By Classic Yorkshire contributor Tony Lofthouse
A big thank you to Classic Yorkshire subscriber, John, who sent me pictures of a rare 1968-registered Vauxhall Viva spotted in Norfolk, but with West Yorkshire connections.
The Viva HB SL90 convertible was based on Vauxhall’s sporty SL90 which delivered 20% more power than the standard HB models.
The Viva HA debuted in 1963 and was developed in partnership with Opel. The HB saloon replaced the HA in 1966 and offered greater power and improved suspension.
In 1968, conversion specialists Crayford Engineering transformed just five SL90s into open top motors. Each was finished in white, powered with a 1159cc engine upgrade and fitted with Cosmic Mk1 alloy wheels.
Vauxhall Luton officially approved of the conversions into impressive hand-built convertibles which gave the car a stylish European look.
The handful of convertibles were distributed solely by Leeds Vauxhall dealership, Wallace Arnold Ltd.
As an aside, the WASS garage on Hunslet Road operated until the 1980s as a major Vauxhall sales outlet.
The convertibles came a little costly for the time with prices from £1,162 which was a big jump from the price of a standard SL90 saloon.
The car pictured is believed to be one of only two surviving SL90 ‘Crayford’ convertibles left.
Lovely to be reminded about the Viva convertibles.
I worked for WASS at the time.
Thank you
Wow! Yes, a fabulous car. Would have looked just the part in the sixties. Thank you for your comment.