanufacture unobtainable parts: all clear signs that the VX220 has reached classic status. Buy now while stocks last.

Vauxhall VX220: what to look for

Bodywork

See above for trouble spots

Engine

Unless wildly uprated and/or abused, the GM power units are under-stressed and durable in the VX. Check service history (annual, or 10,000 miles if used more); max 4 years/40,000 timing belt on Turbo; rattle-free chain on Normally Aspirated. The engine number is on the block close to the gearbox on Turbo, NA on oil filter housing.

Suspension

Seized balljoints on rear track control arm can lead to catastrophic suspension collapse, so receipts for replacement are good news. Dampers tire quickly.

Tyres

The tyres were specially produced by Bridgestone: front 175/55ZR17 is a unique size; replacing with 16in wheels is an option, as here on rare VXR alloys.

Transmission

Five-speed Getrag gearbox rarely gives trouble, but check synchros and make sure the clutch doesn’t slip: replacement is time-consuming, so can be costly.

Radiator

Plastic end tanks tend to come off the alloy radiator, and it’s a clam-off job to replace. This is original, an all-aluminium replacement rad (at £360) is a bonus.

Interior

NA had cloth seats, Turbo leather (£600 extra on NA). Dash brace was £250, floor mats £60. Inspect aluminium for marks and switches/instruments for function.

Hood

All cars should have a soft-top. Check that it fits tightly all round, has no tears and the tensioning cables are taut. The OE hardtop was a £1200 optional extra.

Vauxhall VX220: on the road

The engine should have serious urge right through the rev range

Before test driving, make sure that the car meets all of your requirements, or you may be lured into buying a VX220 with bodywork or other faults – they are that much fun to drive. If the one you try is not, it clearly needs work.

It’s vital to go through the service history, which should be complete and include timing-belt replacement every four years (or 40,000 miles if sooner) on Turbos. Normally aspirated cars have a timing chain that is best replaced at 60k miles; listen for rattling on start-up. On both, it’s wise to replace the tensioner and water pump at the same time.

Before starting, turn on the ignition to ensure that all of the warning lights come on – and then go out. The ABS is a favourite – the original two-channel system can go into ‘ice mode’, allowing minimal braking if the brakes are used very hard and many owners disconnect it (although it must be reconnected to pass the MoT test). Fitting the four-channel ABS from the VXR or Exige S2 is the preferred solution.

NA or Turbo, the engine should have serious urge right through the rev range. There’s a slight dip at 3000rpm in standard spec with the Turbo, but that’s often ironed out with a mild remap. Check the header tank (on left in engine bay), because they are prone to cracking (a UV shield is a worthwhile addition). It is cheap to replace, being an Astra part, but excessive water loss could seriously damage the engine if not spotted.

The cars are highly sensitive to geometry changes, so budget to get this checked if it’s not been done recently. It could save you a very nasty moment when you explore the car’s limits.

Vauxhall VX220 price guide

Show/rebuilt: £14,000
Average: £10,000
Restoration: £5000

Turbo

Show/rebuilt: £18,000
Average: £14,000
Restoration: £8000

VXR

Show/rebuilt: £26,000
Average: £22,000
Restoration: £14,000

Vauxhall VX220 history

1999 VX220/Opel Speedster concept by Martin Smith first unveiled at Geneva Salon

2000 July Production models launched by Opel and Vauxhall

2003 Turbo added, with 197bhp and 184lb ft: 0-60mph in 4.7 secs, 151mph, leather seats, larger side air intakes, Y-spoke wheels

2004 lighter, 223bhp VXR220 added: just 65 made, matt black interior, Alcantara trim, uprated suspension and brakes, 16in front wheels, Yokohama tyres, optional Ohlins dampers

2005 July Production ends

The owner’s view

Owner Ken Price has had no significant problems in 80,000 miles

Ken Price bought his Turbo from Vauxhall’s press fleet when it was a year old.

“I’ve had no significant problems in 80,000 miles,” he remarks. “I’ve replaced the engine mountings, the odd switch and a brake servo hose. For three weeks it wouldn’t start, until that was traced to a corroded wire on the loom that feeds the ECU, on one of the main connectors behind the header tank. The VX220 Forum is hugely supportive and people will always come and help out if you’re working on your car.

“Even over 1700 miles on our annual Scottish Highland weekend, it’s not uncomfortable. It’s always garaged and every drive still makes me smile: the feedback from the steering and chassis is so vivid. It has never been on a track and I prefer to keep it original. I’ve no intention of getting rid of it.”

Also consider

Lotus Elise (left) and Renault Sport Spider are alternatives

LOTUS ELISE S2

The S2 featured a 120-156bhp Rover K-series engine until 2005 when the 134bhp Toyota unit was substituted – and later supercharged. Buying issues similar to VX, plus head gasket on K-series.

Sold 2000-present • No. built 21,691 • Mpg 25-37 • 0-60mph 5.8 secs • Top speed 125-130mph • Price new £22,980 (2001) • Price now £12-20,000

RENAULT SPORT SPIDER

Alloy-chassis roadster, built by Alpine initially with just an aeroscreen. All 96 UK right-hookers have a full ’screen, but no hood or hardtop. Not quite as direct as a VX.

Sold 1996-’99 • No. built 1685 • Mpg 23-33 • 0-60mph 6.9 secs • Top speed 131mph • Price new £25,000 (1996) • Price now £25-30,000

Vauxhall VX220: the Classic & Sports Car verdict

Exclusive and exciting in both appearance and behind the wheel, the VX220 has now achieved full classic status and prices look set to continue rising for the nicest cars.

While tuning and upgrading are appealing, with some phenomenal results, the ones achieving the best prices are the most original, low-mileage examples, with VXRs way out ahead due to rarity.

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