Once General Motors took over the business in 1925 there was a rapid change in direction, the American giant pursuing the rich rewards of the mass market over the slim but prestigious pickings of the luxury market. The first truly new Vauxhall to emerge under GM’s leadership was the Cadet of 1931. Built solidly along American principles, it put reliability, affordability and ease of manufacture as its main priorities. The first Vauxhall to cost under £300, UK market Cadets made do with a 2,048cc straight-six but the VX export versions got GM’s excellent 50hp 3.2-litre Stove Bolt 6, as fitted to the two Bedford lorries elsewhere in this catalogue. Mated to a three-speed synchromesh gearbox (another first for a British car), it gave the VX impressive performance for its day, the motoring correspondent of The Times remarking on the “turbine-like smoothness” of the engine and its ability to “flash away from 3mph in top gear to express train speed in a few seconds” bringing “motoring in the very best sense within reach of people of moderate means”.

This 1933 Cadet VX has spent most of its life in sunny Australia and is fitted with saloon coachwork by Holden of Adelaide. Our vendor imported the car some time ago and commenced a full restoration. The 3.2 engine has been rebuilt, the body frame and chassis restored, the brightwork replated and new tyres fitted all round. The seats look to be in very good shape and should respond well to a good clean. The vendor has applied for a V5C which we hope to have in time for the sale.

With all the hard work done, this rare, powerful and spacious saloon now needs a new owner with the enthusiasm to finish the job off and get it back on the road where it belongs.