Description
Well, it's difficult to know where to start with this one. Here we have what could well be the oldest HA Viva in existence! Registered on November 1, 1963, this Deluxe version has covered just 40, 000 miles from new and is in simply astonishing condition both inside and out.
Now, let's start here. Note the mega rare cloth seats with vinyl surrounds. A Vauxhall guru did tell me that this luxurious interior trim - so period back in 1963 - was only fitted during the first week of production. After that, they were all vinyl. When you look at Vauxhall's own superb archive website, you will notice that all pre-production and Press photos show the Viva with these cloth seats!
Researching the beginnings of the Vauxhall Viva, I have learned that the very first car was built on August 14, 1963 (pre-production.) Then all UK Vauxhall dealers were invited to London's Mayfair Hotel for a launch of the model. That was later in the same month. October saw the unveiling of the Viva to the general public..... and then enter my actual car. Registered on November 1st. Could there be an older one in existence?
People tend to assume that all Viva HAs were built at the specially created Ellesmere Port plant, but that's not so. For the first few months, they were built at Luton as was mine.
So what else do we know? Well, condition-wise she has to be seen to be believed! Finished in what I believe was called Cardinal Red, it's actually more of a salmon pink shade. And this is not faded red by the way. The dashboard, door tops, floors, engine bay etc are all the same colour. Again, very period.
She is incredibly straight and I would suggest that the bulk of her paintwork is the original. There are some kind of faded areas and some surface imperfections due to the passage of time, but there is nothing to resemble what you would refer to as inherent rot or rust. I have never come across any HA as impressive as this, let alone such an early example. She has covered just 40k miles and, to look at her and drive her, you would think you were back in the sixties.
Her seats are almost like new and just look at that colour coded dash!
I see no signs of welding to the underside and she is just as straight in that area too. Her chrome work is super as is the engine bay. Difficult to better in almost every respect I would suggest.
She come with her original bill of sale, original service book and a book of her very own motor fuel ration coupons!
Just gorgeous and in fact so damned nice that I waited until the roads were bone dry before I took her out for a run! She has some minor paint imperfections here and there - and I mean minor - none of which detract from the overall stunning condition in my opinion.
I accept all major debit/ credit cards and a ten per cent deposit is required at the point of sale with the balance due within three days. I can also assist with delivery and so please ask for a quote.
All my classic cars are treated as the equivalent of motoring antiques. This one, for example, is 57-years-old. They cannot be compared to the wife's six-month-old Chelsea tractor and they are bound to come with imperfections, quirks and bits and pieces that will need attention even if it is some time in the future. They do however come with oodles of charm, appeal and are there to be loved like a family pet. If you are new to the classic car scene, then please bear all this in mind. Demand is outstripping supply these days and they don't make the old girls any more. So, make some allowances and drive away with a smile on your face! Thanks for reading, Martin. the details below).
