Chris Buys a Barn Find Rare 1960's Non Runner Classic car

[@essex__rider]

So good to hear a bit of Chris! 👌

[@itsmephil2255]

That guy needs to be on camera more!!!

[@rowdoc]

LetTheWookieWin The “Salvage Sensei”.. 👍

[@rowdoc]

What about an engine swap? Something modern perhaps? A V6..?

[@Alexander_l322]

rowdoc that would do it an injustice, keeping original is the way to go I say.

[@dannyplanck6498]

Good job getting that Viva!

[@dcdriving2463]

What can I say guys after watching the generator vid now this your just going from strength to strength. Always different and never boring. Just good content .

[@adetremontionwhite]

Love Chris's Face beaming when you 1st go into the the garage, its like Christmas Morning for him👍

[@johnward9626]

He obviously does love 'em. Mad!

[@trevorjarvis3021]

Rob and Chris - well that was absolutely brilliant, I haven’t laughed so much for a long while! My wife asked what I was watching so I played the first five odd minutes again with her watching - seeing her face begin to smile was a picture!! (Rob said have you seen the size of these spiders? I don’t like big spiders!!) 😂 The Viva looked great, I thought it was going to be a Ford Anglia! The reason so many people love your vids is because we all wish it was us doing and living the life you two do! Please continue to do what you both do because it’s fantastic!!

[@rj.reliable]

Chris is face towards the end was well worth not only seeing more of the car but also more of him and you both

[@timdavies3162]

Nice to see Chris looking really happy with himself. Would love to see if he viva up and running

[@Ireland-bc2gx]

That old girl has not seen the light of day for a long time ,what a find brilliant 👍

[@Andy5634]

Chris face is amazing u can tell he fell in love with it good on him amazing pair of lads and beltin at what u do amazing content day after day 👌👊👍

[@samcarter8794]

Definitely want to see more of that and more of Chris beaming from ear to ear!

[@simonzero3815]

My first ever drive of a car was on a private estate with the game keeper in his green HA version of one of these. We took that van everywhere over fields and terrain usually with half a ton of grain in the back to boot as well. It never missed a beat. I use to love the simplicity of it. Your video has brought back some lovely memories for me of a time when life was just that bit more carefree . Would be great to see this little lady get going again.

[@theholygoat8826]

What a brilliant find , a proper diamond in the rough , can't wait to see the old girl done and dusted .

[@nerijuskrasnickas2355]

Rob can you talk about Chris back ground more. Really quite guy whit gold hands. Interesting person. Thx

[@stevebutler7346]

These were extremely good cars in their day,,,This looks like a very good car AND NO RUST WOW Good luck

[@michaeltrudeau294]

I can remember growing up in NY the local Pontiac Cadillac dealer in town did sell some Vauxhall Victor's and I remember them running around. I always liked the size as they made more sense then the big full sized cars we had. And I'm sure being NY, if kept there, they must have rotted out fast. When the US compacts came out in 1960 I was surprised how sensible they were. When the NY Worlds Fair opened in 1964 1965 I was lucky enough to go there several times. First stop was always the GM pavilion. I have black and white photos of the "other" GM cars that were offered overseas. They had Vauxhalls, Opels and Holdens there. Holden? What's that? It was the sensible size of the Viva and Opel Kadett I always enjoyed. To show my appreciation for these sensible sized cars I own 6 Chevy II and Novas from 1962 (the 1st year) to 1976. So I understand Chris's fondness for Viva's. There's just something about them, you just have to have some nice ones. Thanks for saving the Viva.

[@johndavey72]

Hi Michael. The Holden was another GM owned car manufacturer in Australia. They were very rugged as many of the roads were and are dirt track. They were large by European standards. In later years they used small block V8's. Like many car makers the Japanese imports killed the home market. I think Holden wound up in the '90's but if you Google Holden , Australia l'm sure you'll find all you need to know. Hope all is well with you and yours . I guess if you still live in N.Y. life has been very stressful. Take care and stay safe.

[@vespamorelli7090]

The smile on Chris’s face said it all !! Brilliant chaps, looking forward to seeing more of this 👍🏼👍🏼

[@colinnewlands743]

My first car. I love it. Makes me think I may look for one for myself.

[@pahooper99]

Omg what an awesome buy. We so need some videos on this one

[@modelreviews3705]

I agree with you we need to see progress

[@skodakatie7341]

Good for Chris, if he likes those cars, why not have several of them lol 😂.

