Class: Cars, Wagon — Model origin:
Background vehicle
Author | Message |
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◊ 2019-06-06 18:36 |
Vauxhall. Viva HC or Magnum -- Last edit: 2019-06-06 18:36:57 |
◊ 2019-06-06 23:35 |
Plain Viva Deluxe - Magnum had bling. Later style rear badge - I think came with Oct 75 refresh, although there was also a bit of tweaking in Sept 73. |
◊ 2019-06-08 16:34 |
I think from memory, wasn't DeLuxe discontinued in the last years of Viva production? Agreed block letters not larger Viva script so VIVA L badge probably (E, L and GLS in brochure). Looks to be 'P' reg to me. September 1973 had small griffin badge in the centre replaced as '72-'73 had small continuous 'Vauxhall' badge casting. 1970-1972 and September 1976 to end had the word 'V A u X H A L L' spelled out in single letters as in the picture. The rear lights were far too small (copied from Chevrolet Impala style strip lights). My Magnum was rear ended three times as drivers of two cars and a truck failed to see my brake lights even in the dark. My rear panel was updated for badges due to the replaced rear panel each time! -- Last edit: 2019-06-08 16:36:16 |
◊ 2019-06-08 16:57 |
Deluxe became L in Oct 75 and with 1256 was titled Viva 1300 to catch up with Viva 1800 naming. Sept 76 plain Viva and SL were discontinued but L stayed to the end in July 79 alongside the poverty E and the GLS which replaced the SL. So our badge probably says Viva 1300L or Viva 1800L. |
◊ 2019-06-09 11:58 |
It has lost its wheel trims and looks a little shabby but it looks to have lasted well for about ten years old. Skinny tyres (perhaps) and the small exhaust makes me think it's a 1300L. -- Last edit: 2019-06-09 12:00:14 |
◊ 2019-06-09 12:44 |
There was an even more poverty stricken version, the Viva E. I had a saloon, NCH503P, for a while. It made my Hunters feel quite luxurious. |
◊ 2019-06-10 12:34 |
It makes no difference if it was a poverty spec Viva 'E' or Magnum 2300 the rust rapidly attacked them from below (within three years in my case). At eight years the outer sills had gone, the chrome 'spears' dropped off, the brake lines had been replaced twice and the engine needed constant attention (the gearbox had to be rebuilt in the first ten months, the steering rack replaced at four years). At the end, the metallic paint was peeling off but the interior still looked good. It remained stationary and un-taxed for a further two years before someone actually bought it from me, complete with new MoT. -- Last edit: 2019-06-10 12:36:53 |
◊ 2019-06-10 14:28 |
I'd love another Magnum, my 1800 (with 2300 motor but 1800 diff) went like stink, tied it round a Portakabin! |
◊ 2019-06-10 19:14 |
My bent Vauxhall was an Astra LXI Estate which finished its life wrapped round a Mk2 Escort. It was followed immediately by a diesel Cavalier, with a noticeable loss of performance, even though the Cav was a turbo. |