1970 Vauxhall Viva HC Estate Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the Vauxhall Viva HC Estate is 857 kg (around 1,889 pounds), which refers to the vehicle's weight without passengers or cargo but including essential fluids. The vehicle’s maximum gross weight capacity is 1,320 kg (approximately 2,910 pounds), indicating the maximum safe combined weight of the car, passengers, cargo, and any other load. This weight range makes it a lightweight and efficient vehicle for its class during the 1970s.

The Vauxhall Viva HC Estate offers a generous luggage capacity of 759 liters (about 26.8 cubic feet) behind the rear seats. When the rear seats are folded down, this expands dramatically to 1,764 liters (approximately 62.3 cubic feet), making it a very practical vehicle for carrying larger items or for extended trips. This considerable flexibility in cargo space is a key advantage of the estate body style.

Yes, the Vauxhall Viva HC Estate fits comfortably into a standard garage. With its length of 4,138 mm (around 13.58 feet), width of 1,643 mm (approximately 5.39 feet), and height of 1,366 mm (about 4.48 feet), it is compact enough to be accommodated in typical residential garages designed for passenger vehicles. Its relatively low height and width also aid in easy maneuvering and parking inside a garage space.

The Vauxhall Viva HC Estate has a ride height or ground clearance of 127 mm (5 inches). This clearance is adequate for the relatively smooth roads of its production era, providing a balance between ride comfort and the capability to handle minor uneven surfaces or light potholes. However, the clearance is modest, so it is better suited for urban and paved road use rather than rough, unpaved terrains.

The Viva HC Estate offers a comfortable interior for a compact estate car of its time. The dimensions allow adequate headroom, legroom, and shoulder room for front and rear passengers, making it suitable for families or small groups. The estate body style enhances rear headroom and cargo area accessibility, contributing to a versatile and user-friendly interior environment, particularly for 1970s compact estate standards.

Compared to its predecessor, the Vauxhall Viva HB Estate, the Viva HC Estate saw modest increases in size and weight, reflecting evolving market demands for more interior space and improved comfort. The HC model is longer and slightly heavier, enhancing both passenger comfort and cargo capacity, while maintaining a compact footprint to remain easy to drive in urban environments.

The Vauxhall Viva HC Estate's size places it firmly in the compact estate class alongside competitors like the Ford Escort Estate and the Austin Maxi. It is generally similar in length and width to these competitors, although its impressive cargo capacity with folded seats, at 1,764 liters (62.3 cubic feet), stands out. It was designed to offer practical space without compromising on maneuverability.

The Vauxhall Viva HC Estate, produced from 1970 to 1979, was known for its practical design, economical engines, and versatility. It was popular as a family car and for light commercial use due to its spacious cargo area and modest running costs. The HC series is historically recognized for refining the Viva line's reliability and style while maintaining its reputation as a dependable, affordable British compact car.

Potential buyers should note the Viva HC Estate’s curb weight of 857 kg (1,889 lbs) and its maximum weight capacity of 1,320 kg (2,910 lbs). This means the car can carry approximately 463 kg (1,021 lbs) of passengers and cargo combined safely. Overloading beyond this can affect handling, braking, and overall safety, so it’s important to keep within these limits, especially when utilizing the large cargo space for heavy items.