It's hard to suppress a guilty smirk on seeing a Vauxhall VXR8 Maloo. Especially a yellow one. In an increasingly serious automotive world, a car that appears to prioritise enjoyment and a sense of fun above all else is rather nice. We're being told we should covet configurable this and adaptive that but who really wants those when you could have a hunk of Aussie muscle?
That's a drifting kind of wheelbase
The VXR8 was introduced in 2011, unsurprisingly enough on a built-to-order basis. It's essentially the VXR8 - before it was the
supercharged GTS
- without the magnetic dampers and with a cavernous load bay instead of rear seats. To prove its commercial credentials, Vauxhall's press release after setting a hill climb record at Shelsley Walsh also included the one-tonne payload potential and 1,200 litres of space. A car capable of many things!
Now that record was set in a yellow VXR8 Maloo. The press drives - including PH's blast around Route Napoleon - were conducted in a yellow Maloo. Sorry, a 'Hazard Pearl' Maloo. What's the guessing on it having a Luton numberplate? This is build #1, has covered 28,000 miles since 2012 and has the Wortec magnesium wheels; can't be many else like this, can there? As for buying an old press car, that's a well worn topic of discussion on PH. They build 'em tough in Australia, right?
Of course buying a Maloo brand new would have taken a fair bit of commitment. Have you seen any since 2011? Arguably this hasn't changed used, particularly as it's still £40K. Plus the fact the new, 585hp VXR8 GTS is already available for less than £50,000 with 1,500 miles.
As important as the engine, right?
But a Maloo isn't about sensible, rational decisions, is it? This car is about making lots of noise, drawing huge amounts of attention and doing big powerslides when space allows. Imagine turning up to a track day in it! We all know the engine responds well to a bit of tuning and all the reviews speak of fairly decent handling. Say you wouldn't want a go...
Even in a dealer stocklist that includes two BMW i8s, a Ferrari 360 Spider and an Aston DB7 Volante, the Maloo sticks out like, well, like a yellow ute in a list of normal cars. It's absurd and quite brilliant because of it. If you want a sensible two-seater the dealer is also selling an M3 cabriolet for the same money. If you don't want to be sensible then there can't be much better. If a PHer does buy it - who else will? - then we would love to hear about it!
VAUXHALL VXR8 MALOO
Engine: 6,162cc V8
Transmission: 6-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 431@6,000rpm
Torque (lb ft): 406@4,600rpm
MPG: 21 (NEDC combined)
CO2: 329g/km
First registered: 2012
Recorded mileage: 28,994
Price new: £51,500
Yours for: £39,975
See the original advert here.