IDRIVEACLASSIC reviews: 1960s Vauxhall Victor

[@DerekAyre]

I owned one of these, 1959 model, back around 1966 (not long after passing my test) and drove it until around 1970. Exaclt the same colour as this. I remember how reliable the engine was and had trouble-free motoring and did my first repair (helped by a knowledgeable mate) and changed the clutch that I had nursed for around a year with a slight slip on hard acceleration. I then part-exed it with a '62 Hiliman Minx - another column change.. Thanks for the nostalgia..

[@jheath17]

I was a apprentice motor mechanic in the 60s, my technical college arranged a factory visit to the Vauxhall factory in Luton. I was expecting to see the victor being built but when we got to line there where rows of Vauxhall Envoys being built, they were similar to the victor but with some styling different's. The guide proudly told us these these were the export version.

[@gryfandjane]

Hi, Steph! Nice to hear from you again. As a kid in the 60s, these Victors were a regular sight here in the St. Louis, Missouri area, USA. I was already a car nerd, so when Dad told me these were Vauxhalls, I associated the name with this model... they were the first Vauxhalls I ever saw. Kudos to Tom; he has a lovely survivor here!

[@idriveaclassic]

Ahh no way! I wondered how they’d gone down in America

[@sambone8194]

These were sold by Pontiac dealers in the US from 1958-62. They weren't overwhelmingly popular in most areas, but they did sell well enough to justify their existence for four years. In 1961 Pontiac dealers received the larger and fancier Tempest, which was much more popular and easier to sell. That was the death knell for Vauxhall in the States, although Canada soldiered on with Vauxhalls and Envoys for a few more years.

[@roberttucker805]

@@sambone8194 you would have thought GM Ford and Chrysler would have had the resources to build everything for the American market at home rather than bringing them half way round the world! Most European cars didn't cope very well in the extremes of the American climate.

[@markhealey9409]

​@@sambone8194Canada sold Envoy badged Vauxhalls throughout the 60s & a few in early 70s(only badged as Vauxhalls)

[@PaulinesPastimes]

In the late 60's my brother had the exact same model in powder blue over primrose yellow. I loved it and miss it to this day. I remember it being quite gutsy too. Thank you so much for this test. Brings back lovely memories of my late brother. Cheers

[@idriveaclassic]

Pleased it brought back some lovely memories Pauline. It’s amazing what a car can do to you x

[@markwatkins8122]

An old car is just like an old song in the sense of the memories they can evoke.

[@davidtong2776]

What a neat little car. We can see that you really have good time showing us these old cars. Thank you so much.

[@arthurfirth3366]

I learnt how to drive in a Victor, big plastic "L" plates included. It was like I was stepping into the American automobile dream. The column gear shift made it feel like you were driving a tram. The gear shifts were like a boat hitting a wave, you had to take them slowly and smoothly. My dad took me night driving. It was magic to me, like driving a hoover vacuum cleaner with its bright headlights and robotic dials. It was a colorful encounter. The side 1/4 window could be swiveled to scoop air right at you on a hot day. The door left the wrap around windscreen intruding into the door opening. I still recall my first impressions of this car that was snobbishly looked down upon. To the little car that could, than you. A great cruiser.

[@suttonreid7242]

Thank you for this! My very first car purchase was a 1961 Victor Super, when I was 17 years old in 1966. In California, these were imported by Pontiac. In retrospect, it was a very good car. I drove it one time from the San Francisco bay area where I grew up to Los Angeles. It was fantastic for long, highway trips. Sadly, they were top heavy and I rolled mine while racing a friend on a Honda motorbike. I was able to secure a replacement chassis and after putting my engine and transmission into it, continued to drive the new one. Sadly, when I returned from basic training, my dad sold both of them and handed the key to a Honda 125cc motorcycle that he bought for me in Japan. Mine was white in color and obviously, a left-hand drive. I'm 5'11" and found the car roomy and comfortable. It was nigh on unbreakable. Trust me, a 17 year old buck male at the time, it wasn't for a lack of trying. Oh, the stupid things I did in that car! Also, I purchased oversize tires, 7.50 x 13, which had the effect of increasing the top speed. I'm guessing that we easily cruised down I-5 at more than 75 mph. And Steph? You are adorable!

