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.