Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[franksplace]

Hi folks,

New to the forum, hope someone might be able to help?

I'm about to start work on the Airfix 1/32nd Viva HA, a kit which I last failed to complete at the age of 6!

I wondered if anyone might have recollections and preferably pictures of viva saloons in public service or commercial colour schemes. Police, other emergency services, driving schools, utilities anything that might vary from the straightforward scheme would be welcome.

Grateful for any help or advice.

Frank

[47p2]

IS it a deluxe model or an SL model?
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One of Britain's Fine Cars

[Penman]

Hi
I don't think any driving schools, back then, had signed up or corporate colour schemed cars though some would have had corporate L plates in metal or headboards which could be either bolted on to a single ladder bar or possibly a box sign on roofrack feet and clamped down to the gutter.
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Bristols should always come in pairs.

Any 2 from:-
Straight 6
V8 V10

[franksplace]

Thanks for your replies.

47p2 its the deluxe model,

Penman, I think you're right about the driving school signs, it would agree with photo's I've seen of other makes. I could use imagination / photos of other models but it would be nice to find an image to work from.

[poodge]

I did complete said kit in period,and painted it in a fairly close approximation of a Vauxhall green.
I doubt if many were taken in to police service,the standard model not being known for it's handling qualities.I do remember an article appearing in a Dutch motoring magazine,of the Viva with mods by Bill Blydenstein.It was mentioned that some had been supplied in this form to an unmentioned police force.So maybe not altogether of beam.Would a standard police car of that era not have been white all over?

[Penman]

Hi
There is a diecast HA in police panda livery.
pale blue/white doors and white roof above doors.

I think it is a Dinky
_________________
Bristols should always come in pairs.

Any 2 from:-
Straight 6
V8 V10

[franksplace]

Police is certainly an idea, I think the local beat car (panda) blue / white would be more appropriate as the white or all over dark blue schemes seemed to be reserved for higher performance cars.

The only die-cast I've seen is an HB so I'll have to look harder!

From what I've heard the handling may well have put police off, thats why I was wondering about other commercial use - a little bit like London Transport's liveried ?cortina for inspectors.

[RotaryBri]

I have a Dinky Toys No.136 HA Viva in white with a red interior. The actual car that I had in 1963 was navy blue with a blue interior. It was my first company car.
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Keep Torqueing,

RotaryBri

1976 NSU Ro80

[Penman]

Hi
I was wrong, it is a Corgi not a Dinky.

http://www.themodeller.com/products/Vauxhall-Viva---Police__COR-DG210003.aspx
_________________
Bristols should always come in pairs.

Any 2 from:-
Straight 6
V8 V10

[poodge]

Unfortunately,Penman,these Corgi models are not necessarily prototypical.They are simply a way to make more money out of a single casting,and to hell with authenticity