1966 Vauxhall Viva HB Estate Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the Vauxhall Viva HB Estate ranges from 851 kg to 887 kg (1,876 to 1,956 lbs), depending on the variant and equipment. The maximum allowable weight varies between 1148 kg and 1279 kg (2,531 to 2,819 lbs). This weight range reflects the light and nimble nature of the vehicle, making it relatively easy to handle and efficient in fuel consumption.

The Vauxhall Viva HB Estate provides a luggage capacity of 526 liters (18.6 cubic feet) with the rear seats in their upright position, suitable for everyday cargo needs such as groceries or small luggage. When the rear seats are folded down, the capacity greatly expands to 1522 liters (53.7 cubic feet), enabling transport of larger items, making it versatile for family outings or practical use.

The Vauxhall Viva HB Estate offers a ground clearance of 127 mm (5 inches), which is sufficient for typical road driving conditions including urban streets and light rural terrain. The ride height strikes a balance between vehicle stability and the ability to navigate minor obstacles, potholes, or uneven surfaces without compromising comfort or undercarriage safety.

The Vauxhall Viva HB Estate comes equipped with 12-inch rims sized 4J x 12. These relatively small rims were common for cars of the 1960s and contribute to the car's overall compact and efficient design while providing adequate support for the vehicle’s suspension and load requirements.

Yes, the Vauxhall Viva HB Estate fits comfortably into standard garage spaces. With a length of 4104 mm (161.5 inches) and width of 1600 mm (63 inches), it is smaller than many modern vehicles, making it suitable for typical garage dimensions which generally accommodate cars up to 6 meters in length and over 2.5 meters in width. Its compact form factor makes parking and storage convenient for owners.

Compared to its predecessor, the Vauxhall Viva HA, the HB Estate presents modest increases in size. While the exact dimensions vary slightly, the HB generation generally features a longer overall length and subtly increased width and height to improve interior comfort and cargo space. The luggage capacity notably benefits from these changes, providing better utility while maintaining the compact nature essential to the Viva line.

When compared to station wagons from the mid to late 1960s, the Viva HB Estate holds its own as a compact, efficient vehicle with competitive luggage capacity and curb weight. Its length of 4104 mm (161.5 inches) and curb weight under 900 kg (1,984 lbs) make it lighter and smaller than many contemporaries such as the Ford Cortina Estate or Hillman Hunter Estate. This translates to easier handling and economical operation, appealing to drivers seeking a functional yet manageable estate car.

The Vauxhall Viva HB Estate was primarily marketed as a practical family and utility car catering to buyers seeking affordable, reliable transportation with decent cargo capacity. Its compact estate design appealed to those needing versatility for groceries, luggage, or light commercial use, combined with the ease of driving found in smaller cars of the era. Produced between 1966 and 1970, it was positioned to compete in the growing market of small estate cars providing urban and country flexibility.

The Vauxhall Viva HB Estate featured a straightforward, utilitarian design that balanced modern styling cues of the late 1960s with practical considerations. The car incorporated a lightweight body, compact footprint, and a sensible, floor-mounted gear shift that was easy to use. Engineering focused on economy and reliable performance, with modest engines and a well-tuned suspension to provide comfortable daily driving. Its estate configuration provided additional versatility over the standard Viva models, making it a popular choice for buyers needing a practical vehicle without unnecessary complexity.