1966 Vauxhall Viva SL90 | Classic Car Restoration

1966 Vauxhall
Viva SL90

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The Project

This Vauxhall Viva SL90 arrived at our Bishop Auckland workshop in February 2026 for a recommission to get it back on the road in time for spring.

Updates

3rd March 2026: We have done work on the brakes and suspension parts are on the way. Also changed the dynamo and done some engine tweaks to get it up and running.

6th May 2026: Rear reverse lights have been fitted. Engine works include, new charging regulator fitted, new dynamo, thermostat and electronic ignition. Replacement brake servo, new brake and fuel lines, new battery, cleaned earth points. New fuel filter and temperature sender. Engine temperature gauge is over reading, so currently working to fix that issue.

> More updates to follow.

History

The 1966 Vauxhall Viva SL90 was part of the first generation of the Vauxhall Viva, known as the HA series, which was introduced by Vauxhall Motors in 1963. The Viva marked an important step for the company, as it was designed to compete directly with popular small family cars of the period, particularly the Ford Anglia 105E.

By 1966, the Viva HA had been in production for three years and had established itself as a practical and economical choice for British motorists. The SL90 was one of the better-equipped versions in the range. While the basic Viva models were very simple, aimed at budget-conscious buyers, the SL90 offered a higher level of trim and comfort.

Mechanically, the SL90 used Vauxhall’s 1,057 cc four-cylinder overhead-valve engine. In standard form this engine produced modest power, but in the SL90 it was tuned to deliver around 59 brake horsepower, which was quite respectable for a small saloon of the time. Power was sent to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual gearbox. The car featured independent front suspension and a live rear axle with leaf springs, a conventional layout for the era.

In terms of styling, the Viva HA had clean, American-influenced lines, reflecting the fact that Vauxhall was owned by General Motors. Its neat, compact shape, simple grille and modest tail fins gave it a modern look in the mid-1960s. The SL90 trim level typically included features such as better seat materials, extra brightwork, and improved interior fittings compared with the base models.

The Viva was built at Vauxhall’s Ellesmere Port plant in Cheshire, which had opened in 1962. The HA series proved to be a commercial success, with over 300,000 examples produced before it was replaced in 1966 by the HB series, which featured more rounded styling and a wider range of engines.

Today, the 1966 Viva SL90 is remembered as a representative example of Britain’s growing small car market in the 1960s. Survivors are relatively rare, as many were used as everyday transport and eventually scrapped, but the model retains a loyal following among classic Vauxhall enthusiasts for its simplicity, period charm and historical significance.

3rd March 2026

6th May 2026

      All reviews
 4.9 
   Google
 4.8 
   Reviews.io
 5.0 
 
  
 
 
 
  Excellent4.964 reviews
 4.9
 Excellent64 reviews
  Write a review     Google    Reviews.io  
 
 
 
    
 Excellent4.825 reviews
 4.8
 Excellent25 reviews
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 Excellent5.039 reviews
 5.0
 Excellent39 reviews
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      Posted on Reviews.io  
   Simon Cocking 
 08/09/2026
 
 
 Verified Skilled craftsmen producing amazing work. The workshop is a treasure trove of motoring history!

Thanks for a great job!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Steven Parkes 
 12/07/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Steve has helped me through some difficult situations throughout this restoration process. The car I bought was a total rot box, I had no idea. Nicola’s support with my finances has helped me get this car over the line. Don’t look elsewhere if you are serious about doing a restoration properly look no further.
  
 
     Posted on Reviews.io  
   Sean Bellew 
 12/06/2026
 
 
 Verified I recently had corrosion repairs carried out to both front wings on my Porsche 944 and I am extremely pleased with the quality of the workmanship.

The repairs involved cutting out the corroded sections and fabricating replacement metalwork rather than simply filling over the affected areas. The standard of fabrication and welding is excellent, with the repairs blending seamlessly into the original panels. The attention to detail is evident throughout the work, and the finished result looks completely in keeping with the car.

As an owner of a classic Porsche, preserving originality is important to me, and the repairs have been completed in a way that maintains the character and integrity of the vehicle. The paint finish and panel presentation are superb, and once completed it is virtually impossible to tell where the repairs have been carried out.

Overall, the craftsmanship is first-class and the car now looks significantly better than it did before the work was undertaken. If you are looking for high-quality metal fabrication and restoration work on a classic vehicle, I would have no hesitation in recommending them based on the quality of the finished product.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   David Kelly 
 15/05/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Their work looks fantastic. Love the regular blogs.
  
