Meet the Gurgel XEF, the National 100% Car

If you are a fan of the national automobile market, you must have heard of Gurgel Vehicles, the iconic Brazilian factory that left its mark on the utility and urban vehicle segment. Founded by John Augusto Conrado of Amaral Gurgel in 1969, in Rio Claro, São Paulo, the company had a bold goal: to create the first Brazilian 100% car. Among its most curious and lesser-known models is the XEF, a compact sedan that arrived on the market with the promise of being innovative, but ended up becoming a rare piece in the history of motorsport.

João Gurgel's Vision and the Launch of XEF

The end of 1981 marked the presentation of the Gurgel XEF during the XIII São Paulo Auto Show. The model was officially launched in 1983, with the proposal of being a luxury urban car. According to João Gurgel himself, the XEF was aimed at executives in their 40s or to serve as a second car of high-income families.

The initial plan was to produce about 100 units per month, but market reception was lukewarm, resulting in the production of only 100 units between 1983 and 1986. This made the XEF an extremely exclusive car and sought after by collectors today.

Compact and Attractive Design

With a compact and innovative design, the XEF It was a two-door, three-volume sedan that drew attention for its cheerful appearance and small dimensions. It measured 3.12 meters long, 1.72 meters wide, 1.3 meters tall and had a wheelbase of 1.8 meters, weighing about 800 kg.

The body had a peculiar look, with a wide windshield which was also replicated on the rear window, ensuring excellent visibility. The front had rectangular headlights with turn signals at the ends and a false black grille in the center, giving it a distinctive appearance. The alloy wheels, inspired by the models of Mercedes-Benz of the time, complemented the sophisticated look.

Interior with Innovative Ideas

The XEF's interior was designed to be both functional and bold. One of its highlights was the front bench seat for three occupants, something unusual at the time. However, the interior space was tight, and access to the vehicle required a certain “contortionist skill”. In addition, luggage space was quite limited, reinforcing its role as a strictly urban car.

The instrument panel was complete and modern for the time, with a speedometer, tachometer, vacuum gauge and even an analog clock. Despite this, it lacked an internal ventilation system, which certainly made comfort difficult in a tropical country like Brazil.

Among the comfort items, the XEF had electric windows and thick seats, providing a certain refinement for a national car. The two-spoke sports steering wheel was another element that added to the vehicle's distinctive design.

Mechanics and Performance

XEF used the mechanics of VW Brasilia, with a rear-mounted four-cylinder engine (boxer) and 1,584 cm³. The alcohol version offered a potency of 56 horsepower at 4,400 rpm, while the average consumption was 12.5 km/l. Performance was modest: the model accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in 19.64 seconds and reached a maximum speed of 155 km/h.

The suspension was also independent, with torsion bars at the front and coil springs at the rear, ensuring satisfactory driveability. The brakes were disc at the front and drum at the rear, while the tires Goodyear 175/70 SR 13 helped to compose a balanced set for the conditions of the time.

Price and Exclusivity of Gurgel XEF

Despite its qualities, the high cost was one of the major obstacles to the success of XEF. It cost about 10% more than the Volkswagen Passat GTS Pointer, one of the most desired models on the market at the time. Adjusting to current values, considering accumulated inflation, the XEF would cost something around R$ 125,000.00, a high value for a compact vehicle.

Plasteel Structure: An Innovative Monoblock

One of the great differences of XEF was its structure Plasteel, a combination of steel and fiberglass that provided high corrosion resistance. Gurgel offered a guarantee of five years or 100,000 km for this body, which was a highlight for the standards of the time.

Gurgel XEF Rarity and Legacy

With production ended in 1986 and little more than 100 units manufactured, the XEF has become one of the rarest cars in Brazil. Today, finding a model in good condition is a difficult task, and its value among collectors can easily exceed R$ 200,000.00, depending on the state of conservation.

The history of XEF is an example of the boldness and innovation that characterized the Gurgel Vehicles. Despite its limitations and commercial failure, it is an important piece in the history of Brazilian motorsports, symbolizing the dream of creating a genuinely national car.

Conclusion

O Gurgel XEF is more than a car: it is a landmark of Brazilian ingenuity and the visionary spirit of John Gurgel. Its limited production, unique design and robust mechanics make it a rare and highly valued icon today. If you are a classic car enthusiast, knowing and appreciating the XEF is like immersing yourself in a unique part of Brazil's automotive history.

Therefore, in full 2025, the XEF legacy teaches us that boldness and innovation can overcome barriers, leaving marks that stand the test of time. After all, each vehicle tells a story, and the XEF, even in its exclusivity, wrote an unforgettable chapter in the national industry.