Highlights

High specification car with Blydenstein stage 4R head
Carefully evolved car designed for road and track day use
2.3L slant four delivering 170bhp
Fully rebuilt ZF 5spd dogleg gearbox
Former winner of Hall of Fame at Vauxhall Club Meet
Well-kept car in very good lightly modified condition

The Appeal

In the late 60s what won on Saturday, sold on Monday. Cue Bill Blydenstein and Dealer Team Vauxhall - known as DTV - who teamed up with Gerry Marshall to dominate touring cars with the racing Firenzas.

This was an era when you could buy your road car complete with the specification that powered the cars on track. Cue the Blydenstein-tuned Firenzas, svelte, curvaceous coupes that went as well as they looked.

This 1971 Firenza started life as a 1.6L, but it’s fair to say that, like Dorothy, we’re a long way from Kansas now. The seller has a personal connection to Bill Blydenstein - he bought his first race car from him, the ex-works DTV Magnum 2300 - and has carefully evolved this car into a potent, DTV-infused track and road car.

The specification is both impressive and lengthy. Highlights include a rebuilt engine with Blydenstein Stage 4R head, Kent VF2 camshaft, twin DellOrtos, Janspeed exhaust and a fully rebuilt ZF ‘dogleg’ 5spd gearbox. It’s now good for 170bhp.

The car spent its life in the UK until around 17 years ago. It remains in very good order, classically finished in silver metallic with an upgraded sports interior. We are told it has been well maintained, but you might expect that given the seller’s provenance.

In very good condition and exceptionally rare, this Firenza looks like a hugely rewarding road and track weapon. One of your collection.

The History and Paperwork

First registered 1st October 1971
Originally built as a 1.6L Firenza according to UK DVLA records
Five UK keepers recorded with last keeper acquiring car in 2005
Last UK MOT expired 1st March 2008
It was UK registered on plate HMT793K
Imported to Denmark soon after this according to vendor
Reported to have won Hall of Fame at Vauxhall Club Meet in 2005
Seller purchased his first race car from Blydenstein - the ex works DTV Magnum 2300 registration RBU838M
UK paperwork included in file as shown
Photos of car in action on track
Only used for hobby driving and light track days by current keeper

The Condition

Well kept car in silver metallic with tidy paintwork showing only minor aging
Vendor reports minor repairs to bodywork undertaken in 2005
This includes a repaired dent to rear of car as shown
Bodywork is straight and well kept with Firenza decals
Light bubbling to leading edge of passenger side sill as shown
Vendor has checked two spot repairs on front wings and reports they are just bubbles in the paint
Chrome arch protectors fitted to leading edges of rear arches
Well detailed car including Blydenstein Engineering dealer sticker and DTV stickers
Sits on ‘Big Deep’ 7x13in deep dish Minilite-style alloy wheels in good condition
Quality Falken tyres fitted as shown with good sidewall condition and plenty of remaining tread
Underside presents well with good selection of photos included
Modified interior with Recaro grey fabric seats with mesh headrests in good overall condition
Some light wear to front seats as shown in photos
Factory standard vinyl rear bench in good condition
Fitted with red harnesses as shown and supplied with fire extinguisher
We are told that the FIA approval for the H-belts has expired
Original Magnum/Firenza dashboard with full set of instrumentation
Dashboard, carpets and other fittings are well kept
Car appears to be fitted with later door cards with electric windows
No reported electrical or switchgear malfunctions

This very tidy car is a timely reminder of what a good shape the Firenza was. It looks particularly good in silver, as here, an impression helped by this car’s well preserved condition. There are some minor points to note above and in photos, but nothing serious.

Much of this car’s appeal is surely that, aside from a set of deep dish alloys, it looks very standard. The interior is similarly, a pair of Recaro Classics and set of harnesses there to keep you upright in corners, but otherwise it is true to its factory origins.

This is a very tidy and presentable car. The photos of the car on track show just how good it looks under power too.

The Mechanics

Upgraded to 2,300cc slant-four block
Engine rated at 170bhp at 5,750rpm and 171lb/ft torque at 4,300rpm according to seller
Engine fitted with new pistons and reground crankshaft
Lightened and balanced flywheel with HPF clutch
Blydenstein stage 4R head
Kent VF2 camshaft
Twin Dellorto carburetors
Lumenition electronic ignition
Filter regulator and Goldtop electronic fuel pump
Janspeed exhaust manifold
Hayward & Scott 2" stainless steel exhaust system.
Fully rebuilt ZF 5-speed gearbox
052 Salisbury rear axle (3.7:1)
Upgraded and lowered springs
Bilstein shock absorbers
Used sparingly by current collector keeper
No reported running or driving issues

Good as this car’s aesthetics and bodywork condition are, we suspect you’re really here for the mechanical specification. The car has been evolved and developed by people who clearly know what they’re doing. Perhaps not surprise since the current keeper has owned an ex-DTV works Firenza.

The extensive specification is summarised above. It delivers a very healthy 170bhp via the same ZF 5spd dogleg box fitted to the ‘Droop Snoot’ cars. It is no doubt a truly entertaining road car and will reward enthusiastic track day action. It is said to be in very good running order with no reported issues.

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand..