The Vauxhall Viva HB was developed in England with influence from GM's American models. A beautiful, small car which for several years was a common sight on the roads. Today they are almost gone.
Vauxhall Viva HB in brief
Vauxhall Viva HB are beautiful cars with a typical Coke-bottle shape. They had good road characteristics thanks to better suspension than the competitors at the same time. The cars with the smallest engine option were among the cheapest on Norwegian price lists, and the Vauxhall Viva became a regular feature in the traffic picture. Unfortunately, very few remain today, largely due to rust, but also because many people see no value in preserving them. Sadly, not in Vauxhall's home country, England either.
Model history
The first cars went into production in 1966 as a 1967 model year. The Viva HB was followed by the Viva HC in the autumn of 1970 – then as a 1971 model year. The base model had an 1159 cc engine, while the following year the Viva GT could be ordered with a 2.0 liter engine with two Strømberg carburetors, a close-ratio 4-speed gearbox with a differential brake. Two years after its introduction, the Viva could also be ordered with 1600 engines. The Viva could also be ordered as a stylish Estate model in the form of a 3-door station wagon. The most popular variant was the 2-door sedan, but from 1969 the Viva could also be ordered with 4 doors. According to the owner of the 4-door version pictured below, the 4-door Viva HB was also delivered in 1971 – in parallel with the new Viva HC.
Vauxhall Viva vs. Opel Kadett
The first version of the Vauxhall Viva HA and the Opel Kadett A were jointly developed. The two cars are based on a common platform, while the successors, Viva HB and Kadett B, had no matching components. The Vauxhall Viva was thus 100% developed in England, albeit with great influence from GM's American models. Viva received a bolder design than the German Opel Kadett, and in one area the Vauxhall Viva HB surpassed its "cousin" Opel Kadett. The Viva HB received a more advanced rear suspension than the first year models of the Opel Kadett.
About the pictures
The silver-gray Viva GT was on display at the Oslo Motor Show 2024. It is one of 200 cars with the steering wheel on the left side. The car has been for sale in this the advertisement, but has now found a new owner. The green car participated in the Enfield Pageant of Motoring 2025. The red car participated in a car meet at Brooklands in Weybridge, England 2023.
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