The Vauxhall Firenza was a two-door, stylish, coupé version of the Viva HC. The intention was to compete with the Ford Capri but as initially offered its somewhat feeble 1159cc, 62bhp engine couldn't hope to compete. More powerful engines were soon fitted to the renamed Magnum Coupé.

The Firenza HP (High Performance) was based on the Magnum Coupé with Silver Starfire metallic paintwork and aerodynamic appendages at the front, giving rise to its nickname “Droop Snoot”.

Fitted with a 131bhp, 2300cc, slant-four, engine, it provided Vauxhall an ideal entry back into motorsport. It was largely hand-finished with the nosecone and engine tuning both receiving specialised treatment. Notably, it was the first Vauxhall with five gears and the first to break the ten second barrier to 60mph.

Production was cut short by the Yom Kippur War, petrol shortages and the three-day working week in Britain – the original plans for 1000 Firenza HPs a year were abandoned and the 204 survivors are now prized collector's items.