[@jefferysmith3930]

What a bright cheerful color.... and your eye shadow matches the car! You don’t get that level of attention to detail on Hub Nut. Well done Steph!

[@idriveaclassic]

Hahaha. I’m sure Ian would be overjoyed to have eyeshadow shades suggested to him 😂

[@billg7205]

US 50s type of color, along with the styling.

[@jakebond2294]

Hubnut doesn't even appear to wash for his videos! 😷

[@d.w.j.1114]

Being from the US, I look at it and see a car from the early to mid 50s & though I know it's actually a 1960, I can't get over how cosmetically original & unrestored it is. Beautiful car❤️. TY for sharing this one 👍🏾.

[@idriveaclassic]

My pleasure. Thanks for watching!

[@MattysCars]

You've given me a new found love for 60s cars recently. With the Micro car, the Plymouth and now this. Love the bright colours and design.

[@idriveaclassic]

I’m so pleased! It’s the best generation imo

[@sixtiessuburbia1502]

I miss driving this car, my first love! I don't think I will ever sell it. Its been a shame to see it locked away through the pandemic. As always, it was a pleasure to take part. WOW 56K views!! Well done on putting together such a great video!

[@billmitchell7904]

Great to see a Victor at last. As a lad my neighbour had a '58 that was his pride and joy. All the kids loved it's rock and roll looks. But the rust monster got it quite quickly!! I do enjoy your enthusiasm, you obviously love classics...keep up the great videos.

[@stevekaminski5327]

I worked for a Pontiac dealer here in Pittsburgh Pa in the 80s that sold these in the 60s. We still had the parts catalog for them. You really see the GM influence in the styling. I thought they looked like a mutant 55 to 57 Chevy. My dad had a 56 Chevy that had the vacuum wipers. They sucked. Love your videos. I enjoy seeing these vintage British cars. Keep up the good work👍

[@ColinJaquesNarrowboatBuild]

Was good to see this my dad had one in the sixties it was 3 years old when he got it . As the youngest I sat in the middle of mum and dad and my 3 brothers in the back .brought back memories of camping trips in Devon and Cornwall. Thanks for the video.

[@mmwaashumslowww7167]

Hope you see this Colin 1year on. Similar story here, 1966 this was dad's first car. We went from Sussex to Devon with 7 of us packed in for a caravan park holiday. I was 9 at the time and remember it well. It couldn't manage steep hills with us all inside and we had to walk up to the top. Fond memories, great car for comfort.

[@ColinJaquesNarrowboatBuild]

@@mmwaashumslowww7167 thanks for posting, good to see the video again , all the best to you Colin

[@PaulLemars01]

HOW! How the heck is that Victor not just a pile of rust on the garage floor? That body is in fantastic condition. I went through you're walk around a number of times and I couldn't see a bubble anywhere. This is a very beautiful classic. Props to Tom for finding and looking after what is probably the Best Victor in the country. Lovely review.

[@keithtanner2806]

I think you are referring to the Mk1, the “rocket tube” version, which nearly killed Vauxhall. If you jacked up the Mk1 at the central jacking point with the doors open you woukd never close the doors again!

[@hujjesb]

My Dad had one of these we went all over Britain on our holidays. Happy days me and my two brothers in the back seat . Me with the big road map helping Dad .

[@warmstrong5612]

The British answer to the tri-five chevys, nice!

