2008 Vauxhall VXR8

First registered on the 1st September 2008, this is a UK specified and supplied Vauxhall VXR8. Between then and October 2012 the Vauxhall was used and enjoyed by four registered keepers with around 30,000 miles being covered in that time. In the autumn of 2012 current owner, Bob, acquired the VXR to become its fifth registered keeper. The car has been cherished, used and enjoyed by him ever since with him adding a further 44,000 miles to bring today’s total to 74,000 or so.

Around a year or so into his tenure Bob commissioned a number of mechanical upgrades to the Vauxhall to bring it up to the huge specification offered today. This commenced in mid-2013 with the fitting of an LS7 clutch kit and steel flywheel. In early 2014 Bob commissioned the fitting of a Magnuson TVS2300 supercharger kit with intercooler. This work was undertaken by specialists Monkfish Performance in Milton Keynes. Other tweaks and upgrades would follow and in 2019 a dyno test delivered a mighty impressive output of over 740bhp! Meticulous maintenance has been the watch words for Bob’s tenure with the Tremec gearbox having been rebuilt around 30,000 miles ago and the supercharger rebuilt in 2024. In total the car comes with invoices totting up to a value in excess of £40,000. With Bob describing the VXR8 as sounding like “the Devil’s own transport,” it is now ready to thrill and delight its next lucky keeper.

This impressive looking Vauxhall saloon is finished in factory Evoke Grey Metallic paintwork. This subtle metallic hue lends the VXR8 an appropriately stealthy demeanour despite the huge latent performance potential disguised beneath the unassuming lines. There are some clues, however. A chunky body kit is fitted consisting of a deep chin spoiler, side skirts and rear, vented bumper cover. Mounted atop the boot lid is a substantial, drop-ended spoiler. Chromed quad tailpipes and mesh filled front wing vents provide further hints if any were needed.

The condition of both paintwork and bodywork looks to be very good for such a high-performance saloon of this age and mileage. This may partly be thanks to some body and paintwork commissioned by Bob in 2018. This addressed the wheel arches and other minor corrosion down each side of the car. Our diligent consignment team note that the underside of the chin spoiler exhibits some scuffs and scars and that the black, central stripe is somewhat faded.

This highest of high performance saloons rolls on a superb set of 20 inch, five spoke Italian made alloy wheels. These are finished in a smooth, mat black finish and present very nicely overall bar a few minor marks. The open architecture of the wheels allows sight of the high-spec callipers which could do with refinishing. A matching set of high-quality Michelin Pilot Sport 4S are fitted. 

Despite the VXR8 being noted for a less distinguished interior than those of its German equivalents, it is actually surprisingly impressive. It is certainly commodious providing generous space for four with a payload of five humans quite viable for shorter journeys. The levels of fit, finish and equipment certainly don’t disappoint, either. The front seats are deeply bolstered as is only appropriate for such a performance orientated machine. These are trimmed in black leather with accents of dark Alcantara. These are electrically adjustable and include vibrant, embroidered VXR script to the seat backs. The driver’s seat exhibits some minor wear to the backrest but otherwise the condition seems excellent. The rear cabin is identically trimmed and equally well presented.

The main instrument binnacle features a large pair of black on white instruments together with a pair of small ancillary items. The top of the centre console houses a trio of further ancillaries which are helpfully orientated towards the driver. Below these sits a surprisingly large Blaupunkt head unit with screen. This provides the interface for audio and navigation systems as well as a display for the parking sensors. Other equipment includes electric everything, air conditioning, traction control and ABS. 

The VXR8 came fitted with the well regarded LS2 6-litre V8 engine as seen in numerous other GM applications including the Corvette, GTO and Trailblazer SS. In standard tune this unit was originally rated at 411bhp with power fed to the rear wheels via a Tremec T56 six-speed manual transmission. As already covered, this example has benefitted from a raft of specialist upgrades, including a Magnuson supercharger, which delivered over 740bhp on the dyno in 2019. Our accompanying video documents the starting and running of this most powerful of Vauxhalls as well as showcasing that superb soundtrack.

The under bonnet presentation of this example looks to be excellent. Clearly some love and attention have been expended under here. There are numerous performance related upgrades noted here including the suspension brace, Wortec inlet tract and heavy duty supercharger shaft. The condition appears impressive given the car’s age and mileage. The bulk of the underside looks to be in fine order and the subframes were stripped, cleaned and undersealed in 2018 at the same time as the bodywork was refreshed.

This high-performance Vauxhall is offered with a reassuring depth of supportive paperwork. This includes the V5 Registration Document in the name of the owner. The current MoT is an advisory free test and valid until mid-August 2026. Numerous earlier MoTs in hard copy are also present.

The bulk of the remainder of the paperwork consists of invoices detailing work undertaken and parts procured both in current ownership and before. The aforementioned dynameter graphs are also included documenting the huge output from the mighty supercharged V8. Bob also notes the recent rebuild of the supercharger (paperwork present) and the gearbox rebuild from around 30,000 miles ago.

It is widely accepted that only around 600 VXR8s came to the UK making it very rare from the get-go and extremely rare by the usual Vauxhall standards. The car’s original appeal was always based on its huge performance per pound quotient and refreshing (and reliable) simplicity. These innate qualities combined with that miniscule production run and conspired to make the VXR8 a very desirable modern performance classic indeed.

This example ticks a huge number of boxes. It comes to us from a 13 year period of diligent ownership and has clearly been well loved and diligent cared for. Not only that but the current owner has commissioned a number of upgrades to this hyper-saloon that deliver an all-conquering 740 plus horsepower making this the perfect ownership prospect for those for whom only the fastest and loudest of saloon cars will suffice. Don’t miss this unique opportunity and bid today.

 We expect the virtual hammer will fall somewhere between £16,000 and £21,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at THE MARKET, HQ. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.