[@paullawrence5117]

I have to say you 2 do make me smile and chuckle never a dull moment

[@floyd8293]

The viva, without them, the Austalian Torana would never have been made. Great little car

[@nevillemorley5926]

I had four Vivas, one a van. Bought a new one in '73. Loved them all. Lovely gear box and all were nippy. Great days. Great video

[@johnbowen2963]

i just found your blog, you guys are just normal guys who ejoy cars, no hyp, or dumb arss carp, or over bearing music, just good normal chat ect,

[@edwardmulder3777]

If ya haven't found him look up mustie1, great guy to listen to, fixes up engines, mostly small , singles to vee dubs

[@MrKaydar]

Absolutely brilliant. My grandad had one back in the 70s and this brings back many fond memories of him. The car and our fishing trips in it.

[@johnroyle2969]

I had a viva van back in the early seventies I always liked the very short gearshift lever. when the car was first introduced it was a good competitor to the Anglia a lot of people used to clean there cars with washing up liquid and put it in the screen wash this used to cause a lot of rust issues as it removed polish and damaged the paint surface

[@paulwoods7857]

Ha! Was convinced that was a triumph herald under the covers!! Lovely find there guys. Reminds me of the bedford HA van my mum had, that i used to takd to the wholesalers once a week! Happy memories..Looking forward to seeing future progress 👍👍

[@michaelrowe7731]

If that is the original engine in the boot you really need to try that first, especially with only 60k on it. Great find chris.

[@adamcrook9837]

So good to see some more of Chris 👍👍👍👍

[@markbennett6658]

Try to sort the original engine in the boot guys. Keep it matching numbers. It’s in such a good state of preservation it’d be a shame not to!

[@chrisluke7739]

Was nice to see Chris so happy with his purchase and getting so involved in the video. Love the car and can’t wait to see what it turns out like.

[@GrrMeister]

*De-Luxe in '65 had a different meaning, generally meant came equipped with a 'HEATER'*

[@jamesbrett6518]

Like CL on a VW stood for cigarette lighter!

[@GM-mk3ep]

The enthusiasm popping off this video, was brilliant. Keep up the great work lads!

[@jeremytoms5163]

Love the old Viva's, had two HC's in the 80s as my first cars.Still regret selling them but as a teenager I'd ragged them to death. Always wanted the Viva Firenza but never had the funds. Now I'd love to pick one up but they're as rare as hens teeth ! Jealous.

[@tenmillionvolts]

My first car was an HC. Pretty reliable for the day. It finally ran out of compression after years of work so we found a wreck with a recent rebuilt engine. Gas axed it out and dropped it in mine. It never went so well, haha. I'd love to drive one again just to feel that weird notchy gearbox

[@tenmillionvolts]

Here in New Zealand, the upmarket model was the Magnum 1800. God I wanted one. Just to feel what real power was like would have been great

[@GrahamPatterson-w4j]

Looks in good nick chaps, Dad had one from new (588NDT) and it started to rust after 2 weeks.

[@stevbrkr]

I would not be swapping another engine into that car. Rebuild the original engine and put it in. Matching numbers cars that are unmolested are far more desirable than a bitsa.

[@davidcoates350]

Your channel guys cheers me up no end and i look forward to every episode with its great mix of fixing old and new cars. Both of you are top blokes, your attention to detail, the explanation's of the jobs you do and enthusiasm you show is brilliant.

[@weaton25]

Back in the day I had lots of Vauxhalls mostly big Crestas but one thing they all had in common rust I had a 1960 cresta only four years old but had rust holes in it this one of yours must have been well looked after to last this long first job on the list lots of waxoyl everywhere.

[@twig3288]

In the late seventies I had a Cresta with a 3.3 straight six and bench seat in the front. It was hidden in the back of a dealers lot because it was running lumpy. I paid £140 for it. Turned out the head gasket had blown between two of the cylinders which cost me £30 to get fixed. Lovely car, flew like a bird.

[@needtlc]

Im so looking forward to you doing up this car. It's great seeing a part of history being saved.

[@geez-hd6dn]

Funny how the tarpaulin covering the car was spotlessly clean.

[@ianmangham4570]

Hilarious 😄 DOH!

[@Thelostgoldhunters]

My first ever car, thanks for the memories....

[@pbysome]

Had a girlfriend like that once, ugly as you like but didn't cost much and gave much pleasure..she got overheated too as I remember.

