MEET THE OWNER – SHAUN BROADBENT AND HIS VAUXHALL VICEROY

Shaun Broadbent is selling one of the rarest Vauxhalls in the country. Only 2,295 Viceroys left the dealerships between 1980 and 1982, and today a mere nine remain on the road - Search results for 'Vauxhall viceroy' - How Many Left? Yet, it had genuine potential and is a prime example of how poor marketing can seriously hamper a car's prospects.

The narrative started in 1978 when Vauxhall replaced the FE-series VX1800/2300 with the Carlton, a version of the E-Series Opel Rekord. However, unlike its German counterpart, the latest Griffin-badged product was only available with one trim level, which left a considerable gulf between it and the 2.8-litre Royale. The solution was the Viceroy – aka a German-built Griffin-badged version of the Opel Commodore C.

Power for the Viceroy was from a 2.5-litre straight-six engine. Automatic transmission, as found on Shaun’s car, was an option, as was - unusually for that era - overdrive as a £189 extra. The price was £7,864, which meant it was cheaper than the equivalent Ford Granada and the Rover 2600 SD1. Luton claimed the Viceroy was "individual and distinctive" as befitting transport for the insurance manager who was "going places" (usually Dorking and Reigate). The specification included a radio-cassette player, central locking and PAS. For additional distinction, the cabin featured a “woodgrain" facia and seats upholstered in "crushed velour."

The Daily Telegraph found the Viceroy to be "comfortable, well-equipped and feels well-made and finished." The writer also regarded the performance as "easy-going or adequate rather than sparking," but "the more I drove it, the fonder of it I became." Unfortunately, a Motor test encapsulated its problems, despite their finding it to be "sound value" and a "perfectly pleasant car." In their view, the Viceroy had "no solid advantages over its rivals."

Vauxhall might have tempted more Ford and Rover owners had they incorporated it within the Carlton family with 'CD' badging. As it was, the Viceroy suffered from limited sales publicity. Another problem was that Opel also sold the Commodore in the UK, which benefitted from a fuel-injected engine unavailable on the Vauxhall.

But perhaps the Viceroy's strangest challenge was its name. On the surface, it followed the marque's long tradition of V-models – Velox, Victor, VX 4/90, Viva, Viscount and Ventora. But, unfortunately by 1980, the latest Vauxhall sounded rather like the sort of downmarket eatery advertised in provincial cinemas – "Only five minutes away!" This did not deter HM The Queen from commissioning a specially built estate (which has recently been fully restored), but the Viceroy was barely noticed by the country's chartered accountants.

Today, any Viceroy is the object of fascination. Shaun's Vauxhall is early 1980s executive aspirations on four wheels – down to the "strobe decal striping in three graduated bands." Mr. Broadbent reports “she is amazing to drive and I am only selling as I have found a Wyvern I want to buy”.

But that is another story.

With thanks to: Shaun Broadbent