Description
I guess strictly this should be going under the Bedford heading but it's just that, in popular usage, most people tend to know them as a Vauxhall Viva HA van!
I am still genuinely in two minds as whether to part with her or not. Part of me thinks she would be better off remaining with me and being sign-written. So, I suppose I am kind of testing the water here.
I will tell you what I know. She was registered in March, 1965 and the previous owner (only her second owner in all that time) told me that she was believed to be the oldest surviving HA van. When you read the excellent Vauxhall archive site, it explains that the Viva HA saloon - although unveiled as a model in late 1963 - did not roll off the production line until June 1964 and the site has photo evidence of this launch. It then goes on to explain that the van appeared "A little less than 12 months later." With mine being registered in March of 65, it would appear that it is an early one indeed and, very possibly, one of the first ever!
According to DVLA history it was "first used" On January 1, 1965 and therefore, obviously, it was actually BUILT in 1964. It must have been a prototype.
Her first owner kept her for 45 years, never using her as a van and instead only as a runabout for local journeys. The load bay is original and has clearly seen no hard work. The plywood floor appears to be original too and she comes with the fold down rear seat.
She is remarkably straight and looks superb in the original spec shade of light blue. Her MoT has just expired and so, whether I keep her or not, she will have to have a new test. She has covered a mere 55, 000 miles.
Once such a common site with the likes of BT, The Post Office, British Rail, regional Gas companies etc, these HA vans are now as rare as hens' teeth.
They drive really well and of course offer superb advertising possibilities which brings me back full circle as to whether I sell or keep.
If you are GENUINELY interested, please ring or email. Thanks for reading. Martin the details below).
