In October 1937, Vauxhall introduced its new 10hp model, the H-type. This was a revolutionary small car, the first British car to be built with unitary construction (no separate chassis). The cost to Vauxhall to develop the car was more than £1 million.

The Ten featured a new 1.2 litre engine, hydraulic brakes and independent front suspension. It also included a gearbox with synchromesh on the second and third gears. The car was economical and many owners could match Vauxhall’s quoted fuel consumption figure of 40mpg. The styling was neat and incorporated Vauxhall’s traditional fluted bonnet and radiator. The deluxe model is finished in steel grey polychromatic cellulose paint, a novelty at the time and the equivalent of today’s metallic paint.

The H-type was soon popular, more than 10,000 selling in the first five months of sale. Competing with Ford’s Model Y and Morris’ Eight, the Ten managed a total run of 45,000 cars by the time the post-war vehicle tax regime put paid to production in 1947.