[@TheDaf95xf]

Absolutely fantastic guys 👍🏻 Cold weather dark nights and a Vauxhall HA video with our feet up with a brew 🤣

[@SIEVECN]

Are they trying to out cockney each other?

[@russcooke5671]

You know the Apple me old current Bun. The jam jar Should get a bit of Ajax on the tommy Trinder And get back on the frog and toad and have a butchers at the Richards

[@colmart1973]

Chris is swinging into action as we watch, good to see/hear him in vids👍

[@markfiges999]

They were a POS when they were new, ........and have NOT improved with keeping.

[@mariasnell6868]

Great to see Chris smiling like a Cheshire cat with this one. Great video guys would love to see the progress in this one .

[@fredscratchet1355]

Lovely video lads. There must be thousands of old cars quietly sleeping in garages and barns around the country waiting to be rescued. While watching this I suddenly remembered the lad next door owns one of these in the same colour! How about that then. I do remember changing a clutch on one about 50 years ago and it was a pig of a job, there was this big torsion bar under the gearbox which was threatening to let go and take my head off!

[@harryharker9564]

We used to have ha vans in the fire service and they were great to drive ,I love em.

[@chrislee6377]

great stuff chris it deserves tlc all day long and it has the right owner to do that can not wait to see the finished project

[@horriegosamer9883]

what a lovely find no wonder chris has a smile on his face lovely car

[@91Grunta]

Nice ride Chris that's a good save. Rob you need to go to the local 4x4 suppliers and buy some snatch block pulley's specifically for winching sideways. Really like what you guys do.

[@sruk]

I got one I can’t find it 👍

[@nickmanning9558]

Just loving the variety. Can't wait to see more of the Viva!

[@stephenschofield2836]

Chris, well bought mate, fantastic bodywork and well worth the money. Nice to see someone paying a honest price as well

[@femco79]

If wasn't for people like you two our motor heritage would disappear!

[@andyhunter1433]

A rear engined Viva, now that is rare!😉 Great find Chris, well done for saving it.

[@bernehalligan]

nice to see someone cares,WELL DONE CHRIS....

[@AmirKhan-mz5qb]

Good for you Chris! Smile says it all 😊

[@dotherightthingbro]

No classic car show this year no problem we have this beauty to watch 👍👍👍

[@e-bikerbulgaria]

Do the right thing Bro 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@alancraigie7951]

Rob & Chris just keep knocking it out of the park with the content Top Class. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@davey2767]

That is one beautiful car!! I will definitely be watching out for the will it run and a good wash!!

[@mattb6329]

Brilliant find Chris, well worth the money.

[@davidoxley6117]

What a really solid looking Viva, with all the paperwork/history I can see this being a really worthwhile project. Looking forward to the updates as a when. Nice one gents.

[@salr362]

Jeez lads, things just keep getting better. Great wee car. Buckle up. It’s gonna be a good one!!

[@mikeyoakes180]

Love a random road trip for a car! Love it! Any ill see you guys in the next one..

[@trishhartland5156]

Love it 😍 what a beautiful stunning car absolutely love the colour and the shape the smile on Chris’s face is priceless and I have noticed he’s starting to get used to the camera. hope you get some nice memories from it x

[@chr15b]

Brilliant Rob & Chris - Love this sort of stuff.

[@petecroxford3277]

That is what you call a proper car back in the day. My brother had 3 Of those cracking CAR you put petrol in it takes you to where you’re going. None of this charging crap what are cracking bye I think Chris done the most decent thing to pay the man 500 quid more well done buddy ❤️👍👍👍👏👏

[@philipdean5338]

Yee Haa.... Love HA vivas, once had a van , loved that vehicle, engine so easy to work on, Looking forward to its rebuild.. Well done Chris !!

[@robertharrison9490]

i had a vauxhall viva hb back when i was an apprentice mechanic only bought it as i made late dad had one.loved it remember you could get in the engine bay with the lump and work on in situ this brought back all those memories thanks Rob and chris

[@pierrelarocque3214]

In 1968 I got my hands on a 1967 Vauxhall Viva Brabham, one of the two that had been imported in Canda by GeneralMotors for evaluation purposes. What a great little sleeper. Twin SU carbs, ported heads, exhaust headers, Koni shocks, etc. Capable of close to 100 mph. MGBs could not believe what was happening to them. Your video has brought back some great memories. Thanks.

