The Magnum was a car manufactured by Vauxhall Motors from 1973 to 1978. It was an HC Viva with larger engines, more luxurious interior, vinyl roof, higher trim level and twin headlights. It shared its suspension and drive train with the Vauxhall Firenza (the standard Viva used a smaller engine and so the drive train and suspension on the smaller engined cars was different).
The smaller engined version used the 1800cc Slant Four engine, and a twin-dial instrument panel, while the larger engined variant used the 2279cc Slant Four and had a 7-dial instrument panel. Both were available in 2 and 4 door versions, a fastback-shaped 3 door estate and a coupe. All had "Rostyle" wheels. Confusingly, it was also possible to buy Viva models with the larger engines, but with vinyl interior trim. The continuing lack of coherency of the model range during that period was one of Vauxhall's main marketing problems.
The Magnum badge also superseded the Firenza badge used on the 2-door coupé model, which name was then used exclusively for the HPF "droopsnoot" model from 1974 (see Firenza). The Magnum model range continued until 1978.
The various trim and body options that were originally exclusive to the Magnum made their way over to the Viva, producing the top of the line Viva GLS, in a bid to shore up the increasingly poor sales of the model. The Viva range was finally discontinued in 1979. The Magnum name was adopted for the Viva 1300 in New Zealand from 1975, where it had the four headlight frontal treatment of the British Magnum, but standard Viva interior trim.
A special variant of the Magnum estate, known as the Sportshatch, was produced in limited numbers (197) in 1976. This model used the "droopsnoot" nosecone, but with a standard 2.3 engine and running gear as opposed to the HPF Firenza's uprated items, Avon Safety Wheels and a distinctive paint job: "Extra Dark Wine" with bright red striping and highlights. This model was always rare and is now highly collectable.
Performance was quite brisk, but fuel economy was never the Magnum's strong point.
|
