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I'm thinking of a Vauxhall Viva

JPSmit

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(Mark sh*t up!!)

there's one for sale around here - anyone know anything about them? anything to look for? Are they worth anything complete? Can you get parts?

It's a 1969 GT
 

Sherlock

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The Viva GT is a more specialized beast, a small sub-compact size car with the engine of the Victor (a 2-litre unit), they are quite desireable because of the bigger engine, parts sourcing will likely be a little tricky but there is help out there - what kind of shape is this Viva GT in? Anyway point your web browser to https://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/northamericanvauxhalls/ A little group I started a few years ago, I know there are a few Viva owners on the list who may be of help...
 
T

TRDejaVu

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I had a Viva HB back in the day; 1970 model I think. It couldn't have made much of an impression on me as all I remember is that it was yellow. Back then I do remember wanting a Vauxhall Firenza "Droopsnoot".
 

Steve

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The HB Viva GT is a nice piece of kit, no question. Developed as an answer to the hot Escorts, they were never as popular in the UK but were pretty much a match for them in terms of capability. Interior trim might be something of an issue if it's missing some, and I think that body panels might also be a bit iffy as well. Good cars....
 

Sherlock

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Steve said:
The HB Viva GT is a nice piece of kit, no question. Developed as an answer to the hot Escorts, they were never as popular in the UK but were pretty much a match for them in terms of capability. Interior trim might be something of an issue if it's missing some, and I think that body panels might also be a bit iffy as well. Good cars....

I think I read somewhere once that the majority of Viva GT's ended up being sold in Canada, at that time a country that was one of their major export markets...
 
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JPSmit

JPSmit

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Sherlock said:
Steve said:
The HB Viva GT is a nice piece of kit, no question. Developed as an answer to the hot Escorts, they were never as popular in the UK but were pretty much a match for them in terms of capability. Interior trim might be something of an issue if it's missing some, and I think that body panels might also be a bit iffy as well. Good cars....

I think I read somewhere once that the majority of Viva GT's ended up being sold in Canada, at that time a country that was one of their major export markets...

That's what the online information seems to indicate - they are certainly rare, 4606 (or so) made over three years, sounds like a lot of go fast potential. Anyway, going to look today, will keep you posted.
 
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JPSmit

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Well, I did it - here is the story. Hi there, I have known about the car for about 10 years. I put a member on to it about that time and he spent about $9K on the body having a very professional paint job done, even the stripes on the side are hand painted. THe condition of the shell is really quite impressive, inside and out. He had a roof liner installed for about $700 and then spent about another $3k+ on other parts, pistons, seals, gaskets, suspension parts, shock absorbers, coiled over shocks, badges etc, I have receipts for this stuff.

He then parted out another GT to get used parts, the 1975 engine will need to be rebuilt, there are new pistons, but everything has to be put back on the car. Some bits will have to be bought but all the big money is spent. After doing all that he and his wife split up and the car sat for about 5 years in her garage which is built into the basement of her house so it all survived very well.

Soooo, his new wife wanted no part of it and the old wife wanted it gone, so I bought it very cheaply. I then dragged it all home and in my garage it sits. But I have two Minis and a Stag the latter I might sell, but not sure on that one.

Regardless I would like my room back and so the vauxhall has to go. The interior is all there, the front seats are fabric and will need recovering, all the internal panels are there but will need cleaning up. It will need brakes, electrical, fuel system everything doing, but it will be neat when done. Quite rare too.

So its a good project that needs some sweat equity added to the cost which has already been spent

and here some pictures
 

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JPSmit

JPSmit

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and some more
 

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JPSmit

JPSmit

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That's just a sampling of the parts - window rubbers, trim, new gearshift knob books, 3 steering columns, new tires, the list goes on. And the best part..... shhhhhh...... $1500 (I'm sooooo Happy) It's like a big puzzle with no box
 

abarth69

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Congratulations

On your new purchase

The Mulipla will look mighty fine up in the barn

Cheers

Mark
 

DrEntropy

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The "older" English fellas here will remember this (radio ad):

"Vauxhall Viva! Say it!"

"Sounds sexy, doesn't it?"

:devilgrin:
 
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