Vauxhall Viva HA
The first all new small Vauxhall to be launched since 1936 was
unveiled in September 1963 and carried on the Luton firm's likeness
for the letter 'V' by being called the Viva. The lack of experience
in the world of diminutive dimensions perhaps showed through in the
styling for the Viva HA. The Vauxhall Viva HA was a very boxy car and
therefore wasn't a stylish design by any means.
The Viva was quite a well-specified car with an all-synchromesh
gearbox, rack-and-pinion steering and independent front suspension,
with the option of front discs. It was average on performance, having
a 1057cc motor of 44bhp, allowing it to achieve above 80mph.
The Viva HA did sell well in the UK and overseas. Briefly, it
threatened the popular Volkwagon Beetle that was being exported to
American markets. The Viva was sold in the US under the name 'Envoy
Epic' by Chevrolet and Oldsmobile car dealers. It was also exported
to Australia, where it was built by Holden. The HA was replaced in
1966 by the HB. It had a great deal more money spent on its research
and development.
The Viva wasn't best-known for robustness, especially when it came to
body strength. Rust usually would set in fast. Approximately, 321,000
models were built in three years but very few have survived. The Viva
HA stayed in production, remodelled as a car/van and re-badged as a
Bedford until 1985. The HA van's replacement was the Bedford Rascal.
Base model and Deluxe versions of the Viva saloon were offered, with
the more luxurious SL model arriving in 1965.
The Viva did rust badly and this is the main reason why so few
survived. The critical point is the cappings along the top of the
rear wings. These rotted quickly and allowed water to enter into the
boot. This resulted in severe structural corrosion of the floor.
Check the luggage compartment first. Pay particular attention to the
spare wheel well which is where most of the errant water is located.
The vans survived better, as they didn't suffer from rust problems.
Elsewhere, it's mainly cosmetic corrosion to be concerned about.
Check the sills and floor-pans carefully, both from exterior and
interior of car. The front wings also corrode around their fronts and
behind the front wheels where grot gets thrown up by the wheels. The
same applies for the rear wings too. Also check all four wheel arches
for signs of trouble. Hidden away under the bumper and usually
overlooked, is the front valance. This tends to rust as a result of
stone chips and deteriorate in the seams where it meets the front
wings.
There isn't much to be concerned about the engine. The 1057cc
overhead-valve unit is a simple enough tool. It's capable of 100,000
miles or more if looked after properly. Some cars may have been
upgraded with larger engines from later HB and HC models. But the
overhead-valve unit from these is the same basic engine as in the HA.
The engine is quite noisy, so expect a lot of rattling. If there is a
strong moaning when the power plant is revved above idle, then it's a
sign that the timing chain tensioner has been over tightened. It will
just need adjusting. Besides this, just do the usual checks for blue
smoke from the exhaust or from under the oil filler cap suggesting a
worn engine, or water and oil mixing which points to a blown head
gasket.
There was only ever a 4-speed manual transmission ever offered with
the HA. It was quite reliable but expect the gear change to be slick
and short. If the gearbox proves reluctant, synchromesh is usually
the problem.
HA suspension is very simple and quite adaptable, which is why so
many cars found their front cross-member stolen for hotrodders. Check
the mounting points for signs of problems. If you can get properly
underneath, have a look at the rear spring hanger attachments too.
The big Achilles heel of HA suspension is its front ball-joints,
which wear easily, particularly the bottom ones. Also on these early
Viva's, there was a degree of play built in. It may not confuse an
MOT tester who possibility would fail it despite there being nothing
wrong. It's advisable to buy a factory workshop manual that could
prove you're right and they are wrong.
Viva HA brake parts are now difficult to source, especially for the
disc-braked cars. Although most examples came with drum brakes. The
brake set-up is basic as long as the car pulls up straight and true.
There should not be too much to worry about.
You'll need to search out second-hand trim for your Viva HA, as
nothing is available. The base model and Deluxe HA's had quite basic
interiors. The SL's were considered a bit more luxurious in
comparison. Split dashboards are a common fault with the Viva HA.
Although Viva HA's are now rare, that hasn't really reflected in
their values. Not many will exceed £2,000. One that is in good
condition, will only be worth around £1500. A Viva in average
condition will cost around £1,000. A Viva in poor condition
will only fetch as little as £200.
In its day, the Viva HA was a perfect example from Vauxhall, apart
from the rust problems. It's easy to drive and quite nippy. If the
out-dated styling doesn't bother you, then the Viva HA is an ideal
choice.
Specifications
for Viva 90:
Engine-1057cc 4-cyl OHV
Power-54bhp @ 5600rpm
Top Speed-82mph
0-60mph-18.2 seconds
Fuel Consumption-27.7mpg
Gearbox-4-speed manual
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