Built from 1903, Vauxhall’s first year of car production, and known as the ‘Light Car’, the model featured a slow-revving, single-cylinder engine producing just five horsepower.
Perhaps showing Vauxhall’s roots as a producer of marine engines, the Light Car was steered by a tiller, with its speed regulated by a brass hand-wheel next to the driver. A two-speed epicyclic gearbox sent drive through a large chain to the rear wheels, and if determined, the driver could probably squeeze around 25mph from the little car.
This model – like all others manufactured in 1903 and 1904 – was built in Vauxhall’s original South London factory, where around 84 of this type rolled off the production line. The factory moved to Kimpton Road, Luton the following year, where it has been ever since.
The 5hp four-seater in the photographs – the oldest of its kind in the world – is part of Vauxhall’s Heritage Collection and is a regular entrant in the annual London to Brighton Veteran Car Run.
Technical Data: Vauxhall 5hp Light Car Colour Blue Interior colour Black leather Engine Capacity 978cc Top Speed 25mph (ungoverned) 0-60mph n/a Fuel Consumption 38.25mpg
VAUXHALL MOTORS – Vauxhall Motors started making vehicles in the UK in 1903. Today, as the oldest and most familiar of Britain’s automotive manufacturers, its philosophy is to build vehicles that are relevant to all. Vauxhall’s two manufacturing plants in Ellesmere Port and Luton produced 206,000 cars and vans in 2018, and its sales accounted for nine per cent of the UK market.
Recent Reviews
The latest cars, suvs and crossovers reviewed by our experienced journalists.
BYD’s new Sealion 7 coupe-SUV set for prime time
Today, as the market for full-electric SUVs grows ever bigger, broader and more bountiful, here’s BYD with its latest, the Sealion 7 Car Reviewed: BYD SEALION 7 DESIGN AWD Today, as the market for full-electric SUVs grows ever bigger, broader and more bountiful, here’s BYD with its latest take on the subject, the Sealion 7…
Continue Reading BYD’s new Sealion 7 coupe-SUV set for prime time
Kia EV3 GT-Line S, has all you could want
Be excited about this eye-catching electric SUV. This top-of-the-range model, the Kia EV3 GT-Line S, has it all Car Reviewed: Kia EV3 GT-Line S The Kia EV3 compact electric SUV has already been awarded many things, such as Car of the Year 2025, other design awards and more coming soon in the World Car Awards…
MG Cyberster, it feels fresh and new
The MG Cyberster a two-seat electric roadster, guaranteed to turn heads Car Reviewed: MG Cyberster Trophy Let’s start with a question. Are you intrigued by the MG Cyberster, this sleek, new-wave open-top electric roadster? Answer: yes, of course you are. It looks pretty keen, does it not? Complete with attention-gabbing supercar-style doors, the Cyberster is…