MEET THE OWNER -ABDUL SHAIKH AND HIS VAUXHALL VENTORA V.I.P.

Some limited-edition cars were to clear the showroom of stocks before the launch of a replacement model. Others marked the end of a long and distinguished production run, while a third group enhanced the appeal of a recently introduced line-up. The Ventora V.I.P. falls into this last-named category, and there are now believed to be only two on the road.

Vauxhall unveiled the FE Victor ‘Transcontinental’ range in 1972, with the 3.3-litre six-cylinder Ventora as the flagship. Motor thought the cheaper model was “the best Victor so far”, but dealers faced the challenge that the FE was smaller than the Ford Granada but larger than the Cortina Mk. III.

Luton had planned these dimensions with their Canadian export market in mind. While Autocar believed the FE represented a good compromise between the two Fords, too many domestic customers disagreed. The Ventora V.I.P, which debuted in May 1973 would hopefully tempt Granda GXL owners to their nearest Vauxhall dealer. Furthermore, management at Luton has hoped the Ventora might appeal to BMW, Rover and Triumph owners, so the V.I.P. enhanced its image.

Naturally, the advertisements through modesty to the winds with such a magnificent vehicle. “You’re a special kind of person who wants a special kind of car” - i.e. a smooth-talking type who needed a Ventora V.I.P. in their driveway as much as an avocado bathroom suite. Not only was there a three-speed automatic transmission as standard, but also “Saddle cloth trim”, wool cloth headlining, front head restraints and a map-reading lamp.

That was not all, as the specifications also included front fog and spot lamps and a radio with an electric aerial. The black paintwork, the sole colour option, complemented the vinyl roof and, best of all, the V.I.P. featured “Your name on a metal plate on the fascia”.

Vauxhall built only 250 examples of the V.I.P. but they added lustre to the FE line-up, as well as reminding Granada, Rover P6 and Triumph 2.5 PI Mk. II drivers of the Ventora’s many positive attributes. Looking at this ultra-rare V.I.P its good looks, with stylistic overtones of a 1970 Pontiac, are immediately apparent. The cabin, resembling the living room of an ‘executive villa’, is equally appealing.

All of which makes it very hard to understand why Vauxhall believed the character actor Julian Orchard dressed as a reject from The Wicker Man was the ideal method of promoting the V.I.P. on television. The ethos of a limited edition Ventora was one of being chauffeured back to the office after a four-hour business luncheon. The commercial was more ‘Lord Summerisle after a trying day’:

Fifty-one years later, this V.I.P. is a fascinating reminder of managerial aspirations and Vauxhall’s long tradition of creating saloons with a certain mid-Atlantic flair. Not to mention, “The most beautiful thing about it is the kind of people who buy it.”

With Thanks To: Abdul Shaikh - https://www.carandclassic.com/l/C1755320