[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/cars\/modified-cars\/performance-vauxhall-2016\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/cars\/modified-cars\/performance-vauxhall-2016\/","headline":"Performance Vauxhall 2016","name":"Performance Vauxhall 2016","description":"Vauxhalls, we Brits love \u2018em. More than 269,000 new griffin-badged cars were snapped up in the UK last year alone, making Vauxhall the UK\u2019s second best-selling carmaker behind Ford. Performance variants naturally attract a passionate following so when you combine a brand as popular as Vauxhall and ramp up the horsepower, it\u2019s easy to understand why the annual Performance Vauxhall Show always draws a healthy turnout from hardcore fans.\u00a0They had to be especially dedicated this year with the weather trying […]","datePublished":"2016-07-05","dateModified":"2016-08-03","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/isabelle-lawrence\/#Person","name":"Isabelle Lawrence","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/isabelle-lawrence\/","identifier":30,"description":"Max Wheeler is a leading motoring journalist and classic car specialist at Smart Motoring, renowned for his sharp insight and infectious passion for all things automotive. With years of experience covering motoring news, supercars, and the enduring legacy of classic cars, Max brings stories to life with style and authority. Whether it\u2019s the roar of a Lamborghini, the elegance of an Aston Martin DB5, or the cultural impact of vintage motoring icons, he delivers expert commentary that inspires enthusiasts and collectors alike. Dedicated to celebrating the heritage and future of driving, Max Wheeler is your trusted voice for classic car news and beyond.","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8d331506e3c530b5ec4930c30a01ed8cc29b0537227573ae5da98f559e681401?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8d331506e3c530b5ec4930c30a01ed8cc29b0537227573ae5da98f559e681401?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Smart Motoring","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/features.jpg","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/features.jpg","height":520,"width":1200},"url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/cars\/modified-cars\/performance-vauxhall-2016\/","about":["Modified Cars"],"wordCount":394,"keywords":["Astras","Car Manufacturer","Chevettes","Mad Vauxhall Club","Mk5 Astra Club","Mk5 Astra VXR","Monaro","performance vauxhall","Performance Vauxhall Show 2016","Retro Novas","Santapod","Santapod Raceway","Show 'n Shine","Vauxhall","VX220"],"articleBody":"Vauxhalls, we Brits love \u2018em. More than 269,000 new griffin-badged cars were snapped up in the UK last year alone, making Vauxhall the UK\u2019s second best-selling carmaker behind Ford.Performance variants naturally attract a passionate following so when you combine a brand as popular as Vauxhall and ramp up the horsepower, it\u2019s easy to understand why the annual Performance Vauxhall Show always draws a healthy turnout from hardcore fans.\u00a0They had to be especially dedicated this year with the weather trying its best to make it a rather soggy affair.Almost 10,000 petrolheads defied the rain and descended on Northamptonshire\u2019s Santa Pod Raceway to get an eyeful of more than 2,000 special Vauxhalls, which took in everything from retro Novas, Chevettes, and Astras to more modern models like the VX220 and Monaro.There was also the opportunity for owners to parade their pride and joy in the Show & Shine competition, which pulled together the most pristine Vauxhalls that are in the UK right now.Judges weren\u2019t especially looking for an immaculate heritage model, so a spotless 1975 Cavalier wouldn\u2019t be the default winner. Indeed, the award went to a fourth-gen Astra Bertone Convertible, owned by Mad Vauxhall Club member James Pearson.Further pride was felt by the Mk5 Astra Club, which was crowned \u2018best club stand\u2019.While the \u2018best wheels award\u2019 went to Jake Clarke\u2019s Ferrari five-spoked Arden Blue Mk5 Astra VXR.This wasn\u2019t a straightforward stand-and-gawp show though, with punters invited to drag-race their own Vauxhall on the famous quarter-mile Santa Pod strip. Never mind your earplugs, you would’ve needed a gas mask as well to comfortably withstand the stench of seared tyres (unless you love the smell of freshly burnt rubber in the morning that is).Katherine Chappell, event manager for the show, said that 2016\u2019s event was \u201cas lively as ever\u201d.\u201cThe Performance Vauxhall Show goes from strength to strength, with a hugely loyal base of supporters that clearly love one of the UK\u2019s most cherished car brands,\u201d she commented.\u201cThe amazing action and diversity of cars at the show meant that gloomy skies did nothing to deter, as Vauxhall fans flocked from around the country to what many of them regard as a must-attend event.\u201dHopefully next year’s show see’s more sun but maintains the mass attendance! Enjoy some more snaps below!"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Latest News","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Cars","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/\/cars\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Modified Cars","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/\/cars\/\/modified-cars\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":4,"name":"Performance Vauxhall 2016","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/cars\/modified-cars\/performance-vauxhall-2016\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]