Description
H&H Classic Auction @Pavilion Gardens | Buxton, Derbyshire
24th of April, 2024 13:00
1967 Vauxhall Viva HB
Period Blydenstein ‘Stage 2’ conversion
Estimate
£5, 000 - £7, 000
Registration No: PBP 185E
Chassis No: HBD7581305
MOT: Exempt
Blydenstein Stage 2 upgrade in 1969 (with invoices)
An excellent opportunity to acquire a 2 door-bodied HB with period performance upgrades
The vendor states it's 'sound... but requiring some cosmetic attention'
Vauxhall's Viva was launched in September 1963 as a neat, compact two-door saloon sharing much of its running gear with the Opel Kadett. Three years later, its HB replacement appeared, with wider, sleeker transatlantic-influenced `coke-bottle' styling. Under the skin was coil-sprung independent front suspension followed by a properly located live rear axle, providing a much more sophisticated ride than the contemporary Ford Escort and Cortina. It wasn't long before the Viva attracted the attention of famous tuner Bill Blyndenstein, who built his first racing Viva in 1966 and took a class win with it at Snetterton the following year.
This 1967 HB with an ‘in-period’ offered Blydenstein Stage 2 upgrade in 1969 (with invoices), has had 40 years in the hands of the first owner plus subsequent ownership by Viva Club committee members. Displaying c. 100, 800 miles with an engine recondition at 70, 000, the vendor considers the vehicle to be ‘sound, both structurally and mechanically but requiring some cosmetic attention and a check-over before use’. This could be an excellent opportunity to acquire a 2 door-bodied HB with period performance upgrades with immediate potential as a lively everyday classic!
The history file, interestingly, contains an original Blydenstein sales sheet and invoices, letters and photographs relating to the history of the car, an original sales brochure, handbook and service book, in addition to sundry invoices, old MOTs, invoices, etc. ‘PBP’ will be driven to the sale at Buxton.
