There are many occasions in which automobile brands develop prototypes capable of attracting enormous attention when they are shown at different international automobile shows. Although, in many cases, these are not functional examples approved for circulation, the truth is that this does not reduce their chances of continuing to surprise even decades later.
Without a doubt, one of these cases is the 1970 Vauxhall SRV. It is worth remembering that, in 1969, the American designer Wayne Cherry sketched an impressive concept car that was immediately approved by the brand. In a matter of months, the so-called Styling Research Vehicle (SRV) became a reality.
Cherry set out to develop one of the most sophisticated vehicles in history. It should be noted that he was inspired by the short-nose, long-tail Le Mans racing cars of the era. The vehicle's sharp-edged body was designed to offer extraordinary aerodynamics, with truly innovative solutions for a car from more than half a century ago.
Of these, the most impressive were an adjustable aerofoil integrated into the front section of the car, a self-leveling electronic suspension system at the rear, and an additional front-mounted fuel tank that could be filled or emptied electronically. Its operation was based on the redistribution of fuel between that tank and the conventional rear one to adjust the car's center of gravity.
The vehicle's designer did not intend to create a futuristic supercar, but rather to reinvent the GT concept. Because of this, despite the car's appearance and its mid-engine, the SRV was not a two-seater. And it had two additional seats in the rear and, to facilitate the entry and exit of passengers, a pair of innovative rear doors were added.
Hinged at the back, the hidden, handleless doors used a B-pillar concept similar to that which was used on other models until three decades later. Although it was only 1.04 m high, the SRV was almost as spacious and comfortable as a conventionally sized sedan, although it should be noted that both the driver and passenger sat in a reclined position, similar to that of a racing car.
Achieving the aforementioned level of comfort was possible thanks to the long and wide monocoque chassis that allowed the four seats to be accommodated with a wide separation. To compensate for the low position of the driving seat in terms of outward visibility, both the instrument panel and the different controls were installed in an unusual console located in the driver's door.
Among the many striking details were also the adjustable pedals to adjust them according to the height of the driver. The car was presented to the public at the 1970 London Motor Show, became the main attraction of the event and remained one of the most popular concept cars in Europe for the following decade. In fact, it is still considered by many current designers as one of the best prototypes ever created.
