2005 Vauxhall VX220 Stage 2 Supercharged

Highlights 

• 250bhp Stage 2 supercharged example

• Professionally converted by specialists Type 116 Motorsport

• Substantially yet tastefully modified

• Upgraded suspension and brakes

• Vastly improved performance over a standard car

• Great condition throughout

• Impressive history file

• Low mileage

• Long, advisory-free MOT 

Overview

Vauxhall may not be as arguably well-remembered for its performance models as say, Ford, but that doesn't make its past sporting efforts any less impressive. From the Sublime Lotus Carlton and plucky Astra GTE to race cars like the DTM Calibra, the West Midlands firm truly has produced some impressive metal over the years. The mid-engined, two seater VX220 is certainly no exception.

Debuting in 2000 and aimed squarely at the burgeoning affordable sports car market the VX220 (or Opel Speedster as it was known in other locales) was Vauxhall's answer to the Lotus Elise and remained in production for five years. Having more in common with its zesty British brethren than just looks and performance credentials, the ultra lightweight VX220 was actually developed by Lotus – alongside General Motors – using the Series 2 Elise chassis as its base.

Forward motion was provided by a 2.2-litre GM four-cylinder that produced 145bhp, which may not sound like a whole hell of a lot but with its aluminium chassis and fibreglass body the original car weighed just 875kg meaning it was actually quicker than the Elise upon which it was based. The engine was subsequently upgraded in 2003 to a 200bhp, 2.0-litre turbocharged four pot and was significantly quicker than earlier models, despite being a few kilograms heavier.

This particular car is a 2005 example, but instead of the usual turbo engine nestled transversely at midships one now finds a 2.2-litre supercharged Stage 2 four-cylinder producing 250bhp. Professionally converted by marque specialists Type 116 Motorsport, (a tried and tested upgrade) the car comes complete with all of the supporting modifications and software updates, turning the already hugely capable VX220 into an absolute weapon.

With supporting upgrades to the suspension and brakes on top of all the performance enhancements this vivacious Vauxhall is perfectly at home both on the road and at the track. The full spec list can be found below but suffice to say this low mileage, thoroughly improved VX220 presents well throughout in a metallic silver over black leather colour scheme and comes with a decent history file, as well as a long, advisory-free MOT. 

History and documentation

• 2005 model year

• V5C present and correct in the vendor's name

• First registered 17 May 2005

• In current ownership since 12 Apr 2012

• Original book pack 

• Two keys plus alarm fobs

• Service history with the original service manual showing service stamps at the following intervals: 2006 @ 5,777 miles (1st service, main dealer), 2007 @ 10,508 miles (2nd service, main dealer), 2008 @ 17,918 miles (3rd service, specialist), 2009 @ 22,459 miles (4th service), 2011 @ 26,510 miles (5th service)

• Numerous invoices for parts, servicing and maintenance

• All work by previous owner meticulously documented as reported by vendor

• Subsequent servicing, parts and maintenance documented by the current vendor

• Advisory-free MOT until 21 Nov 2026

• HPI clear

• London ULEZ compliant

• 40,810 indicated miles

Interior

• Tidy interior with minimal wear and tear

• No signs of any major damage

• Fez heater with silicon hose upgrade

• Anti-rattle stainless steel door pins

• Door cards present well

• Some usual light seat bolster wear to the driver's side and some scratches to the centre console

• Dashboard remains intact

• Type 116 aluminium fire extinguisher bracket and stick extinguisher

• VX220 floor mats

• Full width harness bar with Schroth four-point belts together with standard lap and diagonals

• Aluminium indicator stalks and window winder handles

• Magnetic phone holder 

• Stereo with CD player

• Cup Holder and auxiliary power socket

• Stainless bolts used throughout

• The luggage compartment is clean and tidy

• Engine bay presents well overall with some light surface rust to some of the bracketry to note

Exterior

• The car's fibreglass bodywork presents well overall with no signs of any major issues

• Metallic silver paintwork in in good condition 

• Some light marks to the front end commensurate with the car's age and mileage

• All body panels look to align correctly

• No evidence of any corrosion or repair work

• Removable black Targa roof looks to be in good condition and has been treated with Gtechniq Smart Fabric proofing

• Glasswork is generally in good shape but the corner of the windscreen does have a small star crack

• HID headlights with LED side lights

• Eltech front splitter

• Type 116 rear diffuser

• 16"/17" wheels as per Lotus Elise present well with no evidence of any blemishes or kerb damage

• Uniroyal Rainsport 3 tyres all round – 205/45/R16 front, 225/45/R17 rear

• Second set of Team Dynamics wheels with Yokohama AD08 tyres also available as a substitute or negotiated separately outside the auction

Mechanical

• 2.2-litre supercharged inline four-cylinder engine 

• Five-speed manual gearbox

• Rear-wheel drive

• Full supercharger conversion carried out by Chris at Type 116 Motorsport

• Front mounted charge cooler and Dutch ECU software

• Stage 2, 250bhp as reported by the vendor

• The vendor also reports that 35-40 mpg is quite achievable

• Full software licence from Peter Munckhof at OBD Tuner (tuning software included)

• Uprated Pro-Alloy radiator

• New coolant header tank with UV cover

• Pro-Alloy charge cooler

• Alloy charge cooler tank

• Replaced and uprated engine mounts

• Uprated 100A alternator

• Uprated fuel pump

• Milltek stainless exhaust, sports cat and Chris Tullet 4-1 stainless manifold

• Quantum single adjustable suspension dampers (24 positions)

• Springs 400lb/in front, 500lb/in rear (fully adjustable) with uprated hub carrier and suspension bolts

• New drop links, track rod ends and uprated stainless steel rear toe links

• Adjustable uprated anti-roll bar

• Lotus 4-Channel ABS with on/off switch

• Carbon Lorraine RC5+ brake pads all round

• Drilled and grooved brake discs all round

• Braided hoses and full bleed

• Titan ‘quick rack’ steering rack

• C-Tek battery charger connector

• No mechanical issues to report

• The vendor informs us that the car is always garaged and rain avoided where possible and has had a recent oil change, air filter and fuel filter, along with a new aux belt and tensioner

Summary

A standard Vauxhall VX220 is already a seriously good car with plenty of get up and go but this Supercharged circuit smasher has been well and truly turned up to 11. Professionally fettled throughout it stands head and shoulders above a standard example without diminishing any of the superb driving characteristics that make these pocket rockets such exciting and engaging cars to pilot. If you're an adrenaline junky looking for a performance fix then this VX220 is seriously worthy of your consideration and  can easily be tuned for comfortable road use or stiffer occasional track days.

Please note that the seller is away from the 27th March so collection of the vehicle post sale will need to be arranged prior to this.

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located in Guildford, Surrey.