A well-researched 2022 Telegraph article by Andrew B. Roberts, stated there were just five Viva E Coupes left on British roads at that time! “UK’s rarest cars: 1975 Vauxhall Viva E Coupé, one of only five left on British roads - To compete with Ford’s stripped-out base models, Vauxhall used surplus coupé bodyshells to create a “limited edition”, bottom-of-the-range E”.

One of the prettiest car designs of the 1970s, this Viva Coupe started life as an ‘E Coupe’ and was first registered in the UK on 12th November 1975. The ownership history shows 4 previous owners with the current keeper having owned the car since 25th October 2014.

Described by the vendor as excellent to very good and today is finished in Desert Gold Metallic paintwork and fitted with Black with Silver period Jensen-Healey alloys, that suit the car well. Inside, there’s a complementing tartan cloth interior in the form of a pair of retro-fitted Recaro seats that look the part and are taken from a Manta. The dashboard has been flocked for a period motorsport look.

With less than 500 miles recorded since build completion, supporting a resto-mod theme, this example mechanical specification is worth a read! It is fitted with a 20XE Redtop engine, paired with an Opel Manta five-speed gearbox and complemented by an Opel Manta alloy sump. The car itself was originally purchased by the vendor as a bare bodyshell with a 2.3-litre engine and has since been rebuilt to its current condition over a number of years. Since completion, the car has covered only c.500 miles. Further enhancements include a Retro Power Calibra/Carlton clutch, 2.3-litre Firenza axles, and Nodiz ignition. Induction is via a 32/36 twin-choke Weber carburettor, supported by a Manta alloy radiator. Braking is assisted by an MGB servo and master cylinder, and the driving experience is sharpened with a quick-shift gearstick. The car also benefits from a modified performance MX-5 exhaust manifold. A great looking 1970s car, it’s been modified very tastefully indeed. It is being offered with the current V5C Registration Document and a list of spares which are boxes of used body trims, wiring looms, rubber trims, 2 x 6 dial Firenza dash boards, complete rear seats and parcel shelf, a spare redtop cylinder head and front grill, plus a prop shaft and general bits and pieces.