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Road impressions of the 1957 Vauxhall  Velox   

15th December 1952

The Garage and Motor Trader

The new short- stroke "over square" engined Vauxhall Velox gave a very impressive performance during this months road test.

(late last year the first move of the change over was made when completely new styled Vauxhalls were produced - powered  with the pre war long stroke engines)

Over the test course the new Velox confirmed its claims to comfort with flexibility.  It was particularly easy to handle in every way - it cornered well and held "tight" at fast speeds and ironed out corrugations at 40 m.p.h. without discomfort.

The 23.4 hap. 6 cylinder motor gave the impression of power coupled with ability.  Although no attempt was made to drive the vehicle at maximum speed .  ( the manufactures claim a top speed of over 80 m.p.h.)  It was found tat speeds between 65 - 70 m.p.h. could be maintained with no apparent effort, whilst  roadability left nothing to be desired Steering was a delightfully light, and answered readily to the touch, and when required the braking system operated smoothly and efficiently.  On the score of ability, it must be said  for  those  who like a turn of speed,  the Velox can "turn it on" at will.

Perhaps the most amazing thing about the Vauxhall Velox performance is its ability to hold slow speeds in top gear without labouring, both when climbing and during level running.

Apart from the "over square" advantages, the new Vauxhall engine has many other points of notable advance in design, engineering, and operation.

Combining to give more power from less petrol, and longer life, these points include - larger ports and improved manifolding;  larger valves and better cooling;   more generously proportioned main, big and small end bearings;  exceptionally rigid crank shaft with main and big end bearings overlapping longitudinally;  "Commonality" or exchangeability of parts of the Wyvern and Velox "square" engines.

Many special  Vauxhall features  , such as  six phase carburation, positive lubrication of cylinder bores, and double thermostat control of cooling, are retained,  while longer cylinder bore life is claimed for the new Vauxhall cylinder boring technique.

Passenger comfort  in this car is good, with some refinements, such as arm rests, etc, usually seen only in more expensive make of car.

The Velox body styling overall is modern and attractive, and incorporates a number of  unique features, the boot compartment (of very ample proportions), for instance, is both locked and unlocked by operating a button located inside the rear seat compartments obviating the need for a separate key.  The bonnet is opened by unique "disappearing" handles located on each side, and the entire cover can be removed if desired.  The wind up windows are spring loaded push-up-and-down type, and remain in position similar to the sash type window.  Unfortunately the windows do not retract below the level of the aperture, and so do not provide the most comfortable arm rest  on the driving side for the driver when doing long a long trip.  The provision of an  inside arm rest on the drivers side door panel would solve this problem.

The tunnel type ventilation for passengers was found to be most effective - good air circulation is possible even in wet weather without risk of water entering the car.

No attempt was made to check petrol consumption during the test, but according to manufacturers, the vehicle will average 30.m.p.g