Vintage Vauxhall show

By Ross Pinnock

10th February 2008

New cars won’t be welcome at Vauxhall HQ in April. The Luton company is opening the doors to its Heritage Centre – but only to motorists who arrive in a classic!

The event on Sunday 20 April is part of the annual Drive It Day initiative. It’s org­anised by the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs, and aims to demonstrate the strength of the UK classic car movement. Motoring venues nationwide will welcome visitors who arrive in old and historic models throughout the day. For a full list, visit the federation’s www.fbhvc.co.uk website.

The Vauxhall Heritage Centre in Luton, Beds, is home to more than 50 important motors from the firm’s past. Exhibits include everything from its first 5bhp car, produced in 1903, to a 377bhp Lotus Carlton from 1993. There’s also the 2003 VX Light­ning Concept and mint examples of the Victor, Viva and Vectra. Doors open at the site in Park Street, Luton, at 10.30am.