1981-1984 Vauxhall Royale 2.5 E (136 Hp)

The Vauxhall Royale 2.5 E, produced between 1981 and 1984, represents a somewhat unusual chapter in Vauxhall’s history. While the brand was well-established in the United Kingdom, the Royale was largely a rebadged Opel Commodore, reflecting Vauxhall’s close ties with its German parent company. Positioned as a large, executive sedan, the Royale aimed to offer a comfortable and spacious alternative to British and European competitors like the Ford Granada and Rover SD1. However, it never achieved significant sales success in the UK, and its relatively short production run makes it a relatively rare classic car today. The 2.5 E designation refers to the engine displacement and trim level, representing a mid-range offering within the Royale lineup.

Vauxhall Royale 2.5 E: A Detailed Overview

The Royale was intended to fill a gap in Vauxhall’s range, providing a larger, more luxurious option than the existing Cavalier and Carlton models. It was a product of a period when Vauxhall often utilized Opel platforms, adapting them for the British market with minor styling and trim changes. The Royale’s design, therefore, is heavily influenced by the Opel Commodore C, but with subtle differences in badging and interior appointments. The car’s appeal lay in its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and relatively powerful engine, making it suitable for long-distance cruising.

Engine & Performance

The heart of the Vauxhall Royale 2.5 E is a 2.5-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This naturally aspirated engine produces 136 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 185 Nm (136.45 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4600 rpm. While not a particularly high-output engine by modern standards, it provided adequate performance for the time, allowing the Royale to reach a maximum speed of 190 km/h (118.06 mph). The engine features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) valvetrain with two valves per cylinder and utilizes a multi-port manifold fuel injection system. The engine’s longitudinal front-engine layout and rear-wheel drive configuration were typical for executive sedans of the era. The weight-to-power ratio of 10.1 kg/Hp and a weight-to-torque ratio of 7.4 kg/Nm indicate a reasonably balanced, if not particularly sporty, driving experience. The engine displacement of 2490 cm3 (151.95 cu. in.) and a compression ratio of 9.2:1 were standard for engines of this type in the early 1980s.

Design & Features

The Vauxhall Royale 2.5 E is a four-door sedan with a traditional three-box design. Its styling is characterized by clean lines, a relatively upright grille, and rectangular headlights. The car’s dimensions – 4877 mm (192.01 in.) in length, 1728 mm (68.03 in.) in width, and 1366 mm (53.78 in.) in height – reflect its status as a large family car. The wheelbase of 2683 mm (105.63 in.) contributes to a comfortable ride. Inside, the Royale offers seating for five passengers and a trunk (boot) capacity of 394 liters (13.91 cu. ft.). Features were fairly standard for the period, focusing on comfort and convenience rather than cutting-edge technology. The interior trim was generally well-appointed, with cloth upholstery and woodgrain accents. Safety features were limited by the standards of the time, consisting primarily of seatbelts and a robust chassis construction. The car’s kerb weight of 1370 kg (3020.33 lbs.) and maximum weight of 1900 kg (4188.78 lbs.) reflect its substantial build quality.

Technical Specifications

The Vauxhall Royale 2.5 E, while not a commercial success, remains a noteworthy vehicle. It represents a period of collaboration between Vauxhall and Opel, and offers a glimpse into the executive car market of the early 1980s. Today, it is sought after by classic car enthusiasts who appreciate its spaciousness, comfortable ride, and relative rarity. Its mechanical simplicity and readily available parts (often shared with Opel models) make it a relatively straightforward vehicle to maintain and restore.