The Vauxhall 30-98, revered by enthusiasts as a symbol of British sports car excellence during the Vintage era, holds a distinct position in automotive history. While Bentley’s triumphs at prestigious events like Le Mans garnered widespread acclaim, advocates of the 30-98 argue that Vauxhall’s engineering prowess and racing pedigree positioned it as a formidable competitor, particularly in challenging cross-country journeys.
Prior to World War I, Vauxhall had already made a mark in motorsport, participating in Grand Prix and Tourist Trophy races. The 30-98, with its robust design and powerful engine, demonstrated its capability to outperform the renowned 3-Litre Bentleys on rugged terrains. However, the outbreak of the war abruptly halted production, with only a handful of cars sold before manufacturing ceased.
Despite its limited production, the 30-98 garnered a reputation for its exceptional performance and reliability, solidifying Vauxhall’s position as a formidable contender in the motorsport arena. The legacy of the 30-98 continued post-war, inspiring future generations of Vauxhall vehicles and contributing to the brand’s enduring reputation for engineering excellence and performance prowess.
It wasn’t until 1919 that production resumed, with the model designated as the ‘E-Type.’ Despite its limited production run, spanning from 1919 to 1922 and yielding just 287 units, the E-Type established itself as a symbol of performance and craftsmanship. Following the E-Type, its successor, the overhead-valve ‘OE,’ entered the market in early 1923. Despite a slight reduction in engine capacity to 4.2 liters, the OE’s power output exceeded 110bhp, showcasing Vauxhall’s commitment to performance.
The introduction of front-wheel brakes to the OE in late 1923 represented a significant advancement in safety and handling. Initially operated by a cable system controlled by the foot pedal, these brakes enhanced the car’s stopping power and stability. Subsequent models adopted hydraulic front-wheel and transmission brakes by 1926, further improving braking performance and driver confidence.
However, by early 1927, as the final batch of OE chassis rolled out, interest in the 30-98 had begun to wane. The aging design and technology of the model struggled to compete with the more refined offerings from competitors like Bentley and Sunbeam. Despite its illustrious racing heritage and engineering prowess, the 30-98 faced stiff competition in an evolving automotive landscape.
In total, production of the OE variant amounted to 312 cars, cementing its legacy as a rare and coveted classic among automotive enthusiasts. While its production numbers may pale in comparison to some of its contemporaries, the Vauxhall 30-98 remains a symbol of British motoring excellence during the Vintage era, cherished for its performance, craftsmanship, and racing pedigree.
