The Vauxhall Viva HA 1100, produced between 1963 and 1966, represents a pivotal moment in British automotive history. This small, economical sedan was designed to offer affordable personal transportation to a post-war Britain experiencing increasing car ownership. The Viva HA was Vauxhall’s first entirely new design following the Second World War, moving away from pre-war derived designs and embracing a more modern approach. It occupied the small family car segment, competing with vehicles like the Ford Anglia and Morris Minor, and played a significant role in democratizing car ownership within the United Kingdom.
Vauxhall Viva HA 1100: A Detailed Overview
The Viva HA was a landmark vehicle for Vauxhall, representing a clean-sheet design intended to appeal to a broader market. It was a direct response to the growing demand for smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles in the early 1960s. While not initially a sales sensation, the Viva HA laid the foundation for a successful line of Vivas that continued for nearly three decades. The car’s simple, robust engineering and relatively low price point made it a popular choice for first-time car buyers and families seeking a practical and reliable vehicle.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Viva HA 1100 was a 1057 cc (64.5 cu. in.) inline-four cylinder engine, producing 45 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 84 Nm (61.96 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3000 rpm. This engine, while modest by modern standards, provided adequate performance for the car’s intended purpose. The power-to-weight ratio stood at 15.8 kg/Hp (63.5 Hp/tonne), and the torque-to-weight ratio was 8.4 kg/Nm (118.5 Nm/tonne). The engine featured an overhead valve (OHV) valvetrain and was naturally aspirated. It was paired with a four-speed manual transmission, driving the rear wheels. The Viva HA wasn’t designed for outright speed, but for dependable and economical transportation. The engine’s 8.5:1 compression ratio was typical for the era, balancing performance and fuel efficiency. Engine oil capacity was 3.6 liters (3.8 US qt / 3.17 UK qt), and the cooling system required 6.5 liters (6.87 US qt / 5.72 UK qt) of coolant.
Design & Features
The Vauxhall Viva HA was a two-door sedan with seating for four passengers. Its body style was characterized by clean lines and a relatively compact footprint, measuring 3940 mm (155.12 in.) in length, 1509 mm (59.41 in.) in width, and 1354 mm (53.31 in.) in height. The wheelbase was 2323 mm (91.46 in.), with a front track of 1204 mm (47.4 in.) and a rear track of 1224 mm (48.19 in.). The car’s design prioritized practicality and affordability over luxury. The interior was basic but functional, offering comfortable seating and essential controls. Safety features were limited by the standards of the time, but the Viva HA did offer a degree of protection for its occupants. The car’s relatively light kerb weight, ranging from 709 to 714 kg (1563.08 – 1574.1 lbs.), contributed to its reasonable fuel economy and handling. The fuel tank capacity was 31.82 liters (8.41 US gal / 7 UK gal).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Vauxhall |
| Model | Viva |
| Generation | Viva HA |
| Type (Engine) | 1100 (45 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1963 |
| End of production | 1966 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 15.8 kg/Hp |
| Power | 45 Hp @ 5200 rpm |
| Power per litre | 42.6 Hp/l |
| Torque | 84 Nm @ 3000 rpm |
| Torque (lb.-ft.) | 61.96 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm |
| Engine displacement | 1057 cm3 |
| Engine displacement (cu. in.) | 64.5 cu. in. |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 74.3 mm |
| Cylinder Bore (in.) | 2.93 in. |
| Piston Stroke | 60.96 mm |
| Piston Stroke (in.) | 2.4 in. |
| Compression ratio | 8.5:1 |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | OHV |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.6 l |
| Engine oil capacity (US qt) | 3.8 US qt |
| Engine oil capacity (UK qt) | 3.17 UK qt |
| Coolant | 6.5 l |
| Coolant (US qt) | 6.87 US qt |
| Coolant (UK qt) | 5.72 UK qt |
| Kerb Weight | 709-714 kg |
| Kerb Weight (lbs.) | 1563.08 – 1574.1 lbs. |
| Fuel tank capacity | 31.82 l |
| Fuel tank capacity (US gal) | 8.41 US gal |
| Fuel tank capacity (UK gal) | 7 UK gal |
| Length | 3940 mm |
| Length (in.) | 155.12 in. |
| Width | 1509 mm |
| Width (in.) | 59.41 in. |
| Height | 1354 mm |
| Height (in.) | 53.31 in. |
| Wheelbase | 2323 mm |
| Wheelbase (in.) | 91.46 in. |
| Front track | 1204 mm |
| Front track (in.) | 47.4 in. |
| Rear track | 1224 mm |
| Rear track (in.) | 48.19 in. |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Rear wheel drive |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Gearbox type | Manual transmission |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
The Vauxhall Viva HA 1100, while a relatively simple vehicle, holds an important place in automotive history. It represented a significant step forward for Vauxhall and helped to make car ownership accessible to a wider segment of the British population. Its legacy continues to be appreciated by classic car enthusiasts today.
