The Vauxhall Viva HC 1600 was a compact family car produced by Vauxhall from 1970 to 1972. Representing the third generation of the Viva, the HC model was a significant departure from its predecessors, offering increased size, improved comfort, and a more modern design. While not officially sold in the United States, the Viva HC was a popular choice in the United Kingdom and other European markets as an affordable and practical vehicle for everyday transportation. It occupied the small family car segment, competing with models like the Ford Escort and Hillman Imp.
Vauxhall Viva HC: An Overview
The Viva HC marked a substantial evolution for the Viva line. Previous Vivas had been characterized by their diminutive size and basic features. The HC aimed to address criticisms of earlier models by providing more interior space, a more refined driving experience, and a wider range of available equipment. The 1600 variant, powered by a 1.6-liter engine, was positioned as a more performance-oriented option within the HC range, offering a modest increase in power compared to the smaller-engined versions.
Engine & Performance
The Vauxhall Viva HC 1600 was equipped with an inline four-cylinder, naturally aspirated 1.6-liter (1599 cm3 or 97.58 cu. in.) petrol engine. This engine produced 81 horsepower (Hp) at 5500 rpm and 130 Newton-meters (95.88 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3200 rpm. While not a particularly powerful engine by modern standards, it provided adequate performance for the vehicle’s intended purpose. The power-to-weight ratio was approximately 10.1 kg/Hp, and the torque-to-weight ratio was 6.3 kg/Nm. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph was recorded at around 15.7 seconds, and 0 to 100 km/h took 16.5 seconds. The top speed was approximately 90.72 mph (146 km/h). The engine featured an overhead camshaft (OHC) valvetrain and a compression ratio of 8.5:1. The engine required 4.6 liters (4.86 US qt | 4.05 UK qt) of engine oil and 7.9 liters (8.35 US qt | 6.95 UK qt) of coolant.
Design & Features
The Viva HC was available as a 2-door or 4-door sedan. The body style was typical of early 1970s European cars, featuring a boxy silhouette and relatively simple lines. The HC offered a noticeable improvement in interior space compared to previous Viva models, providing comfortable seating for four passengers. Features were relatively basic, reflecting the car’s position as an affordable family vehicle. Standard equipment typically included cloth upholstery, basic instrumentation, and a heater. Optional extras could include a radio, upgraded trim, and a more luxurious interior. Safety features were limited by the standards of the time, with seatbelts being the primary safety equipment. The trunk (boot) space was a practical 346/566 liters (12.22 cu. ft.). The Viva HC’s rear-wheel-drive configuration was common for vehicles of its era, providing predictable handling characteristics. The minimum turning circle was 9.62 meters (31.56 ft).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Vauxhall |
| Model | Viva |
| Generation | Viva HC |
| Type (Engine) | 1600 (81 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1970 |
| End of production | 1972 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 2-4 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 16.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 16.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 15.7 sec |
| Maximum speed | 146 km/h / 90.72 mph |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.1 kg/Hp, 99.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.3 kg/Nm, 159.1 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 81 Hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Power per litre | 50.7 Hp/l |
| Torque | 130 Nm @ 3200 rpm / 95.88 lb.-ft. @ 3200 rpm |
| Engine displacement | 1599 cm3 / 97.58 cu. in. |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 85.7 mm / 3.37 in. |
| Piston Stroke | 69.2 mm / 2.72 in. |
| Compression ratio | 8.5:1 |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.6 l / 4.86 US qt | 4.05 UK qt |
| Coolant | 7.9 l / 8.35 US qt | 6.95 UK qt |
| Kerb Weight | 817-941 kg / 1801.18 – 2074.55 lbs. |
| Max. weight | 1243-1445 kg / 2740.35 – 3185.68 lbs. |
| Max load | 426-504 kg / 939.17 – 1111.13 lbs. |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 346/566 l / 12.22 cu. ft. |
| Fuel tank capacity | 54 l / 14.27 US gal | 11.88 UK gal |
| Length | 4138 mm / 162.91 in. |
| Width | 1643 mm / 64.69 in. |
| Height | 1348 mm / 53.07 in. |
| Wheelbase | 2461 mm / 96.89 in. |
| Front track | 1306 mm / 51.42 in. |
| Rear (Back) track | 1308 mm / 51.5 in. |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 127 mm / 5 in. |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 9.62 m / 31.56 ft. |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Rear wheel drive |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 4 gears, manual transmission |
The Vauxhall Viva HC 1600, while not a groundbreaking vehicle, represented a significant step forward for the Viva range. It provided a practical and affordable transportation solution for families in the UK and Europe during the early 1970s. Its simple mechanical design and relatively low running costs contributed to its popularity, and it remains a fondly remembered classic among enthusiasts today.
