Description
Launched in 1966 the Viva was marketed to go head to head with the new Ford Escort. The mechanical components were little changed from the HA but the new body took cues from the General Motors “coke bottle” styling first used for the Chevrolet Impala.
The Viva was a stylish car and the top of the range SL (Super Luxury) boasted wood (effect) grain dash, extra sound insulation, individual shaped rear seats/ pleated Ambla upholstery, additional chrome and a gold paint coach line. Although arguably a better car then the Escort Mk1 the lack of a sporting pedigree and poor reputation for corrosion meant sales were slow and good examples are today incredibly rare.
On the 1st December 1967 Mrs Margaret Knapp, wife of a local company director, collected her brand new Viva SL from Skurray’s Ltd, Swindon. She had placed her order when the car was launched in August 1966 but had to wait over three months to take delivery. Finished in the best combination of Grecian White with Casino Red interior the original invoice indicates the total cost was £814-6s-10d including automatic transmission and under-seal (a wise precaution).
From the offset the Viva was garaged and used sparingly. The service book (stamped by supplying dealer) indicates the first service was carried out when the car was five months old (@ 516 miles). Further details in the service book reveal that the anti-freeze was checked when the car was one year old (1182 miles) and the 6, 000 mile service in late 1968 (1872 miles).
The second owner, Mr Manner’s, office manager for her husband’s company, bought the Viva in March 1970 - he lived less than three miles away. He continued to cherish the car and used it infrequently in much the same way as Mrs Knapp. In 1987 Mr Manners retired from driving and the car was placed in a well ventilated barn for the next 22 years.
Purchased in 2009 the new owner was absolutely astonished by the condition of the car. Although there was some discolouration/ odd scuff to the paintwork the car was rust free and the recorded mileage was just 10, 800 miles. The new owner worked in the car trade and arranged for the car to be professionally resprayed (bare metal, windows out, absolutely no welding required) to original specification including the gold coach line.
Today the car is in absolutely in time warp condition and drives superbly. There is absolutely no corrosion, the interior is like stepping back into 1968 and mechanically the car is as tight as a drum. Paper work includes original Bill of Sale, all Handbooks and sales broacher/ colour chart/ price list, hand written log of work, invoices etc.
A remarkable car that will make a perfect classic with easy two door access, light controls and Super Luxury specification. Simply use and enjoy!