[@rosskelly4200]

Wow. Thanks for putting me inside an F-series again! As a kid in Newcastle, Australia, I rode around lots with my Dad in the late 1960s in his *blue* Victor, which was getting a bit rattly and leaky *even then*! Holden built them in Oz, and I wonder if they actually did them full justice. Sweet and comfy, the Australian experience was that they were shortlived on our terrible roads of the time. So rare now, they are almost mythological! What a superb example the young man has found and skillfully returned to the road. It seems to me it is a very low mileage example. I have myself driven early Victors, and that column shift is way tighter than any I can remember. In my recollection, the lever moved freely - and even a touch sloppily - on our Victors. Huh... odd. Big boot! Cute instruments! In those days, "doing 60mph" was a rare highlight of the annual holiday road trip! There were only a very few roads in all of the city of Newcastle (Australia) where you could legally drive faster than 35mph. The 3-speed actually made a lot sense for the driving conditions of the day. But the downside on that holiday run up the Pacific Highway was cruising at 50-55mph on roads with a 60 limit. Not because it wouldn't go faster; but because the revs just got up to where you felt the car was suffering. And Ford Falcons, maybe a Valiant or a Chrysler Royal - and even the odd Cresta - climbing all over the back of the car for miles until the next widening of the skinny highway (as it mostly all was). Thanks so much:)

[@PaulinesPastimes]

Perfect memories 😊

[@terribelbliss9646]

I recently found your channel and enjoy your reviews of these 60s era British cars. Many of them I had a Matchbox models. Thanks for sharing. 👍😉

[@richardagent1924]

That brings back memories. My second car, a 1960 model bought for 10 quid back in 1970. Dark red which hid the terminal rust. It was a big improvement on the 100E Pop I'd had before. The gear change was fun, but you got used to it. I have no idea how the owners have stopped it rusting to death. Even the 29400 miles on the clock doesn't explain that, these cars would rust away in the Mohave Desert. Where would you find enough metal to fit seat belts? Brilliant find!

[@McMavTV]

This car looks amazing! My dad had one of these, back when he first started driving in the mid-1970s. This was his first car when he was in the Philippines :) Great video!

[@Allandrover]

The British version of Jay Lenos garage. Quality car reviews by quality car enthusiasts. Well done Steph, love to see more.

[@anthonyfmoss]

As I’ve lived in Luton all my life and used to see a lot of these growing up, I was so pleased to watch this marvellous video!

[@thechiguy38]

My parents brought a 1961 Victor back to the states when my dad was moved back to the US. I remember this car as a kid and miss it so much. I hounded my dad to give it to me when I could drive. Eventually it just sat around and my father junked it while I was in college. I could have died. I just remember being a kid and riding in the back. Our car was black with no radio (what a luxury! 🤣). I do remember being able of start the car without the key; I totally forgot about that. I also remember the sound which this car duplicated perfectly as well at the “3 on the tree”. I would love to find one of these, but again they’ve disappeared. Thanks so much for this!!♥️🤗😊

[@rydermike33]

As you say Steph a very rare car indeed. What a beautiful colour and interior. All credit to Tom for putting the Victor back on the road. Many thanks for a great review.

[@idriveaclassic]

Well said!

[@johnduckworth474]

My father had one of these in a cream colour. It was a smart looking car and with its American styling, shiny chrome, and wrap around screen, it cut rather a dash on the road.

[@jacklee7104]

Fantastic rare cars, I remember a local taxi firm using these in the 80’s! (And a few oxfords) definitely GM/US styling it’s a shame rust killed many. . And the banger racing lads. Great review as always 💙

[@stuarthall2180]

Hat's off to Tom indeed, one of my favourites and from my year of birth ! Rust and more rust from these car's but I have to say this one looks marvellous. Well done you two.

[@idriveaclassic]

Thanks so much Stuart!

[@MarkJT1000]

Nice review and presentation. A fine example of 1960s styling. Always loved Vauxhalls, the Cresta was beautiful. Had an HB Viva years ago.

[@davidclinch1358]

Thanks for this video it takes me back to my first car, '57 F model Victor which I bought in 1965 as soon as I passed my test, and as I worked at a Vauxhall dealer from 1963 to '65 it was an obvious choice. As regards the missing screenwasher on your car, the 'Deluxe' version (best of 3 levels of trim) had factory fitted washers, duo-tone paintwork and other goodies. Your model, the 'Super' was midway in the range and therefore it wasn't quite so well equipped. As regards the brakes, they were better than you would expect - a lady once stepped straight out in front of me in Worthing and the car stopped instantly (no, honestly !) probably saving her life.

