Created by David Jones and Wayne Cherry of Vauxhall design, the XVR stands for eXperimental Vauxhall Research. Although it was presented to the Geneva Motor Show in its launch year of 1966, the XVR never went into production.
Of the three prototypes built, only one was designed to be a fully functional example and only this mock-up survives. It took five months to design and build.

Inspired by the Chevrolet Mako Shark II concept from the previous year, the XVR also incorporated gull wing doors, pop-up headlamps and a split windscreen. In addition to this, the XVR showcases independent front and rear suspension. The slant-four engine chosen to power this concept would later be used in the Vauxhall VX4/90.