[@edwardmulder3777]

Wow, that musta gone like the clappers, mine was the 1100( or 1050, can't remember exactly) engine and it took a beating

[@wizzard5442]

Australia had VV and Brabhams too but renamed them Brabham (Holden) Toranas.

[@davep5972]

What a gem can’t wait to see it rebuilt

[@Hopgop1]

Can tell Chris loves it, that priceless smile when you see him haha

[@richardwilliams9220]

Brilliant. Looking forward to seeing the end product after you guys have done your magic.

[@tramlad2]

My dad had one in white, he got it on my 10th birthday in 1972 , and i got a 10 shilling note that day, remember it well , nice little car, has a bit of charm about it, good luck Chris, will be well looked after with you being the new owner. Took me down memory lane with my old dad, god bless him.

[@nawaznazir3139]

Hi Rob & Chris, love your channel, love your work and love this Viva. This model was my dads first car, please put this back on the road. You'll make so many people happy to see one of these as they are quite rare now. All the best.

[@martynm7659]

Keep it coming gent’s, love these spur of the moment purchases, great content sets you apart from the rest👍

[@areyouserious3092]

Brilliant buy lads I can't believe how nice condition it is. What a cracking find please do a couple of vids on it buddie.

[@paulmcdevitt8886]

What a crackin find lads ,love the Vivas, please keep us updated on its progress Rob 👍👍

[@gordon7470]

Interesting find Chris. Great to see you on video especially with that huge grin. Good luck to both of you with the new project 👍👍

[@scootyman2974]

You two have such a good friendship, it makes the channel a really great watch. I remember my dad having one of these in the mid 70’s in Southampton. I think he was given it and had to fix the engine before it got back on the road. A cracking video, thanks again.

[@Martinnc30]

Yeah that was a good day guys just goes to show you never know what pops up, The smiles on your faces said it all, just roll with it because life is what what you make it, This made my day thanks for sharing keep doing what you two love! appreciate the work you do!

[@AndrewsalTk]

Chris' face says it all, love the fact he also casually has a spare engine for it too!

[@kbschoonerbrady6896]

Super content once again. Great project. Not eaten away. Cosmic.

[@garrywhitehurst5764]

Amazed it’s solid, not the best cars for rust free motoring. Nice one Chris!

[@stevefuller1779]

When I was an apprentice, back in the early seventies, we had a fleet of them with consecutive reg numbers, we used to thrash the living daylights out of them and they took everything we dished out, wonderful things.

[@johncox2714]

I would love to see a series of videos on restoring that Viva. It would be great.

[@JOHNJONES-qo3fh]

Bought HA van back in 69 geezer said yea its a nice little runner, got to the end of his drive ................................ ooooooooh no brakes !!!!!, he was right a nice runner but the bloody thing wouldn't stop, passed on it lol , nice buy tho guys , it will clean up a treat, not many about today.

[@squeakmillward]

adjusting the tappets while its running lol! lots of happy memories! :-)

[@wookiewookster1214]

Great stuff. Nice one Chris, I can’t believe the condition of it, looking forward to following this one💪🏻

[@geneva760]

EXCELLENT buy. This will be a beauty. CHEERS from AUSTRALIA

[@TheStwat]

That's a keeper. Fantastic condition.

[@colinnewlands743]

This was my first ever car at 17 years old. Mine was 1966 and I bought it in 1975 so it was 9 years old and it cost me £90. I have never loved a car so much as my first car and I have had 2 Jaguars in my time. Makes me feel really nostalgic. I would watch every second of any video you did on this gem.

[@thefamilyrobbo]

Gotta love the Viva. We had 2 Crestas when I was a kid so I have a big soft spot for Vauxhalls of this era. Great to see the big smile on Chris' face 😀😀👍

[@PaulioMaldinio]

Dude, that engine you got going, you will end up with 1 decent car from the two, this is quality!

[@markevans2009]

Pukka little motor can't wait to see it when you get it running

[@leeroberts5496]

as long as chris is happy everyones happy well done guys

[@waynebaldycanning]

Love this video. Chris looks well happy

[@davidknowles5519]

Guys superb I learned to drive on a MK 1 viva really look forward to you guys working on it My late Dad loved his we used to drive all over Scotland in ours 6 of us plus the dog magic stuff

[@andyh9464]

Nice good to see the classic cars rescued

[@mkdavo]

I love it, can't wait to see this running.👍