The Vauxhall Viva HB, produced between 1966 and 1970, represented a significant evolution in British small car design. As the second generation of the Viva, the HB aimed to address criticisms of the original model while maintaining its position as an affordable and practical family vehicle. Sold primarily in the United Kingdom and Europe, the Viva HB was never officially offered in the United States. However, it’s a notable example of 1960s automotive engineering, reflecting the era’s focus on compact, economical transportation. The 1100 SL90 variant, powered by an 1.2-liter engine producing 60 horsepower, was a popular choice within the HB range.
Vauxhall Viva HB 1100 SL90: A Detailed Overview
The Viva HB was intended to be a more refined and spacious alternative to the original Viva, which had been criticized for its cramped interior and somewhat basic mechanicals. The HB featured a redesigned body, offering increased passenger space and improved comfort. It was available in both two-door and four-door saloon (sedan) body styles, catering to a wider range of customer needs. The SL90 trim level denoted a specific engine and equipment package, offering a balance of performance and affordability.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Viva HB 1100 SL90 was its 1159 cc (70.73 cubic inches) inline-four cylinder engine. This naturally aspirated engine produced 60 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 92 Nm (67.86 lb-ft) of torque at 3000 rpm. While not a performance powerhouse, the engine provided adequate power for everyday driving, particularly considering the car’s relatively light weight. The power-to-weight ratio stood at 14.8 kg/Hp, or 67.6 Hp/tonne, indicating a reasonable level of responsiveness. The engine utilized an overhead valve (OHV) valvetrain and a compression ratio of 8.5:1. The drivetrain was a rear-wheel drive configuration, common for British cars of this era, coupled with a four-speed manual transmission. This setup provided a traditional driving experience, emphasizing driver control and engagement.
Design & Features
The Vauxhall Viva HB adopted a more modern and streamlined aesthetic compared to its predecessor. The body style was a traditional three-box sedan, with a distinctively shaped front grille and rounded body panels. The HB offered seating for four passengers and featured a trunk (boot) capacity of up to 566 liters (19.99 cubic feet), providing ample space for luggage and other cargo. Interior appointments were relatively basic, reflecting the car’s affordable price point, but were functional and comfortable for the time. Safety features were limited by the standards of the 1960s, but the Viva HB did offer features such as seat belts as optional extras. The car’s relatively small size and nimble handling made it well-suited for navigating urban streets and country lanes. The 36-liter (9.51 US gallons) fuel tank provided a reasonable driving range.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Vauxhall |
| Model | Viva |
| Generation | Viva HB |
| Type (Engine) | 1100 SL90 (60 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1966 |
| End of production | 1970 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 2-4 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 14.8 kg/Hp |
| Hp/tonne | 67.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 9.6 kg/Nm |
| Nm/tonne | 103.7 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 60 Hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Power per litre | 51.8 Hp/l |
| Torque | 92 Nm @ 3000 rpm |
| Torque (lb.-ft.) | 67.86 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm |
| Engine displacement | 1159 cm3 |
| Engine displacement (cu. in.) | 70.73 cu. in. |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 77.7 mm |
| Cylinder Bore (in.) | 3.06 in. |
| Piston Stroke | 60.96 mm |
| Piston Stroke (in.) | 2.4 in. |
| Compression ratio | 8.5:1 |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | OHV |
| Kerb Weight | 887-949 kg |
| Kerb Weight (lbs.) | 1955.5 – 2092.19 lbs. |
| Max. weight | 1148 kg |
| Max. weight (lbs.) | 2530.91 lbs. |
| Max load | 199-261 kg |
| Max load (lbs.) | 438.72 – 575.41 lbs. |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 346/566 l |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum (cu. ft.) | 12.22 cu. ft. |
| Fuel tank capacity | 36 l |
| Fuel tank capacity (US gal) | 9.51 US gal |
| Fuel tank capacity (UK gal) | 7.92 UK gal |
| Length | 4094 mm |
| Length (in.) | 161.18 in. |
| Width | 1600 mm |
| Width (in.) | 62.99 in. |
| Height | 1338 mm |
| Height (in.) | 52.68 in. |
| Wheelbase | 2433 mm |
| Wheelbase (in.) | 95.79 in. |
| Front track | 1295 mm |
| Front track (in.) | 50.98 in. |
| Rear (Back) track | 1295 mm |
| Rear (Back) track (in.) | 50.98 in. |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 127 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance) (in.) | 5 in. |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 9.7 m |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) (ft.) | 31.82 ft. |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 4 gears, manual transmission |
The Vauxhall Viva HB 1100 SL90, while not a groundbreaking vehicle, played an important role in providing affordable and reliable transportation to British families during the late 1960s. Its simple design, economical engine, and practical features made it a popular choice in a competitive market. Although never sold in the US, the Viva HB remains a fondly remembered classic among British motoring enthusiasts.
