The Vauxhall Viva HC Estate 1100 SL90 was a practical and affordable family car produced by Vauxhall, a British manufacturer, between 1971 and 1972. Part of the HC series of the Viva, it represented a significant update to the earlier Viva models, offering improved styling, comfort, and features. While not officially sold in the United States, the Viva HC Estate was a popular choice in the United Kingdom and other European markets as a budget-friendly station wagon, competing with vehicles like the Ford Escort Estate and Hillman Avenger Estate. The “Estate” designation signifies its body style – a station wagon, designed to provide increased cargo capacity for families and those requiring versatile transportation.
Vauxhall Viva HC Estate: An Overview
The Viva HC Estate occupied the small family car segment, offering a balance between economy, practicality, and affordability. The 1100 SL90 variant, powered by a 1.1-liter engine producing 60 horsepower, was a common specification. The HC series introduced a more modern appearance compared to its predecessors, with a squared-off design and a larger glass area. The Estate version, in particular, was valued for its spacious interior and generous boot (trunk) space, making it a popular choice for families and tradespeople alike.
Engine & Performance
The Vauxhall Viva HC Estate 1100 SL90 was equipped with an inline four-cylinder, naturally aspirated 1159 cc (70.73 cubic inches) engine. This engine produced a modest 60 horsepower at its peak, with torque figures reaching 84 Nm (61.96 lb.-ft.) at 2800 rpm. Power per liter was a respectable 51.8 hp/l for the era. The engine utilized an overhead valve (OHV) valvetrain and a compression ratio of 8.5:1. Power was delivered to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission.
Performance figures reflected the car’s focus on economy and practicality rather than outright speed. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph (0-97 km/h) took approximately 23.3 seconds, while reaching 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) required 24.5 seconds. The top speed was around 78.91 mph (127 km/h). The weight-to-power ratio of 14.3 kg/hp and weight-to-torque ratio of 10.2 kg/Nm further illustrate the car’s emphasis on efficiency over performance. The engine required 2.8 liters (2.96 US quarts) of engine oil.
Design & Features
The Viva HC Estate was a three-door station wagon with seating for five passengers. Its body style was characterized by a relatively boxy shape, maximizing interior space. The Estate variant featured a large rear tailgate, providing easy access to the substantial cargo area. The trunk offered a minimum capacity of 759 liters (26.8 cubic feet), expanding to a maximum of 1764 liters (62.3 cubic feet) with the rear seats folded down.
While safety features were limited by the standards of the early 1970s, the Viva HC Estate offered basic amenities such as seatbelts. The interior was functional and durable, with vinyl upholstery and simple instrumentation. The car’s suspension system, consisting of independent front suspension and a live rear axle, provided a comfortable, if not particularly sporty, ride. The vehicle’s dimensions included a length of 4138 mm (162.91 inches), a width of 1643 mm (64.69 inches), and a height of 1366 mm (53.78 inches). The wheelbase measured 2461 mm (96.89 inches).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Vauxhall |
| Model | Viva |
| Generation | Viva HC Estate |
| Type (Engine) | 1100 SL90 (60 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1971 |
| End of production | 1972 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 3 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 24.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 24.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 23.3 sec |
| Maximum speed | 127 km/h / 78.91 mph |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 14.3 kg/Hp, 70 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 10.2 kg/Nm, 98 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 60 Hp |
| Power per litre | 51.8 Hp/l |
| Torque | 84 Nm @ 2800 rpm / 61.96 lb.-ft. @ 2800 rpm |
| Engine displacement | 1159 cm3 / 70.73 cu. in. |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 77.7 mm / 3.06 in. |
| Piston Stroke | 61 mm / 2.4 in. |
| Compression ratio | 8.5:1 |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | OHV |
| Engine oil capacity | 2.8 l / 2.96 US qt | 2.46 UK qt |
| Kerb Weight | 857-1007 kg / 1889.36 – 2220.05 lbs. |
| Max. weight | 1320-1474 kg / 2910.1 – 3249.61 lbs. |
| Max load | 463-467 kg / 1020.74 – 1029.56 lbs. |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 759 l / 26.8 cu. ft. |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1764 l / 62.3 cu. ft. |
| Fuel tank capacity | 36 l / 9.51 US gal | 7.92 UK gal |
| Length | 4138 mm / 162.91 in. |
| Width | 1643 mm / 64.69 in. |
| Height | 1366 mm / 53.78 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 |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 4 gears, manual transmission |
The Vauxhall Viva HC Estate 1100 SL90, while a relatively simple vehicle by modern standards, played an important role in providing affordable and practical transportation for families in the UK and Europe during the early 1970s. Its spacious interior, combined with its economical engine, made it a popular choice for those seeking a versatile and reliable vehicle.