[@glpilpi6209]

My friends parents had one in that colour , it was a Super I think , as they hardly used it and it was always garaged it never rusted away like the many others , and was still like new in the late 1960s .Nice video lots of nostalgia !.

[@jkk244]

That weird feature with being able to remove the key and still start the car also appeared on American GM cars too. One time when my parents’ car was in a body shop for repairs we were lent an old 1962 Chevrolet Impala to use. It had that removable key feature and even then in the 1970s it seemed very strange. Oh, and another great video Steph!

[@gaufrid1956]

When I was four years old in Newcastle New South Wales Australia I watched these and many other cars drive by the front of my grandma's house where I lived. Great to see some still on the road!

[@glenfenderman]

Amazing to to see a survivor like this. Back in 1974 my brother brought home an early 60's Vauxhall like that to our farm. You could poke the rocker panel with your finger and it would go right through.

[@chriscollins4375]

Thank you for this video. I am from the UK and now live in california. Behind my house in open space there are the remains of a car. That car is a Vauxhall Victor just like this one. This video really allowed me to confirm what I am seeing behind my house is one and the same. I would of NEVER thought of looking for a british car when trying to identify the remains behind my house. Also I noticed that this was shot in Rugeley (I am from stoke on trent) so it brought back memories of driving around my old hood. Thank you!

[@idriveaclassic]

That’s mental!!!

[@BillMrWild]

I had a 1959 Victor brought it in 1962 when i was 21yrs It was Laurel Green, It was a nice car but the rust was its biggest enemy, the 59 had a narrow rear window, I remember it cost £385 seconhand of cause, got lots of pleasure driving it. Thanks for posting the video on a good old car.

[@timcox7673]

I have a owners manual for EH Holden ,a GM car in Australia, it has a similar system for allowing the key to be removed after unlocking, it explains the reason is to allow you to lock items in the boot and glove box if you have parked in old style parking station where an attendant can move the car without the keys

[@omgdwayne1565]

I remember seeing these cars around Atlanta, Georgia back in the early 60s. They were sold through Pontiac dealers. Opels were sold through Buick dealers. There were a LOT of European cars around Atlanta back then. Love your channel by the way. I really like your choice of cars to review.

[@iswc27]

Hello, Steph! Greetings from Massachusetts, USA! I discovered your channel just the other day though your video on the 1960 Plymouth Fury. Although I'm a classic car buff, I'm much less knowledgeable about those from overseas, but it's certainly interesting to find a charming lady like yourself who shares my enthusiasm for the classics and knows so much about them, and I do know the Vauxhall Victor was sold by Pontiac dealers here in the USA from 1957 to 1961. At that time, the Volkswagen and America's own Rambler were bringing greater interest in small cars and that only grew as a recession came in during the late Fifties. The Victor basically gave Pontiac dealers a small car to sell until GM came up with its own compacts, the Tempest in Pontiac's case. I love the color on this one, and I think your friend Tom has done such a fantastic job bringing this one back to life. I visited London back in the mid-Nineties and I remember seeing a few of the more modern Vauxhall vehicles on the road during my stay. Thank you, Steph, for giving this interesting talk and taking us along on the drive!

[@sixtiessuburbia1502]

Thank you for your kind words, I am glad you liked the Plymouth! Two very different cars for 1960!

[@maryrafuse2297]

Steph, most interesting that you would review this car. It was exported to Canada and my husband's parents had one. Rusted like crazy in the sea side salt air of beautiful Nova Scotia. He has happy memories of summer camping trips with the Vauxhall Victor Super. It languished under a pile of snow from January to March each year from 1958 to 1965. It was replaced by a Chevy II. We just love your Channel and the English cars you feature. Just a friendly reminder that what you call American Cars are understood by us as North American Cars, many built in Southern Ontario under the Canada US Auto Pact. Keep up your wonderful reviews.

