UK AUTO Articles VAUXHALL VICTOR Robert Stewart

British Chevy - Vauxhall

Vauxhall built it’s first car in 1903 after first establishing it’s name as a boat builder. In 1905 the company entered its first Tourist Trophy race and from that point on the marque began to establish itself. In 1910 a 3 litre model did well at the Prince Henry Trials. Subsequent Vauxhalls became known as Prince Henry models. In the mid 1920’s Vauxhall found itself in financial difficulties and GM stepped in to take over the company. By 1928 GM’s stylists were influencing the Vauxhall line. The 20/60 6-Cylinder had a more than coincidental American look about it. GM engineering appeared in the form of its knee action independent front suspension on all small Vauxhalls in 1935.

In 1938 Vauxhall led the British car industry by introducing its unibody Vauxhall Ten. After the war Vauxhall’s first all new models were the similar bodied Wyvern 1442cc (4-Cylinder) and the Velox 2275 cc (six cylinder). These cars were restyled in 1951 and were joined by the up-market six cylinder Cresta. Then in 1957 a new and thoroughly modern American looking Vauxhall Victor, complete with wrap around windscreen, dollar grin grille and fin like tail end. A 1507cc, 4-Cylinder overhead valve engine, coupled with a 3 speed gear box. Vauxhalls were sold in North America by Pontiac dealers. Six cylinder models and the option of an automatic transmission along the same styling lines. Appeared in 1959. In 1962 the Victor styling was updated and power rose to 56 hp. In fact a twin carburetor version was rated at 71 hop fitted with disk brakes and known as the VX4/90. By 1964 Vauxhall Victors were no longer being imported (officially 1962 was the last year although some leftovers were sold as 1963’s), but remained available in Britain until 1966 before being replaced by an all new version.

Rob Stewart grew up with British cars. His Dad always had Jaguars, Sunbeams, etc. Rob now owns a number of British cars Land R0overs and A40 Austin, a Spitfire these are restoration projects, as well as an everyday Jag. His pristine looking Vauxhall Victor was purchased from the Peterborough area where it had spent most of its life since leaving the Luton factory in 1961. Rob noted he hadn’t really been looking for a Vauxhall but when he heard of the little saloon car he decided to take a look at i. The car had been described by the third owner as excellent. This proved to be an accutate description and Rob immediately fell in love with the 4 door.

His Victor is a Series 2 model, (Super) which was first introduced in 1959. This second generation edition featured a wider rectangular grille with smaller parking lights. New bumpers and tail lamps, different side molding s two tone paint,. As well as the 1961 changes which included additional Vauxhall lettering and a grille emblem were evident on Rob’s Vauxhall. The saloon weighted in at slightly more than one ton, the 92 cubic inch four cylinder breathed through a single Zenith carburetor. Performance was adequate (0-60 in 31 seconds) with a top speed of 72-74 MPH. At the same time gas mileage reached 28-31 MPG.

I had the pleasure of driving Rob’s Victor. The standard 3 speed Column shift was ultra smooth and visibility was great with tits generous green house area. Its large vinyl upright bench seat was comfortable. Ride and steering were good. In fact the car was easy to drive and quite charming with none of the quirkiness often associated with little 1950’s foreign sedans.

Rob Stewart of Ontario purchased his 1961 Vauxhall Victor Super 4 door sedan a few years ago. This little 4 cylinder white and black saloon car had a mere 33028 original miles on it. Its first Peterborough owner was very protective of the car and rarely drove it in poor weather. As a result the car remains in basically showroom stock condition . The exterior paint work is a combination of original paint and a minor re spray. The white paint is mostly original with only the hood and head lamp bezels having seen new paint. Rob figures the black on the lower body and wheels were re painted around 1988. The shine remains excellent with only minor scratches and paint chips on doors, hood, fender that have all been touched up. The engine compartment paint and very original engine is in good condition whereas as the trunk apart from some dulling and fading of the paint is in excellent condition. The body and fenders are solid unlike most of the examples of this model I’ve seen. The only body work ever performed were some minor repairs completed in 1988 where the rear dog leg meets the rocker. Rob would like to replace the original grille badge, because all the other nameplates and badges are in such excellent condition . All the bright work is in good condition although grace with a certain patina.

As already noted the engine is original, having never been re-built or modified. About the only major part having been replaced is a water pump in the 1990’s. One of the key reasons for this, of course is the fact the car has been regularly serviced since new. The chassis is as solid as a rock having been oil sprayed, Rob believes , since new. Giving the Victor a little style are the General Sprint tires with wide whitewall stick-ons. The original black paint, steel wheels with factory fitted chrome hub caps will be repainted factory gray. Inside all the instruments remain in excellent working order and the usually venerable plastic steering wheel and chrome horn ring and badge look brand new. The red vinyl seats are in very good condition, the front bench having been replaced with similar vinyl, but unfortunately no pleat. Overall the mostly original condition interior, is in superb condition.

Malcolm Gets in the Shot Again!

Rob is the fourth owner. He was fortunate to purchase this English family sedan with its original tools, a driver’s manual, a heater, block heater, and a nice period piece, map holder. Rob only drives his Vauxhall a maximum of 1000 miles per year at speeds not exceeding 50 MPH. Although these sedans were produced in relatively large numbers(total Vauxhall production of all models dropped to 85,000 units in 1961 - almost half of the 1906 level), just a few running examples appear to exist in Canada. All other Victors I have come across have either been ravaged by rust with botched repairs, or could at best be considered parts cars.
But perhaps help is on its way. Roger Tipple recently notified me he is attempting to form an English Saloon Car Club which will cater of we Austin, Morris, Hillman, Singer Vauxhall, English Ford and Sunbeam, etc. 4-doorers.

Since this article was published the club did form, visit the British Saloon Car Club of Canada, a club that Robert Stewart is active in.