The Vauxhall Equus was a two-door concept car first presented by Vauxhall in spring, 1978.[1] The word equus is Latin for horse. It was the last concept car from Vauxhall for 25 years until August 2003, when the VX Lightning was unveiled at the 2004 Sunday Times Motorshow as part of the centrepiece to the company's centenary celebrations.[2][3]

Vauxhall Equus
Vauxhall Equus (1978)
Overview
ManufacturerPanther
Production1978 (one built)
DesignerWayne Cherry (design director)
Body and chassis
ClassConcept car
Body style2-door convertible
LayoutFR layout
RelatedPanther Lima
Powertrain
Engine2.3 L (2,279 cc) OHC Vauxhall I4

Specifications

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The Equus was based on the chassis of the Panther Lima, which itself was based on mechanicals of the Vauxhall Magnum. Panther built the prototype.[4]

Design

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The Equus was styled by a team led by Wayne Cherry, along with his chief designer John Taylor. Work started in 1977 and the car was unveiled at the 1978 Birmingham NEC Motor Show. The design brief emphasised the use of parts by Vauxhall whenever possible. It featured an angular wedge design with Vauxhall's signature "droopsnoot" front end, which was initially made popular by the Vauxhall Firenza.[5]

References

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  1. ^ Rees, Chris (13 June 2011). "Cars we should have been sold". MSN Cars. Archived from the original on 19 June 2013. Retrieved 17 June 2013.
  2. ^ "First Look: Vauxhall Lightning Concept". motortrend.com. 14 August 2003. Retrieved 15 October 2020.
  3. ^ "Vauxhall at the Sunday Times Motor Show live". am-online.com. 5 May 2004. Retrieved 29 June 2022.
  4. ^ "Vauxhall Equus – the brave sports car that never made it off the ground". AROnline. 21 May 2017. Retrieved 20 September 2018.
  5. ^ "Concept Car of the Week: Vauxhall Equus (1978) - Car Design News". 5 August 2016. Retrieved 20 September 2018.