[@idriveaclassic]

Thanks for watching Mary! It always blows my mind that I can screen into your home thousands of miles away and share what I’ve been up to. The internet is great isn’t it.

[@maryrafuse2297]

@@idriveaclassic It sure is and it makes life so much better during COVID 19. You have one of the very best Channels on the Net. It's great seeing these cars from your point of view. The skill to restore them is so admirable. In Nova Scotia, where I live, the Austin Healey is a popular car to restore. Most are stored, for the winter, in barns on exhibition grounds and then brought out into the Spring sunshine. Steph, stay well and safe. Keep up your great communication with the world. Mary

[@m.v.k4681]

My dad had an FD Victor it also had a 3 on the tree gearbox, but you could also get a four on the floor. Ah, happy days.

[@DavidJohnston58]

These have always been a favourite of mine, uncle had one when I was a bairn, followed by a Cresta then a Zephyr and a Zodiac, then on to Rootes products. He was the only relative that had new cars as he was a rep for Cleveland petroleum and then Esso amongst others. Spotted this very one on Salvage Hunters earlier this year (or last) with Paul Cowland and Droopy admiring it, good to see it again and get a better look. Love seeing these old cars and you do a great job bringing them to us. Thank you

[@xeroxene]

Just found your channel recently. Absolutely loving it. Watching from Australia.

[@idriveaclassic]

Awww hey!!! You live in one of the most beautiful countries. I’m jealous x

[@friendofdorothy9376]

Cheers from Dallas Texas. I also just discovered Steph’s channel. Seen the Fury, Rolls Royce ones so far and then this one. Loved them all. 👍 Steph, could you hunt down a couple 50’s American cars to drive and all. Maybe a Cadillac, Lincoln or even an Edsel would be cool.

[@neilpiper9889]

My friend had a Victor when we were both 19. I was envious, and my brother had a two tone Cresta! I was still driving a 1937 Morris 8. Their cars were from another planet. It was 1964

[@tankboyful]

great review hun. love the choice of car! very thorough and informative. you are helping carrying the flag for a lot of these old vehicles that are often sadly forgotten by most. keep it up!

[@idriveaclassic]

Ahhh thanks for watching James, hope you’re well!

[@tankboyful]

@@idriveaclassic i am doing fine, thank you for asking.

[@petergouldbourn2312]

You make me feel good ŵith your cheerful personality and your encyclopaedic knowledge of the cars you review. Thanks. Pete 🇬🇧

[@malcolmherbert5127]

The reason you hardly ever see these now is, as other comments have said, that they could probably have won a gold medal for England in the rust olympics. I’m old enough to remember these coming out and they really were a mini American car. As you’ve said, that’s a mk.2, the first series were even more transatlantic in appearance and one interesting little detail involved the rear bumper. Whereas on that model the bumper merely continues to wrap around the rear wing, on the mk.1 there was a large round bulb at each end which was dished in the middle. The exhaust actually emerged through that dished hole on the left hand side. I started work in a wholesalers in Manchester in 1965 when I was 17 and six months later an older guy was started, I think he was about 35, and he had that same model of Victor as your example. It was painted in a duo tone maroon and cream colour scheme and looked extremely smart. When I asked him how he’d managed to get such a good example as they were getting a rare sight even so early on he said he’d been very lucky, it had been hit in accidents 3 times while he’d owned it and each time it had been in a different quarter of the car. He said he was waiting to have the passenger side rear hit by someone and then he’d had a complete restoration. I’m not exaggerating or making this up, it’s the absolute truth.

