The first Viva was launched in 1963 as a thoroughly conventional little car with traditional engineering. This hadn't been the intention, and a new gearbox with de dion rear suspension had been considered for the new small car. However, Detroit laid down that the engineering of the new Opel Kadett should be used in the new Vauxhall, and this in effect dictated its styling - a portent of things to come!. The name 'Viva' was suggested by their managing director and accepted. In 1966 Vauxhall replaced the HA Viva with the 'coke bottle' styled HB Viva hastily designed in Detroit after the British offering was deemed unacceptable. The HB enlarged the 1057cc engine from the HA Viva to 1159cc, but before the end of its production run this small engine had been supplemented by the 1599cc and 1975cc slant four engines from the FD Victor. The HB Viva now came in 2-door, 4-door and 3-door estates, and 556,000 had been sold when it was replaced in 1970. The HC Viva took over in 1970 with an ever larger body, and the base engine now enlarged to 1256cc. Although the 1600 engine was installed it was soon upgraded to 1759cc and 2279cc (from FE Victor). The larger engined Vivas were spun off into a separate Magnum series, and for a time there was a 2-door coupe called Firenza. GM's World Car came to Vauxhall as the Chevette, and after 640,000 cars the Viva name was retired.