1974 Vauxhall Viva 1.3 GL from Australia and New Zealand - Comments

Starter motor

Alternator

Clutch

Master brake cylinder.

My first car was a 1974 4 door 1256CC "Orchid Red" (PINK!) Vauxhall Viva. My opinions of this vehicle change over time from absolute rubbish to fond memories of learning to drive in it. In the 3 years I owned the car (91-94) (immaculate 1 owner with 80,000ks) it was actually rather reliable. I remember getting the alternator reconditioned once, master brake cylinder replaced and a few other minor things before it was passed on to my Aunt. After 100,000ks (60,000 miles) the engine mysteriously became knackered almost overnight. It went from using hardly any oil to 4 litres a week near the end (about 6 months after I got rid of it) before the motor was eventually replaced with one from a Chevette. I remember my Aunt commenting on removing the dip stick from the hood lining more than once (back pressure created from worn piston rings) and wiping copious quantities of oil out of the air filter holder. Of course that's aside from the gallons it leaked!

But despite all its shortcomings it put up with the trials and tribulations of dealing with a learner driver and his almost constant lead foot syndrome.

Maybe someday I'll find I want to obtain another for prosperity reasons much in the same way my old man is quietly seeking out another Mark II Zephyr that he had for over 25 years.

If you like your father, talk him out of getting the old Mk II Zephyr.