Vauxhall Viva GT (HB)

The Viva GT, was a 2 door sports car announced in 1968 and sold by Vauxhall until 1970.

History

The GT was the Fastest of its model series HB set new standards for handling in its class as a result of the adoption of this suspension design, where many of its contemporaries stuck with leaf springs and Macpherson struts. The GT featured revised suspension settings to cope with the extra weight and power of the 112bhp unit, the basic Viva front suspension, comprising the familiar stiffened coil springs, wishbones and telescopic dampers, is stiffened by the addition of a front stabiliser, rubber mounted on the axle cross-member and link-bolted to the lower arms. for sharper handling with the distribution of weight 57% to front axle, and 43% at the rear axle. The car has decent brakes and the gearbox features close ratios on the MKI with synchromesh on all gears along with the uprated front and rear springs 4 link rear suspension, and shock absorbers and unlike Modern hot hatches its rear-wheel drive.The Viva GT replaces the rare Brabham. This model and the Viva GT are the two most sought-after models made.

Fitted with special Matt black bonnet with 2 air scoops, the front grill, also with the GT badging and on the rear wings and boot. A dual sportstripes black pin stripe along the side of the car. The comprehensive instrument package also included oil temperature and pressure gauges, a water temp dial and an ammeter rev counter and 120 mph speedo, along with all-black luxury interior. Leather covered alloy spoked steering wheel. 

The GT Vauxhall Victor were also offered a naturally-aspirated Inline 4-cylinder engine Two litre, ohc engine Belt-driven, single overheadcamshaft. Cross flow head.
Individual ports. Fully machined combustion chambers. with twin Zenith 175-CD25 carbs 1975 cc in the Viva GT from Feb 1968. The 1,975cc four-cylinder unit was rated at 112 bhp.

PERFORMANCE: GT

• engine capacity: 120.51 cu in. 1.975 cu cm
• fuel consumption: 26.4-mile imp gallon
• max speed: 101 mph. 162.6 Km/h
• max power (SAE): 112 hp at 5,400 rpm
• max torque (SAE): 127 1b ft. 17.5 kg, 3.400 rpm
• max engine rpm: 6,200
• specific power: 56.7 hp/l
• acceleration: standing 1/4-mile 18.4 sec, 0—50 mph (0-80 km/h) 7.9 sec
• max speeds: 42 mph, 67.6 km/h in 1st gear; 60 mph, 96.6 kmh in 2nd gear; 78 mph, 125.0 km/h in 3rd gear; 101 mph, 162.6 km/h in 4th gear power-weight ratio: 17.6 lb/hp, 8 Kg/hp

The model hasd undergone some revisions since it was first introduced in 1968, by early 1970  Later GTs came in different colours with the updates came a split propeller shaft and ignition timing was also altered. These were basically versions of the GT, MKI and the later much rarer MK II version.

Aftermarket conversion specialists, Crayford, also ran off some convertibles based on the 2-door Viva.Few of these conversions exist still, only 2 GT model HBs were converted, but both are known to survive. In Total 4606 GTs were made.