 
     Posted on Reviews.io  
   Mark 
 30/04/2026
 
 
 Verified Excellent service and Neil’s knowledge is second to none. The wealth of experience resolved the issues with the carburettors ensuring I had an uneventful drive home and can now look forward to driving the car on the odd sunny days we call summer. Would recommend Carrosserie without hesitation.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   John Lonergan 
 09/03/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great service , top quality work , very friendly and helpful , i had a probem with no dipped headlights and a couple of nasty stonechips and despite  being very short notice they fitted me in the next day diagnosed the faults and while that was going on the paint guy sorted the stonechips , two hours later all completed .  I know these guys will take good care of my classic car and do an excellent job I've used them  before . Highly recommended .
  
 
     Posted on Reviews.io  
   Robert Montague 
 04/03/2026
 
 
 Verified The team at Carrosserie have done an excellent job . Focus on detail and quality of work
Fully responsive and engaging the client at all time . I will be giving them a further project and recommend them as a first class service
Thank you Steve and the Team, plus of course Neil 😎
  
 
     Posted on Reviews.io  
   Andrew Whittaker 
 04/10/2025
 
 
 Verified Reference: 1939 Rolls-Royce Wraith – Rewire.
I recently received my car back and I am absolutely delighted with their work. The rewiring has been completed to an exceptionally high standard, and it is evident that great skill and care went into the process.
  
 
     Posted on Reviews.io  
   J J Beeton 
 02/09/2025
 
 
 Verified 10 out of 10 
perfect restoration work on Jaguar XKR.
  
 
     Posted on Reviews.io  
   Keith Devonport 
 25/06/2025
 
 
 Verified I found the team at Carrosserie to be  friendly and helpful whilst maintaining an organised and professional approach towards the job in hand, they were also  able to incorporate extra work I asked for at the eleventh hour. Carrosserie kept to the 'booked in' start date for the work to commence and throughought the work cycle i was presented with photos and videos as the work progressed. I'm very happy with the finished job, thank you and well done Carrosserie.
  
 
     Posted on Reviews.io  
   Geoff Lowson 
 16/04/2025
 
 
 Verified I took my  Citroen 2CV for an assessment for a potential repair.   The manager Steve Liversedge was very accommodating  and staff were helpful and courteous and very professional in giving their advice.
  
 
     Posted on Reviews.io  
   Ian Carter 
 01/03/2025
 
 
 Verified A big thank you to the team who worked on my 20 year old BMW.   The car looks fantastic and the care and attention to detail tackling the rust that was in a most awkward place showed real desire for doing the best job possible.  Updates and photographs were given daily as the job progressed. 
Finally the customer care was second to none, and my job wasn't anything like a serious restoration. 
Thanks again.
Ian
  
 
     Posted on Reviews.io  
   Andrew Pyle 
 13/02/2025
 
 
 Verified Took my Escort XR3i to Carosserie for re-commissioning. Brakes, suspension, springs, shocks, general overhaul - some gaskets,polish etc. All staff very welcoming, professional from office staff to engineers. Took me through the car's inspection - lots of photos of work to be done, progress and work finished. Kept in touch via e-mail throughout project. Not cheap but you get what you pay for with old motors! Good luck with move to new premises.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Paul Simpson 
 08/06/2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I will let the pictures do the talking.

Attention to detail is second to none, very knowledgeable and skilled guys here at Carrosserie. All the staff are polite and very professional. Highly recommended.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Jeremy Roff 
 10/05/2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Thanks to all at Carrosserie for managing to make my Jimny look perfect again. A great job.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Phil Sage 
 27/09/2023
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The work carried out here is like magic, the standard the cars leave is fantastic, the cars they restore are works of art !
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Catherine Lonergan 
 26/02/2023
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very Friendly always helpful staff
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Nigel Cramp 
 25/06/2022
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great friendly and helpful team at Carrosserie. Highly quality work. This is the second time I've used their services. Highly recommended if you want quality restoration or paint work.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Ian Roper 
 26/03/2022
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Neil who owns the company straight away gave me one of the best buying experiences I have ever had. He was nice to speak with giving me confidence in buying from him from the outset. This continued throughout the buying process with updates on the process of finance that he organised. Because of my working schedule being so hectic and having to juggle many parental duties. We were unable to get over to pick up the car in the week. Despite the company being closed on weekends, Neil went out of his way to meet me on a Saturday afternoon and even showed me around his amazing company. It was so clear to me that this is someone who is genuine, kind and cares about his company and customers in equal amounts. A truly rare thing in this day in age. I wouldn't hesitate to use his company myself in the future and would recommend him to friends and family in a heartbeat.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   John Royce 
 16/02/2022
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Outstanding choice of cars, superb restoration facilities from a very professional team. Highly recommended.
  
 
 
  
 
 
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