Viva GT timeline

1963

Vauxhall returns to the small car market with the Viva HA following a considerable absence. Its staid styling belies unusually advanced running gear, which features rack-andpinion steering, an all-synchromesh four-speed gearbox and independent front suspension.

1965

The first sporty Viva – the SL90 – is launched, boasting 54bhp from its 1057cc engine.

1966

The secondgeneration Viva HB is launched and is one of the first British cars to feature ‘Cokebottle’ styling. It’s both larger and much more attractive than the original Viva, with brand-new and much improved allround coil sprung suspension.

1967

Vauxhall draft in Formula One champion, Jack Brabham, to soup up the Viva, resulting in the 69bhp Brabham Viva with twin Stromberg carburettors. It was just a taste of things to come, though.

1968

Mating the Viva HB with the 2.0-litre overhead-cam four from the Victor results in the Viva GT.

1969

The black bonnet, which had been a trademark of the GT, is phased out.

1970

GT production comes to an end as the thirdgeneration Viva HC is introduced. Engines and platforms are carried over from the HB, but there’s new, more squarecut styling.