On 1 June 1964, a Viva HA was the first car to leave Vauxhall’s new factory at Ellesmere Port on Merseyside. When production of the Viva ended nearly 16 years later with the final HC model, via the HB, the name had come to define a sub-genre of British motoring: respectable and mechanically conventional but often with a quasi-American flair. Vauxhall built 1,516,792 examples of all three types and the rare survivors now convey a sense of bygone semi-detached respectability.
Vauxhall launched the Viva HA, its first post-war small car, on 26 September 1963. It was promoted as “the 1-litre car with the millionaire ride”, while the splendidly jovial PR film proclaimed, “The acceleration is terrific!”. A large boot, rack and pinion steering, and an all-synchromesh gearbox were other major sales features. One brochure posed the vital question: “Did Woman have the first as well as the last word about the design of this spacious, vivacious Vauxhall?”
The Telegraph believed the HA presented “a strong challenge to existing small cars on the basis of performance, space and ease of driving and maintenance” even if The Motor found it “commanded respect rather than great enthusiasm for its virtues from our testers”. The standard model cost £527 7s 1d, but most buyers opted for the £566 1s 3d De Luxe with its heater, passenger sun visor and “Screenclean” washers.
HA saloon production ended in 1966 after 309,538 units. Severe corrosion decimated their ranks despite their allegedly rust-repelling “Magic Mirror” acrylic paintwork. Marc Winchester-Horscraft’s uncle ordered a De Luxe in 1964, which has remained in the same family for nearly 60 years. “He eventually sold the number plate and gave me the car,” he said. “The HA has its quirks, such as when attempting to engage reverse, the whole gearstick ends up in your hand if pulled up too far.”
The replacement HB debuted on 21 September 1966, accompanied by a splendidly over-the-top commercial that urged cinemagoers to enjoy the latest “Jet smooth, whisper quiet” Viva. The “new day in 1-litre motoring” featured improved suspension and a more powerful 1,159cc engine. Best of all, the waisted “Coke bottle” styling made the rival Ford Anglia 105E look as contemporary as a Teddy Boy in London’s Swinging Sixties.