The Viva was a small family car produced by Vauxhall in a series of three versions between 1963 and 1979, designated the HA, HB and HC. The Viva was conventional in configuration: a three-box saloon with a reasonable boot, front engine and rear wheel drive. The model's direct competitors included the Ford Anglia and the Triumph Herald.

The HB appeared in 1966. In comparison to the HA, it had gained coil springs for the suspension and an increased engine size from the 1057cc of the HA to 1159cc.

Following the performance saloon theme led by Ford with their Lotus-developed version of the Cortina, and BMC with the Mini Cooper, Vauxhall followed suit with tuned versions of the Viva HB. Following the initial “Jack Brabham” version with a tuned, 68bhp edition of the standard engine, the much more capable “GT” was produced.

The Viva GT had substantially different engine, running gear and interior to the standard HB model. It was distinguished by having a black bonnet with twin louvres and go-faster side stripes.