1975 Vauxhall Viva HC from Australia and New Zealand - Comments

Rocker cover gasket leak.

Radiator hose-to-water-pump-housing leak.

I've had a really good run from my viva.

When I got it, it was a 1256cc HC model (1975). The engine has done some 177,000 km's, which is quite a lot for an English car!!!

ENGINE:

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Currently, the 1256 engine runs very well, but the oil pressure is a little low, and takes a good 5 seconds or more after starting, before the oil light goes out. During this time, then engine coughs and makes nasty noises, due to the fact that the crankshaft is probably running dry until the oil pump can force some oil into the journal bearings!!!

This is not that good, I know, and I'll be interested to see the condition of the internal components when this engine is pulled out. (I'm planning to put an 1800cc Magnum engine in) For now, I am just going to keep driving it, until the engine packs up completely.

The engine itself is relatively gutless, and in my opinion, the Viva model should have had at least 1500cc engines as a minium, as 1256cc is not a lot of engine for this size of car; IE: The power-to-weight ratio is not quite right!

The 1256 engine at least, has a very unusual cylinder head, in that the intake is on the top face of the head, and the exhaust on the side. This is contary to most other cylinder heads, where the exhaust and intake manifolds are on opposite sides of the head for seperation. Access to the starter motor is difficult, as you have to remove the alternator to be able to take it out.

The spark-plugs are burried between the exhaust manifold, and the intake manifold. This means that there is rather a lot of heat right beside the carb, and also the ignition leads. You must make sure that you use high-temperature spark-plug leads, or older plastic ones will melt from the heat radiated off the exhaust manifold - I've seen this on other Viva's!!!

Be extremely careful that any/all fuel hoses or lines around the carb are not leaking in any way, or fuel will leak onto the hot exhaust manifold, starting an engine-bay fire - I've seen this too!

ELECTRICAL:

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The electrical system is very basic, and cars of this period, are an excellent starting point for any new mechanic, as there are no computers to worry about, and you can tune the engine this way and that way and see what happens.

CLUTCH:

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Clutch is nice and basic, and have not had any trouble with it, although, pedal is very stiff and hard to push down - unlike modern cars. Perhaps this is related to the clutch cable, but other Vauxhall's have similar heavy clutch pedals...

Adjustment easy, but requires you having to get under the car. It would have been better, if the adjustment was accessible from within the engine-bay, as with modern cars.

BRAKES:

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No problems to report here.

Brakes seem to be trouble free.

(for me at least...)

GEARBOX:

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Standard "Four on the floor" type box, with no problems. Can be quite easy to chew out the layshaft bearings, if you drive the car too hard, but the HC boxes with the needle-roller bearings pretty much solved this issue. Earlier HB and HA Viva's are the ones to watch...

Gear change is stiff compared to modern gearchange, but the short-shafted gear lever is a nice touch, and makes the gearchange look sporty. Actual gear changes are good, with no problems. 2nd gear synchromesh on the way out, but this is the first synchro to casue problems in pretty much any manual gearbox.

A good box all round.

A nice car, really, for the cheap prices that you can grab one for these days.

BODYWORK:

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Bodywork is quite stylish, really, and these 70's model cars are starting to become collectors items.

The 2-door Viva is a good choice for anyone wishing to pep up a Viva, as they look better then the four-door versions, in my opinion.

I agree with your review of the hc viva. as I own one myself I can certainly agree that the 2 door model is a lot more attractive model. the brakes are better on front disc and not drum all round. the disc and servo seem to stop the car a lot better than the drum brakes.

Plus a great addition to any 1970's viva/firenza is some fury dice.

I don't really agree with the 2dr looking better than the 4dr, unless it's a Firenza coupe.

The 4dr was also the more popular model, thanks to its added practicality, though the rear door openings were rather narrow.

Otherwise, the comments are very valid. The Viva seems to be a very underrated car among the classic car fraternity, even to the extent of drawing sneers of indignation! This is really uncalled for as they are as worthy (if not moreso) of recognition as some other models that are regarded as "proper" classics.

At the rate this is going on, many Vivas are being sent off to the crusher or smashed in demolition derbys, making them get rarer by the day. Do your bit and save one!

I have recently taken the plunge and bought a '76 1300L for restoration, reminding me of my misspent youth when a used '73 Deluxe was my first car. And, yep, both are 4dr models.

Anyone out there got any parts?

I have to agree about the 2 door version looking more superior. I am only 20 and have just brougt my first viva. My mum used to own one when I was younger and the obsession has taken over from ther.

I have a 78 1800L one of the rarest ones so I was told by the original owner. he had brought it brand new and couldnt drive it anymore.

It's in a nice classic gold colour, and in absolutely pristine condition inside. it has just covered 32,000 miles genuine. the bodywork is beginning to get a bit rusty round the bottom edges.

It goes in next month to have a complete restoration of the bodywork. my uncle runs a motor body repair centre (thank goodness).

All in all a wonderful little car, am pleased as punch wth mine.