MEET THE OWNERS – FRED DUKES AND ADRIAN MILLER WITH THEIR VAUXHALL VIVA BRABHAMS

Some vehicles take on an almost mythical quality; such is their rarity; the Morris-badged Metro Van, the basic-specification Austin A110 Westminster and, of course, the Brabham Viva HB. You are more likely to have seen the 1967-vintage advertisement featuring Sir Jack and bearing the headline ‘What happens when a 3-times world champ breathes on Britain’s most exciting light saloon?’

Today, just six Brabhams exist in the UK - which is why we are delighted to present these two ultra-rare survivors. Fred Dukes, the chairman of the Vauxhall Viva OC, owns the green 1968 SL and the 1966 Pageant Red model belongs to Adrian Miller, the Club’s founder. The latter is both the only known De Luxe and the oldest surviving Brabham.

Adrian points out that Sir Jack’s car conversions, based in Woking, ‘financed his team’. The operation embraced Rootes Group products, MGBs, Triumph Heralds and, from 1964 onwards, the Viva HA. For £160, you could treat your Vauxhall (new or used) to lowered suspension, a ‘body flash’, an anti-roll bar and an enhanced power plant capable of a 90 mph top speed. Brabham eventually produced some 500 “GTs”. One is known to survive in Australia and it is currently a full restoration project that has been off the road for the past 46 years. Watch out for a blog later this year.