1963 Vauxhall Viva HA Dimensions, Size & Specs

The Vauxhall Viva HA has a relatively light curb weight of 709 kg (approximately 1563 lbs). This lightweight characteristic helps improve fuel efficiency and makes the car nimble and responsive to drive. The reduced weight, combined with its small size, would have contributed to better handling dynamics and made the Viva HA economical during the 1960s, matching the needs of budget-conscious drivers of that period.

Given the compact exterior dimensions of the Viva HA, interior space was understandably modest but practical for a small sedan. With a length of 3940 mm and width of 1509 mm, the car maximized space efficiency in a small footprint. The interior would comfortably accommodate four passengers, though rear seat legroom and headroom might be limited compared to larger sedans. The height of 1354 mm also suggests a relatively low roofline, lending to a snug but cozy cabin environment.

Yes, the Vauxhall Viva HA fits easily into a standard garage. With a length of just 3940 mm (about 13 feet), a width of 1509 mm (roughly 5 feet), and a height of 1354 mm (approximately 4.4 feet), it falls well within typical garage size limits. Standard garages generally accommodate lengths around 6 meters (20 feet) and widths of 3 meters (10 feet). Thus, the Viva HA's compact dimensions make it highly convenient to park in most residential garages.

The Viva HA was Vauxhall's first-generation Viva model, so it did not have a direct predecessor with the exact name. Compared to earlier small cars or Vauxhall's previous models like the Vauxhall Victor, the Viva HA was significantly smaller and lighter, designed specifically as an economy car. Its compact size at 3940 mm length and 709 kg weight reflected a focus on affordability and urban usability that differed from larger, more powerful models from Vauxhall’s lineup of that time.

The Vauxhall Viva HA was competitive in size among European compact sedans of the 1960s. For example, it was similar in length and weight to models like the Ford Cortina Mk1 and Hillman Minx, which were also around 3800-4000 mm long and weighed just over 700 kg. The Viva HA’s relatively narrow width and low height gave it a smaller footprint, which was advantageous for city driving and parking. Overall, its size and weight were well-suited to the segment of small economy cars popular in that era.

The Vauxhall Viva HA offers seating for four to five passengers, with two front seats and a rear bench. Due to its compact exterior dimensions, passenger comfort is modest but adequate for short to medium trips. Front seats offer reasonable comfort, while rear seat space, though sufficient for adults on shorter journeys, may feel a bit tight on legroom and shoulder room, especially for taller passengers. The low roofline also impacts headroom, making it cozier inside compared to larger sedans.

Throughout its production from 1963 to 1966, the Vauxhall Viva HA's dimensions saw minimal changes, maintaining its original compact size of 3940 mm length, 1509 mm width, and 1354 mm height. Most updates during this period were mechanical or trim-related rather than dimensional. The design focused on improving reliability and feature availability but retained the same body shape and size, ensuring consistent spatial characteristics and ease of maintenance.

The compact dimensions of the Viva HA influenced its streamlined, simple, and practical exterior design. Its short length of 3940 mm and narrow width of 1509 mm resulted in a tidy, almost minimalist styling that maximized interior space while minimizing the external footprint. The relatively low height of 1354 mm gave the sedan a sleek profile, helping reduce aerodynamic drag. Front and rear bumpers were modestly sized, and the wheelbase allowed for decent stability without compromising maneuverability.

The Vauxhall Viva HA’s modest dimensions and light weight make it highly practical for urban and suburban driving. With a length of 3940 mm and width of 1509 mm, it is easy to navigate tight city streets, fit into compact parking spaces, and provide nimble handling in stop-and-go traffic. Additionally, its curb weight of 709 kg contributes to fuel efficiency and nimbleness. These attributes made the Viva HA an appealing choice for commuters and small families during its production era.