The Vauxhall Firenza HP Droopsnoot was a rare cars from the outset, with just over 200 cars built. Powered by an 2.3 litre slant four cylinder engine producing 131 bhp and costing around £2,600.00 when new. It was also notable for being Vauxhall’s first production car fitted with a 5 speed manual gearbox. With its sleek coupe body style and aerodynamic front nose cone it must of looked striking when it arrived in the 1970’s.

Couple that with its motorsport pedigree and it stood head and shoulders above the standard Viva.

Yet, in a slightly strange twist, it always seemed to live in the shadow of the Capri from the Blue Oval. 

Auction Market 

The chart below shows the We Blog Any car Vauxhall Firenza HP Droopsnoot Auction Sales Index providing useful context for the current market.

For several years, values have sat broadly between £15,500 and £20,000. The race versions have deliberately been excluded from this analysis because those very special cars distort auction results and sit in a completely different part of the market. 

A strong sale result at Iconic Auctioneers Race Retro Sale last month suggests the market may now be edging upwards for the very best road examples. One sales does not redefine the entire market but standout results can often signal increasing interest from collectors.

Collector Signal

With just over 200 examples produced, the car was always rare but rarity alone does not guarantee collector attention. What strengthens its appeal today is the combination of its motorsport pedigree, interesting engineering, plus aerodynamics that look straight out of the “Jet Age” along with the fact that many surviving cars have disappeared into long term ownership. The market shows that when a strong example appears at auction, competition can be surprisingly intense.

What Makes a Good Buy?

Originality is key. Parts can be difficult to source. Networking with other owners, joining the relevant owners club and keeping an eye on specialist forums is essential when trying to track down the correct parts. 

Car that retain their original specification or fitted with OEM parts will generally be the most desirable in the long term.

Are They Worth the Money?

Potentially yes. But there is one important point to note.

If you have the time and patience tracking down the right replacement parts for maintenance, as well as exterior and interior trim, the saving in the upfront purchase price could be appealing. But the restoration has to be done properly and the car must be sensibly priced for ownership to make financial sense.

However, if you encounter a particularly strong example like the one recently sold at the Iconic Auctioneers Race Retro Sale 2026, the purchase may become more of a heart over head decision.

Whichever route you choose, you are unlikely to be disappointed.

That said, the signs suggest the market may finally be beginning to recognise the appeal of what is both a rare and very interesting car. 

About the author

Sheridan is an independent automotive editor and founder of We Blog Any Car. With over 30 years’ experience in the motor industry, his work focuses on market insight, buying signals, and real world automotive analysis, with a particular interest in the modern classic market.

Auction results: What They Really Sold For