Description
HERE is yet another mega cool antique vehicle from the cavern of Martin Howey Classic Cars (Est. 1998).
Today it's the turn of a 1964 Vauxhall Viva HA deluxe in navy blue with contrasting red trim. These punchy little Vivas were quite the thing back in the early 60s. So easy to drive, so light on the steering and with that delightful little sporty gear shift, they were an instant success on UK roads.
Try finding one for sale now however and you will find it quite a difficult task. Once such a common site, the HA is now considered to be a rare bird within the classic car market place.
This old girl ought to have her praises sung for being such an honest survivor as opposed to a restored classic. Now almost 60-years-old, she is really straight with a super underside. Her underneath, to the best of my knowledge, has never been welded and thus you can see what a genuine survivor we have on offer here!
Don't expect a trailer queen for this sort of money. I know my prices are up there among the most competitive in the country but, even by my own standards, I consider this little gem to be something of a bargain. Her 37, 000 miles on the speedo may well be right. I can't be sure however. But this is a car that has that look about it.
There are some paint imperfections but, set against the overall solidity and appearance of the car, I would consider these to be minor defects. The worst is probably the bottom of the passenger door where some "blebs" of rot have been ground down in readiness for repair. This is very much a piece of DIY work for the majority of classic car "tinkerers." Go find a nicer everyday, genuine classic for under £4k. Well, go on. It's bloody hard work believe me!
This description is based on my opinion of the vehicle, the paperwork that comes with the car and anything I have been told about it. The vehicle is 59-years-old and this cannot be taken as a definitive statement for obvious reasons. As with most classic cars, there may be faults and quirks whilst, almost inevitably, some degree of tinkering and care will always be called for. Such are the joys of owning an antique vehicle and they must be taken within their own context and not compared to modern day cars. They are sold as old, mainly out-dated machines and come without any comeback whatsoever. They are my terms and conditions.
My classic cars are motoring antiques. This car, for example, is 59-years-old and is unrestored. It's not two, five or even ten-years-old as your own everyday car may be. It has been in service for more than half a century and so will have quirks and faults in there somewhere. For example, a protective coat has been added to the outer sills and rear quarters probably many years ago and some if it is now peeling off towards the rear behind the arches. Beneath it, the paint work looks to be good. However, faults on these old girls are not always apparent when buying and selling classics which is what I do. I do not restore them, nor do I pretend that they are concours cars. The majority of them go out as they came in, and I continue to enjoy finding more - a skill which is becoming increasingly difficult as many of you will be aware. They deserve to be taken on as "family pets" and cared for through thick and then. They don't make them any more and demand now out-strips supply. Please bear all this in mind, and enjoy your classic car. I can also assist with delivery and so please ask for a quote.
I have now been established as a one-man band classic car dealer for 25 years and pride myself on my buying prowess and - due to small margins - my prices which I firmly believe are up there among the very best in the UK classic car marketplace.
Thanks, Martin. the details below.
