You have to have a set of agreed upon and followed rules for how decisions are made and how disagreements happen,” Van Tongeren said. “Prioritizing the family relationships first and making sure those are strong is key to a successful family business.” Looking forward, we are laser focused on continuing to build on our on-premise business with our food service distributors, cafe and restaurant partners,” Van Tongeren said. “We’re aligned, and we are all considerably focused on the health of our team.” Engine all-iron, ohv 1057/1159/1256cc or ohc 1599/1759/1975/2279cc ‘four’, single Solex, Zenith or Stromberg or twin Stromberg carbs

Growing up and watching his father run Ferris is a continued source of inspiration for Van Tongeren. The extra weight of the 2in wider body with 1.5in longer wheelbase killed the performance and economy of the base model, however, and bigger engines were needed to make it go: the base HC was actually a second slower to 60mph than the base HA, with the same top speed. Today, the performance models are coveted but they still barely justify restoration costs, and the union of rust and low values has left just a few hundred survivors from the 1.5 million built. It’s only right that values are at last rising. It was therefore a little surprising that the Viva grew significantly in size for both its second and third incarnations: the HB was almost a completely new car, with all-new shell and suspension, 4in extra wheelbase and a 6in longer body. Ferris Coffee & Nut is among the minority of family-owned businesses historically with a clear succession plan, according to recent surveys and studies. A 2021 PricewaterhouseCoopers survey found that just 34 percent of family businesses nationally have a “robust, documented and communicated succession plan in place.”An excellent family car, it gave Vauxhall a useful slice of the small-saloon market – one it hadn’t entered before. There’s a world of difference between a 1057cc HA and a 2279cc HC (though the last HCs reverted to round instruments after many years with a strip speedo), but all Vivas have their own charm. The HC was a mild rehash of the HB: praised at its launch for improved spaciousness and refinement.

Suspension: front wishbones, transverse leaf spring (HA) or coil springs (HB/C), anti-roll bar (GT/HC) rear live axle, torque tube and semi-elliptic springs (HA) or four links and coil springs (HB/C), Panhard rod (GT), anti-roll bar (Firenza 2000); telescopics f/r The base engines are fine for pottering around and quite economical, with great practicality. The overhead-cam engines brought a new world of performance, especially in GT and 2300 form with good handling, though they can be thirsty.Not surprisingly, it’s the most sought-after and valuable production Viva now, though specials such as the Brabham, Crayford convertible and Lawrencetune GT will inevitably command more. Worn carbs are the usual cause of poor running but parts are available, as are components to rebuild engines if needed. Work ethic was instilled in our house at a pretty young age,” he said. “Seeing the amount of effort that it takes to run a business has certainly been something that I’ve always appreciated from him.”