I purchased the Viva as a long-term project for both me and my son Jonathan. He was only 10 at the time and
very keen, my thinking was that it would be ready for his eighteenth birthday. It would take that long because
the Victor conversion was running at the same time.
During the initial restoration we decided it would be a great idea to alter it into a convertible, using the
experience I had gained with the F Type.
After measuring every medium sized convertible around, the Escort MK3/4 would be the ideal donor. It was the
right size and just as important, had the perfect shaped hood.
I fabricated a box chassis and this time welded to the floor. It started in the boot and on to the front wheel arch,
up the ‘A’ post and under the dash to eliminate scuttle shake. After removing the Viva roof the Escort ‘unit’ that included inner rear quarter panels, parcel shelf, roll bar and front rail was positioned and welded into the Viva.
All the white bits are from the Escort, the Viva floor was already strong so only a small box section was used
To test the strength of the finished shell my friend Brian who weighs in excess of 18 stone stood in the middle
of the floor and bounced up and down with great enthusiasm, there was no movement (apart from his belly!)
and to this day the measurements we took at that time are still spot on.
The roll-over bar extends right down and is welded to the inner sill
We used the 2.2 Carlton engine and gearbox I took out of the Victor, back axle from a Manta (another mistake),
seats from a Calibra and a bespoke interior. New mohair hood with charcoal headlining and she was ready more
or less in time for Jonathan's eighteenth
He drove her around for about a year but always complained about the lack of performance and noisy axle.
So fresh from the success from the Victor conversion, I decided to do the same with the Viva. So as not to worry Jonathan while he was studying at university, I did the major structural work while he was away.
Unlike the Victor, because the Viva had my secondary chassis, I only replaced the front half of the floor that
included the bulkhead and inner wings. This time a MK3 Astra would be the donor car. Extra care had to be taken
in ensuring it was welded in straight, and knowing it wouldn’t be driven slow, I wanted it to handle and drive perfect.
We used a low mileage Astra 1.8 16v engine and gearbox, along with a Citroen Saxo P.A.S pump hooked upto the Astra rack and Cavalier rear beam and disc brakes, with uprated front and rear suspension and she was ready.
Her first meaningful trip was to Bristol (300 mile round trip) to get a bespoke stainless steel exhaust fitted. We
needn’t have worried; the journey was hassle free and she handled great.
In 2006 Jonathan decided he wanted more power, so he sourced a 10,000 mile Vauxhall recon 2.0 16v ‘red top’
with loom. This also has high lift cams and a chipped ECU, about 170 BHP. I managed to find a brand new F20
5 speed gearbox, and had a radiator made to fit under the landing panel and the latest conversion was complete.
It’s now very quick and with brakes and handling to match.
Forgot to mention Jonathan is currently changing the interior including Honda Accord type R seats. He is worse
than me for changing his mind.
Hopefully he will have the work done for the 2008 show season. I think he might then sell it; he has his eye
on a ‘64 Mustang conversion, wonder who will be doing most of the work!
