by Colin » Sat Jan 19, 2019 11:11 am
Morning Craig,
Yes, your car is very rare. All OHC (1600 / 1800 - 2000 / 2300) Vivas are now very rare. So don't scrap it. It will be worth something.
Value depends very much upon condition and body style. There is a bit of a pecking order in Viva values. Coupes (Firenzas) and two door saloon models tend to be worth more than estates which in turn are probably worth a bit more than four door saloons. But condition is everything. For example a mint condition estate is going to be worth more than a very rough and rusty coupe.
The most valuable cars are probably HP Firenzas which, in good condition, are now commanding £20,000+ values, with Firenza Sport SLs, Droop Snoot Sportshatches, Viva GTs and Brabhams not that far behind. When very occasionally sold in good condition (they rarely come on the market) these rare 'sports' models are now realising £10,000 - £20,000 values.
Magnums and OHC Viva HC saloons (1800 and 2300) sell for less than Droop Snoot Firenzas and Sportshatches, although a good 2300 Magnum Coupe (if any survive) will be a desirable and valuable car.
Next come OHC Viva 1800 and 2300 SL and Deluxe models - like yours. Again ultra rare two door 2300 OHC cars are worth quite a lot more than 1800 four door saloon models. OHC Vivas go for between about £4000 and £8000 in very good condition. Rough cars considerably less. A very rusty 1800 four door Viva will be worth less than a thousand. Unfortunately automatics tend to be a bit less popular - and therefore slightly less valuable - than manual cars.
Lastly, the least sporting and hence lowest value economy model 1256 and 1159 OHV Vivas are probably the least sought after - with 1256 model four door saloon HC Vivas being probably the most numerous and hence commanding the lowest values. Very good examples change hands for £2000 - £4000. Rough, rusty four door OHV cars sell for just a few hundred pounds.
Desirability (and hence value) depends almost entirely upon condition and the 'sportiness' of the model. Join the club to access the 'Cars for sale' section to get a good idea of what is available and at what price. Alternatively, search ebay and Car and Classic websites to see what people are asking for their cars.