Collection Item

Vauxhall TT

This Vauxhall although originally conceived as a Grand Prix Car missed its opportunity when rules were changed for the 1922 season.

This Vauxhall was conventionally designed but featured technologically advanced engineering and looked to be a strong contender for the Grand Prix. However, by the time testing was completed, the 1921 season was over. In 1922 the Grand Prix formula was changed from 3 to 2 litres, essentially making Vauxhall’s racing car instantly obsolete. The lack of foresight by Vauxhall’s design team, with regards to the well-publicised forthcoming Grand Prix rule change remains a mystery.

Vauxhall were, however, able to enter the Isle of Man TT race, using former riding mechanics as the drivers. Of the three cars entered, one finished third and the other fifth. One of the Vauxhalls did set the fastest lap of the race.

Following the TT race, all reference to the cars being Grand Prix racers was dropped, the TT prefix was added, and they were entered into other races, winning several including the 3-litre Championship at Brooklands in October 1922. However, they never gained the prestige of Grand Prix cars, and Vauxhall retired from racing at the end of the season.

The cars had further success under private ownership, including a modified version of one of these cars raced by Raymond Mays in the Shelsley Walsh Hill-climb, setting the outright fastest time on four occasions between 1928 and 1933.

Loaned by Julian Ghosh