Cheapie Viva GM’s answer to everything

When the 1963 Vauxhall HA Viva was released, it was advertised as an affordable 1.0-litre four cylinder car that was pleasantly styled, easy to drive, economical, had a conventional drive train and was simple to maintain.

Its overt normality, compared to the technologically advanced Mini and Austin/Morris 1100, was communicated as an advantage.

And yet, had its development taken a different path, the Viva might well have had its engine in the rear or been front-wheel drive.

The Viva’s development started in 1959 at General Motors (GM) in Detroit.

GM was concerned that sales of small cars, such as the Ford Anglia, Renault Dauphine, VW Beetle, Triumph Herald and BMC Mini could potentially impact the sales of its three biggest subsidiaries — Vauxhall, Opel and Holden.

GM had no equivalent small car in any of these markets.

And so, a project was instigated, coded XP 714, to develop a small car that could be sold in multiple markets around the world.

Various engine, drivetrain layouts and body shapes were evaluated.

But in the end, to keep the retail price low, this new car had to cost very little to develop and be cheap and simple to manufacture.

So, a conventional north-south driveline was chosen.

Styling was to be functional.

Thanks to a master class in research by Vauxpedia website owner, David Booker, we now know that the basic inner structure of XP 714 was used to set the design and engineering parameters for Opel’s 1962 small car — the Kadett.

And then Vauxhall used the German car’s structure for the Viva.

Even the Kadett’s 800cc engine was used, though enlarged to one litre.

Both cars also shared the front suspension design, which utilised a transverse leaf spring combined with rack and pinion steering.

None of this was made public at the time, because the feelings about World War II were still very much a part of everyday life in the UK.

Viva and the Kadett were built to a price, no doubt about that.

Although Opel gave the Kadett slightly curved body panels, the Viva comprised mostly flat sheet metal.

Flat panels saved on sheet metal costs and was easier and quicker to stamp.

The entry level Standard version cost £527 and was a bare bones affair.

The Deluxe Viva, however, at £566, was exceptional value for money.

For those additional £39, buyers were treated to a heater, carpet, windscreen washers, opening rear windows, rear seat armrests and padded dashboard.

These were class leading inclusions.

The boot was twice as large as those of the Austin/Morris 1100 and Ford Anglia, and almost equal to the Ford Cortina’s.