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During the (very remote) youth of this writer, there were three virtually guaranteed sights in his Hampshire village. Firstly, as if by ancient rite, every farmyard had to contain a disused Audax-series Hillman Minx. Secondly, every week a dark green Ford Transit Mk. I mobile shop would dispense Twix bars and other essentials to the remote settlements of the A27-belt.  And thirdly, no day seemed to pass without sighting of at least one Vauxhall Viva HC.

45 years ago, the third-generation Viva was taken for granted, be it a police panda car, part of a driving school fleet or simply occupying the queue for the local Jet petrol station. The HC succeeded the “Coke Bottle” HB in 1970, with production ceasing nine years later. Dean’s 1979 1300L is one of the very last of the line, and looks smart enough to appear in a commercial with James Hunt -

The HC’s long run was due to a combination of corporate politics and public demand. As is well known, Luton’s original plan was to replace the HC with the Cortina-sized HD, leaving more scope for the Chevette, their version of GM’s T-Car project. As it transpired, the powers that be in the USA decreed that in place of a larger Viva, Vauxhall would build a re-badged version of the Opel Ascona B.

The Chevette and the Cavalier both debuted in 1975, and it initially appeared that the Viva was surplus to requirements.  However, its popularity was such that production continued for another four years -

- and in 1976 the HC was Britain’s eighth best-selling car. Dean’s Viva is a prime example of the L, the trim level that occupied the middle of the latter-day HC line-up. Here was a Vauxhall that, according to the brochure at least, offered ‘All the Viva E’s high level specification’ - plus a cigarette lighter, hazard flashers and a heated rear window.

If such luxuries were not enough to amaze any visitor to a Vauxhall dealership, the L also boasted a second sun visor, an ashtray for the back seat passengers, an internal bonnet lock plus twin circular dials in place of the E’s strip speedometer. Equally importantly, you could revel in the luxury that was plaid upholstered seats and the distinction of owning a car with a stainless steel fuel cap and wheel embellishers.

Such a list of fittings both gives an idea of just how Spartan the entry-level Viva was and how the L was a very agreeable package. The price for a 1979-model in four-door form was £2,761.20 - £81 more expensive than a Chevette L saloon and £326 cheaper than a Cavalier 1300L. The Viva also benefited from styling that was not locked into the early 1970s, unlike the Talbot Avenger, plus a vast boot.

HC production ended in July 1979, just four months before the introduction of the Astra Mk. I, yet the two Vauxhalls seem to exist in two different worlds. Dean came by his Vauxhall ‘two years ago - I fancied owning a classic’. He also recalled the HC owned by his father. Today the Viva is used ‘three or four times a week for my commute to work.’

Since 2018 DKO 977 T has covered 4,000 miles and it received a respray last year. Dean remarks about the distinctive transmission whine and the sheer enjoy-ability of HC motoring. He also finds that ‘everybody looks at the Viva’ – which is hardly surprising if you drive a Vauxhall of ‘pace-setting standards’.

With Thanks To – Dean Usher

Why choose Lancaster Insurance?

Here at Lancaster, we love classic cars as much as you do and we understand what it takes to protect them for future generations.

We have links with some of the top classic car clubs around the country and some of our policies even offer discounts of up to 25% for club members.

Other benefits of classic car insurance through Lancaster can include:

• Historic rally cover
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Give your classic the protection it deserves and get a quote for your Vauxhall today.