Vauxhall Firenza Polycarbonate Windows

The Vauxhall Firenza, produced between 1971 and 1975, was Vauxhall’s attempt to blend sporty coupe styling with serious performance, taking the fight to rivals like the Ford Capri and Opel Manta. But while the standard Firenza was a solid performer, it was the legendary HP (‘High Performance’) Firenza, also known as the ‘Droopsnoot’, that truly put this car on the map, especially in the world of touring car racing and rallying.
Designed as a sportier version of the Vauxhall Viva HC, the Firenza was available with a range of engines, from modest 1.3-litre and 1.6-litre units up to the 2.3-litre slant-four engine, which was the one to have. Producing around 108 horsepower, this engine gave the lightweight Firenza genuine performance credentials, but Vauxhall wasn’t done yet.
In 1973, Vauxhall unveiled the HP Firenza ‘Droopsnoot’, an aggressive, streamlined version developed with motorsport in mind. Featuring a more aerodynamic nose, a 2.3-litre fuel-injected engine producing 131 horsepower, and upgraded suspension and brakes, this version could hit 0-60 mph in just over 8 seconds, serious performance for a British coupe of the time. The Droopsnoot was built in limited numbers (just 204 units), making it one of the rarest and most desirable Vauxhalls ever produced.
The Firenza’s real impact came on the touring car scene, where it was developed into a serious Group 1 and Group 2 race car. Entering the British Saloon Car Championship (BSCC, later BTCC) and other European touring car events, the Firenza proved to be a capable, high-speed competitor, often battling against the Ford Escort RS2000, BMW 2002, and Alfa Romeo GTV.
Its lightweight body, powerful slant-four engine, and sharp handling made it a serious contender on tight circuits, while its rear-wheel-drive layout ensured it had plenty of oversteer action, making it a favourite among enthusiastic drivers. While it never achieved dominant success like some of its rivals, the Firenza scored podiums and proved that Vauxhall could build a competitive racing coupe.
While Vauxhall was never as heavily involved in factory-backed rallying as Ford or Opel during the 1970s, the Firenza still found its way into privateer rally teams, particularly in the UK and South Africa. The 2.3-litre engine, strong rear-wheel-drive chassis, and durable construction made it a great base for tarmac rally events, where its punchy torque and predictable handling allowed it to take on the likes of the Ford Escort and Opel Kadett GT/E.
One of the most famous rally-built Firenzas was the South African version, where the model saw continued production and development beyond its UK run. Upgraded versions with Weber carburettors, hotter cams, and rally-tuned suspension made it a favourite among privateer teams, who found it to be a rugged and entertaining rally machine.
Despite its limited production numbers and underdog status, the Firenza is remembered as one of Vauxhall’s most exciting performance cars. The Droopsnoot version, in particular, has become a collector’s item, while its impact on touring car and rally history has made it a cult classic among Vauxhall enthusiasts.
In the world of historic racing, the Firenza still makes appearances in classic touring car events, where its aggressive styling, howling slant-four engine, and rear-wheel-drive antics continue to turn heads. It may not have been the most dominant car of its era, but it proved that Vauxhall could take the fight to the best, and look damn good doing it.