Introduction
The Viva was a small family car produced by Vauxhall Motors in a succession of three versions between 1963 and 1979. These were known as the HA, the HB and the HC series.
The Viva appeared a year after Vauxhall's sister company Opel launched the Opel Kadett A: visually the two cars' kinship was obvious. A van version was also produced, as the Bedford HA. In the UK the Viva's principal competitors at the time of its launch included the well-established Ford Anglia and Morris Minor.
A Vauxhall Viva bought by a resident living adjacent to the Empire at Neath was placed near the entrance to stop anyone else parking on the spot. This is the story of that car and how it survived the demolition of the building for it to be replaced by a row of houses.
In March 2012, prior to the demolition, the lady owner was asked did she want to sell the car. The reply was: "No, I am thinking of doing it up."
Vintage Car Show at Gnoll Country Park
Sadly the Empire Viva could not make it.
