Envoy (automobile)

The Envoy name was first used in the Canadian market for a version of the Vauxhall Victor F Series 2.^[1] It was sold through Chevrolet-Oldsmobile dealerships at the same time as the Vauxhall version was sold though Pontiac-Buick dealers.^[1] Introduced in 1959, the Envoy models differed from the Vauxhalls in terms of trim and equipment. The saloons were initially sold in Envoy Standard and Special models ^[2] and the estate version as the Envoy Sherwood Station Wagon.^[3] An up-market Custom Saloon was added to the range in 1960.^[2]

 

Envoy versions of the Vauxhall Victor FB were available through Chevrolet-Oldsmobile dealers from 1962 ^[1] to 1964.^[4] Externally the Envoy FB resembled the European market Vauxhall VX4/90, but used Victor mechanicals and interior.^[4] The Envoy FB range again comprised Standard, Special & Custom Sedans and a Sherwood Station Wagon.^[4] The Envoy received an uprated 1594cc engine for the 1964 model year.^[4]

The sedan version of the Vauxhall Victor FC was marketed as the Envoy Special and the estate version as the Sherwood Wagon.^[5] Again the Envoy utilized the exterior trim of the VX4/90.^[5]

The Vauxhall Victor FD was sold under the Envoy name from 1968 to 1970.^[6] It was offered in 4-door Sedan and Estate Wagon variants with a choice of 1599cc and 1995cc 4 cylinder engines.^[6] Again the Envoy shared its grille with the Vauxhall VX4/90 model although its use for the Canadian Envoy FD model predated the release of the FD series VX4/90.^[6]

The Envoy name was used on Bedford CA van and minibus models on the Canadian market, where it was called the EA Envoy van. The various models were designated the EASV (Envoy half ton van), the EALV (one ton van) and the EAZ (half ton chassis only).^[2]

 

Epic HA. The HA carried both Envoy and Epic badges

 

Epic HB Estate Wagon. The HB models also carried both Envoy and Epic badges

In 1964 the Vauxhall Viva HA was introduced in to the Canadian market as a Vauxhall and also as the Epic.^[1] The Epic differed from the Viva in that it used the grille and rear lights from the Viva SL.^[1] Although not marketed as an Envoy,^[7] it carried both "Envoy" and Epic" badging.^[8]

The Vauxhall Viva HB was launched in Canada in 1967 as a Vauxhall and also as the Epic.^[1] The Canadian models were distinguished by a four headlamp front grille, different trim, different body side mouldings and badging.^[1] The Epic HB was offered in 2 door sedan, 4 door sedan and Estate Wagon models.^[1] 1159cc, 1595cc and 2000cc engines were available.^[1] After the 1970 model year the Envoy brand was replaced with the Chevrolet Vega at Chev-Olds dealers, while the HC Vauxhall Viva continued to be imported under the Firenza name until badge engineering returned with the Pontiac Astre, a Vega twin, becoming Canadian Pontiac-Buick dealers' small-car offering in 1973, two years before appearing in US showrooms.