Vauxhall's Viva was launched in September 1963 as a neat, compact two-door saloon sharing much of its running gear with the Opel Kadett.

Three years later, its HB replacement appeared, with wider, sleeker transatlantic-influenced `coke-bottle' styling.

Under the skin was coil-sprung independent front suspension followed by a properly located live rear axle, providing a much more sophisticated ride than the contemporary Ford Escort and Cortina.

It wasn't long before the Viva attracted the attention of famous tuner Bill Blyndenstein, who built his first racing Viva in 1966 and took a class win with it at Snetterton the following year.

This 1967 HB with an ‘in-period’ offered Blydenstein Stage 2 upgrade in 1969 (with invoices), has had 40 years in the hands of the first owner plus subsequent ownership by Viva Club committee members.

Displaying c.100,800 miles with an engine recondition at 70,000, the vendor considers the vehicle to be ‘sound, both structurally and mechanically but re...