Thanks in a large part to motorsport, there will always be certain colours associated with certain countries. In fact, that can probably be extended to inside-and-out colour combinations - silver over red for Germany, red over cream for Italy, white over red for Japan and so on. Whether hot hatch or hypercar, the pairings just seem to work that bit better with a nod to tradition. Of course, plenty of colour combos work, but sometimes the old ways really do work the best. What colour is your AMG Mercedes or Ferrari really going to be?
It works for Britain, too. Many have emulated British Racing Green over tan, but seldom does it work better than on cars built here. From Range Rover SUV to Aston Martin GT and Jaguar saloon to Morgan sports car, it suits a wealth of different applications. Bet you've never seen it on a Vauxhall before, though...
But here it is, a dark green VX220 with tan leather inside. Cool, isn't it? Certainly more mellow than the bright blues, yellows and reds we've come to associate with the little Vaux. Whether it complements the shape any more than those is up for some debate - typically BRG and tan is seen on larger, grander vehicles than a skeletal sports car - but it's certainly different. And that's enough to commend this VX220.
Vauxhall's interpretation of the Elise S2 has been raved about for long enough now, yet still doesn't quite command the same adulation as its Lotus sibling. Bad news for anyone banking on significant appreciation; good news for those after a great sports car for not much money. In 2018 a decent 60k one was £11,000; now an older but lower mileage VX220 is £14,995. At present you won't buy an Elise for less than £18k, and that's for one with 85,000 miles, the current situation surely encouraged by the buzz around production coming to an end. For a 50,000-mile Elise from a dealer, you're looking at £20k - or a third more than the Vauxhall. It's not green, either...
Leaving aside the colour for just a second, this looks a really decent VX. Accompanied by a two-inch think folder of history (including a recent timing chain replacement), it has some choice modifications over standard such as a Milltek exhaust, upgraded Bilstein dampers, a Piper manifold and AP Racing brake calipers. It'll be sold with a fresh MOT and service; the Brigestone Potenzas are said to be new as well. When spring arrives, it's hard to think of much better to have ready and waiting than a VX220.
Sure, it's not a Turbo, but the standard 2.2 still made almost 150hp when a base Elise just about mustered 125hp. With only around 800kg to shift, it'll be plenty fast enough for most, sprinting to 60mph in six seconds if required. Plus, of course, there are all the benefits of building a sports car around Lotus Elise architecture: it'll drive absolutely beautifully, and still do 30mpg. Just be prepared to wrestle your way in and out...
Pleasingly, more VX220s were registered on UK roads in 2021 than at any point since 2016, though it was still comfortably less than 500. There really can't be many sports cars out there as rare, stylish, and good to drive as the Vauxhall for £15,000. Which has been said before - and most likely will come out again - but surely not with a supermini price tag. And good luck finding another green one anytime soon...
SPECIFICATION | VAUXHALL VX220
Engine: 2,198cc, 4-cyl
Transmission: 5-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 147@5,800rpm
Torque (lb ft): 149@4,000rpm
MPG: 33
CO2: 205g/km
First registered: 2001
Recorded mileage: 51,000
Price new: £22,809
Yours for: £14,995
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