1970, Cars: Vauxhall Viva HC

In 1970 British car manufacturer Vauxhall (GM) introduced the new Viva. It was mechanically the same as the Viva HB (1966-1970) but with modern styling and more interior space. It was available as 2- and 4-door saloons and a fastback estate. The initial power-plant was the 1159 cc engine that powered the HB, but in late 1971 it was up-rated to 1256 cc due to the weight of the new car. Other available engines were the 1599 cc (replaced in 1972 by 1759 cc) and the 2279 cc . A coupe version, the Firenza, was introduced in 1971.

Vauxhall Viva HC 1300

Vauxhall Viva HC 4 doors 

In September 1973, the Viva range was divided, the entry 1256 cc models staying as Vivas, the 1.8 and 2.3 models were rebadged as the Magnum. The most exciting variant of the HC Viva was the High Performance Firenza produced between 1972 and 1975.

Vauxhall Viva HC Estate

Vauxhall Viva HC Firenza

The Vauxall Viva HC was sold in Canada (as Firenza by Pontiac/Buick dealers), New Zealand, and South Africa (as Chevrolet Firenza with the British Vauxhall 1.3 L or the German Opel 1.9 L engine).

Vauxhall HC Firenza High Performance

Viva production was scaled down after the launch of the Vauxhall Chevette in 1975. The Chevette hatch was also sold as the Opel Kadett City, but the Viva remained on sale until 1979 when it was replaced by the Vauxhall Astra, a variant of the front-wheel-drive Opel Kadett.

Vauxhall Viva HC 1976 advert with James Hunt

Brochure Vauxhall Viva Firenza (UK, 1971)

Brochure Vauxhall Viva Firenza (The Netherlands, 1971)

Brochure Vauxhall Viva (Finland, 1972)

Brochure Vauxhall Firenza HP (UK, 1973)