1978 Vauxhall Royale Coupe Dimensions, Size & Specs

The Vauxhall Royale Coupe has a curb weight of 1375 kg (approximately 3,031 lbs) and a maximum permissible weight of 1900 kg (about 4,188 lbs). Curb weight refers to the car's weight with standard equipment, fluids, and a full tank of fuel, but without passengers or cargo. The vehicle's moderate weight strikes a balance between structural sturdiness and agility, influencing acceleration and handling characteristics. The maximum permissible weight takes into account the total load capacity, including passengers and cargo, ensuring safe operation within designed limits.

The Vauxhall Royale Coupe provides a luggage capacity of 280 liters (approximately 9.9 cubic feet) with the rear seats in their upright position. When the rear seats are folded down, this capacity increases significantly to 764 liters (around 27 cubic feet). This flexibility allows the Royale Coupe to accommodate luggage for daily driving or extended trips, adapting to the needs of carrying larger or bulkier items when necessary.

The Vauxhall Royale Coupe has a ride height, or ground clearance, of 152 mm (6.0 inches). Ground clearance affects a car’s ability to navigate uneven roads, speed bumps, or mild off-road conditions without damage to the underbody. At 152 mm, the Royale Coupe provides reasonable clearance for urban and suburban driving scenarios but is primarily designed for paved roads rather than off-road terrains. Its clearance supports a low center of gravity for enhanced stability during cornering.

With a length of 4758 mm (187.3 inches), a width of 1734 mm (68.3 inches), and a height of 1334 mm (52.5 inches), the Vauxhall Royale Coupe generally fits comfortably into a standard home garage. Typical UK garages measure approximately 2400-3000 mm (94-118 inches) in width and 4800-5400 mm (189-213 inches) in length. The Royale’s compact width and length mean it will fit in most single-car garages with enough room left to open doors and move around, though wider or double garages offer more convenience.

The Vauxhall Royale Coupe is equipped with 14-inch rims, paired with tire sizes of 195/70 R14. These tire dimensions balance ride comfort and handling capabilities, providing a stable grip on the road. The tire width of 195 mm offers sufficient contact patch for good traction, while the aspect ratio of 70 ensures a comfortable sidewall height for cushioning against potholes and road irregularities. Overall, this tire and rim combination was suitable for a coupe of its size during its production period.

The Vauxhall Royale Coupe was introduced without a direct predecessor bearing the exact name but draws its lineage from the Vauxhall Viscount and other luxury models. Compared to earlier large Vauxhall saloon or coupe variants of the 1970s, the Royale Coupe offered more modern dimensions with a longer overall length of 4758 mm (187.3 inches) and a sleeker profile. It was designed to provide more interior space and contemporary styling, marking a progression to a slightly larger and more luxurious coupe while retaining manageable width and height.

The Vauxhall Royale Coupe, with its 4758 mm length and 1734 mm width, fits comfortably among other European luxury coupes of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Competitors like the Ford Granada Coupe and certain versions of the Opel Rekord offered similar lengths ranging from roughly 4600 to 4800 mm. The Royale’s lower height of 1334 mm gave it a sportier stance compared to some taller saloon-based coupes. Its weight of 1375 kg was also competitive, contributing to balanced performance and comfort within its class. Overall, the Royale Coupe combined traditional British luxury with European coupe styling and dimensions.

The Vauxhall Royale Coupe has a roof load capacity of 80 kg (approximately 176 lbs). This means it can support additional weight on the roof, typically for roof racks or cargo carriers, within this limit. When using a roof rack, it’s essential to consider this capacity to avoid damage to the roof structure and ensure safe driving. An 80 kg limit allows for carrying light to moderate luggage boxes, sports equipment like bicycles or skis, or other cargo, making the vehicle versatile for weekend getaways or travel.

The Vauxhall Royale Coupe is a luxury coupe produced between 1978 and 1986, known for its elegant styling, which features a classic long bonnet and low-slung roofline. It was designed to appeal to customers seeking a combination of British luxury and European engineering. The car's relatively light weight at 1375 kg (3031 lbs) contributed to enjoyable handling dynamics without compromising comfort. Spacious luggage capacity, especially with rear seats folded, added practicality. Its well-proportioned size allowed easy integration into everyday life, fitting comfortably in typical garages while standing out with refined looks and solid construction.