Vauxhall Magnum

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The Magnum was a car manufactured by Vauxhall Motors from 1973 to 1978. It was an HC Viva with larger engines, more luxurious interior, vinyl roof, higher trim level and twin headlights. It shared its suspension and drive train with the larger-engined variants of the Vauxhall Viva and Firenza.

The smaller engined version used the 1800 cc Slant Four engine, and a twin-dial instrument panel, while the more powerful version used the 2279 cc Slant Four and had a 7-dial instrument panel. Both were available in 2 and 4 door versions, a fastback-shaped 3 door estate and a coupe. All had "Rostyle" wheels. Confusingly, it was also possible to buy Viva models with the larger engines, but with vinyl interior trim. The continuing lack of coherency of the model range during that period was one of Vauxhall's main marketing problems.

The Magnum badge also superseded the Firenza badge used on the 2-door coupé model, which name was then used exclusively for the HPF "droopsnoot" model from 1974 (see Firenza). The Magnum model range continued until 1978.

The various trim and body options that were originally exclusive to the Magnum made their way over to the Viva, producing the top of the line Viva GLS, in a bid to shore up the increasingly poor sales of the model. The Viva range was finally discontinued in 1979. The Magnum name was adopted for the Viva 1300 in New Zealand from 1975, where it had the four headlight frontal treatment of the British Magnum, but standard Viva interior trim.

A special variant of the Magnum estate, known as the Sportshatch, was produced in limited numbers (197) in 1976. This model used the "droopsnoot" nosecone, but with a standard 2.3 engine and running gear as opposed to the HPF Firenza's uprated items, Avon Safety Wheels and a distinctive paint job: "Extra Dark Wine" with bright red striping and highlights. This model was always rare and is now highly collectable. Vauxhall marketed this car as a "hatchback", since it was coming under increasing pressure from new European models such as the Golf that were hatchbacks. However, the Sportshatch shared its bodyshell with the Viva Estate (which was only ever produced in a two door plus tailgate configuration).

Performance was quite brisk, but fuel economy was never the Magnum's strong point.

[edit] Variations

MODEL TYPE	BODY STYLE	PRODUCED	ENGINE	TRANSMISSION
Magnum	2-door Saloon 4-door Saloon 3-door Estate	1973–1977 1973–1977 1973–1977	4 cyl 1256 cc 4 cyl 1759 cc 4 cyl 2279cc	Manual Automatic
Magnum Coupe	2-door Coupe	1973–1975 1973–1975	4 cyl 1759 cc 4 cyl 2279cc	Manual
Magnum Sports	3-door Estate	1976	4 cyl 2279cc	Manual + optional overdrive

[edit] External links

• The Vauxhall Viva Owner's Club (Owner's Club catering for all Viva models)
• DroopSnoot Group (Owners' Club catering for Vauxhall's 'droopsnoot' model cars, including the Firenza, Magnum and Chevette HS/R)
• Vauxhall Heritage (Suppliers of Heritage Vauxhall Spare Parts, closing down apparently soon)
• VBOA (Vauxhall, Bedford and Opel Association)
• Viva Outlaws (Owners Club catering for modified and racing Vivas, owners of the Viva GT Register)
• Viva Drivers Club (Owners Club catering for all Viva models, for owners who wish to drive their Vivas)