In Brief:

• An exceptional example of the 1974 Vauxhall Viva HC Estate
• Finished in vibrant Yellow Gold over a contrasting tan leather interior
• Particularly eye-catching, with distinctive gold alloy wheels
• An appealing opportunity to obtain an uncommon and practical classic

Auctioneer's Notes:

A rarely seen example of the practical Vauxhall Viva 1256 Estate, this 1974 HC-generation car is now registered within the Historic Vehicle taxation class. The Vendor describes the Viva as being in exceptional condition and highlights it as a particularly uncommon survivor today. Presented with distinctive gold alloy wheels, it is offered for sale as part of a retired owner's reduction of his classic vehicle collection.

Maintenance & Condition:

The Viva's most recent MOT was completed in 2024, when it passed with no advisories. More recent maintenance is evidenced by an invoice dated November 2025 at 52,494 miles, detailing substantial attention to the rear braking system. This included replacement rear brake shoes and both rear wheel cylinders, fabrication and fitting of a new brake pipe, cleaning and adjustment of the brake drums, bleeding of the braking system and repair of the handbrake cable guide bracket. The same visit also included replacement of the washer pump, alterations to the wiper and washer controls and adjustment of the throttle cable. The invoice totalled £573.31.

A new starter motor has also been fitted. The Vendor reports the car to be in exceptional overall condition, while its gold alloy wheels give the otherwise traditional small estate a distinctive period appearance.

History:

The accompanying paperwork includes printed photographs together with documentation relating to its maintenance. Now qualifying as a Historic Vehicle, this Viva represents a surviving example of a model that was once an everyday sight on British roads but has become increasingly unusual to encounter. 

The Model:

Introduced in 1970, the HC was the third generation of Vauxhall's popular Viva range. The 1256 Estate combined compact dimensions with useful carrying capacity and simple, dependable mechanicals. Power came from Vauxhall's 1,256cc four-cylinder OHV engine, driving the rear wheels through a four-speed manual gearbox, while the estate body offered considerably greater practicality than the contemporary saloon.

Sale Insight:

A scarce and characterful 1970s British estate, benefiting from recent mechanical attention and reported by the Vendor to be in exceptional condition. With Historic Vehicle status, a recent advisory-free MOT record and its distinctive gold alloy wheels, this 1256 Estate presents an appealing opportunity to acquire a Viva in a body style seldom seen today.

Estimate:
£3,500 - £4,500