The design for the car had been produced by the Styling Department at the Luton plant, and due to cost constraints had to be based on an existing model, and utilise as many components as possible from the corporate parts bin.

The basis for the prototype was a Vauxhall VX2300 GLS saloon, at the time the `luxury flagship' of a recently revised FE range. 

The body was, however, lengthened aft of the B-pillars to increase rear leg-room.   The front-end styling was new, with a longer, more blunt profile necessitating modified front wings, a new bonnet, and bespoke grille, lights and bumper.

Mechanically the car was a mixture of Vauxhall and Opel. Whilst much of the suspension was standard GLS, the car was powered by a six-cylinder 2.8-litre fuel-injected engine from the Opel Commodore GS/E, driving through a 3-speed automatic gearbox.

Interior treatment was essentially GLS, but with leather applied to many surfaces originally covered in vinyl, and a thin veneer of wood added to areas of the dashboard, centre console and door trim cappings.

The car was never sanctioned for production, and was registered for use for a time by Bob Price, then Vauxhall Chairman, before apparently being sold on.

Although I began this item by stating that `a prototype' had been built, I had been led to believe that there might actually have been three cars produced.

I know of one car, which I passed up the chance of buying many years ago, and although it survives, I have viewed it recently and it is in a very sorry state. It will require either a very talented metalworker and mechanic, or someone prepared to lavish thousands of pounds upon it, probably both, if it is to see the road ever again.

It could be that someone has been at work with a hacksaw and welding torch on a project of their own; people stretch Minis and other vehicles, so why not a Vauxhall?

There is, of course, the possibility that there is another escaped FE prototype in existence and, if so, I, as well as my fellow FE enthusiasts in the Vauxhall VX/90 Drivers Club, would be most interested to know if this is the case.

if anyone has any details on this rumoured vehicle, or any information on other interesting FE (or earlier FD) Vauxhalls, I would appreciate hearing from them.