[@hutchcraftcp]

There is one in a Charleston south Carolina USA breakers yard perched on a shipping container. I'm sure someone has mentioned that they were sold here in the USA. Styling fits right in

[@VauxhallVictorMan]

This is a March 1960 Series 2 Super. A really interesting review of the Victor by someone who has done a lot of work researching the development of the car. All your comments are good and its so nice to see that. Still the owner has got a lot of work to do on the car. If the clutch is biting at the top of the pedal then thats an indication of a worn down centre plate. She should bite from just below halfway and be smooth in operation. I notice she still has the original thermostatic exhaust valve on the exhaust manifold. It must be seized by now. Depending on its position, it will make a mockery of any tuning. New thermostats are available through the club and its worth fixing. Finally all Victors should have AC44 spark plugs and not Champion ones. The engine loves AC44 or AC44-5 plugs. Anyway. Great Video and lovely car especially that interior. Thanks for making it.

[@User2100]

This car just looks so amazing Im already in love it this car seems to have more character then the modern ones today great review of this car! Great job steph.

[@MalcolmWard123]

My first car was a 1959 Vauxhall Victor, I loved it was silver-grey. I brought it in 1965, part exchanged it for Victor 101.

[@11carbuff19572011]

Good girl Steph. You've brought me original memories of a very beautiful old car back to me after over 50 years. Love ya. I've actually gotta scale model of the first original Victor, in Gypsy Red, the exact one that I first remember one of my former primary school teachers, who is now sadly no longer with us, the late Sheila Ann Cooper (nee Abley). The car was originally registered XOJ 573, the earlier memories were circa September 1966 through to February 1968.

[@manthony1956]

This is all so very 1950s Chevrolet. Having owned 55, 56, 57, and 60 model Bel Air, the first thing I noticed are those wrap around windows. The models here in America were known as "knee knockers." I am tall, and the windscreen protruding into the doorway took some getting used to. But one would forget a smack your knees getting in or out. Your vehicle reminds me of the 1957 model because of the color. We always called them turquoise, GM had some other fancy name. This color looks particularly good two-tone, with ivory roof and insets on the rear quarter panels. I am surprised the dashboard is not symmetrical, as on the American models. These cars were sold in the USA and Canada through Pontiac dealers ( Buick dealers sold Opel). I remember seeing them in the salvage yard in the 1970s. But back to the styling. Ignition switch, door handles inside and out. Window cranks, ash tray design, even the six window side pattern. The pleating of the upholstery. The wing windows wider at the top than bottom. Harley Earl's influence is so evident in this time of transition for GM. Though one saw few on the road twenty years later, the Vauxhall legacy was not completely lost here in the States. Small European car bodies were very popular with the drag racing crowd. I saw many an English Ford, Opel, Vauxhall, Fist on what were known as A/ Altered. Extended tubular frames with large American V8s. A second life for many a discarded "furrin" job." Take care. You are excellent as usual.

[@idriveaclassic]

I’d love to test a Chevvy!

[@les8518]

I owned a 1958 Victor in New Zealand exactly the same blue as this one. I loved it.

[@cosmic600]

I think it is awesome that you are so passionate about classic cars.

[@idriveaclassic]

Thanks love!

[@alansmith8837]

Its a rare treat steph because many new victors showed rust thru the paint in the first year, some were even delivered new from outside storage with slightly rusting seams. Still i'd love to have a drive in one

[@danielmcmaster3404]

I love this video. I grew up in Western New York State in the early 1960’s. My Dad had 2 Victors: I think a ‘58 and a ´60. One was a pile green 4-door sedan; the other a grey station wagon.

[@davidgale8390]

My first car!!! Lovely to see and a trip down memory lane, thank you Steph 😁

[@kimkiriniki9433]

Gosh, this brought back some very happy memories. My parents had an identical car in Zambia, Africa, circa 1966. Mum loved the colour and styling but Dad traded it in against newer FB Victor estate in two tone blue. The FB was a lovely car, we travelled throughout southern Africa in it. Many thanks for yet another very thorough and entertaining classic car review, please keep them coming!

[@idriveaclassic]

I had no idea they sold in SA! That’s a lovely story

[@terranceprice7006]

Brings back lots of memories having served my apprentiship on early Vauxhaul`s at a main dealers, the E models, F models and the PA`s. How I thought they were super in them days compared to now, brings back lots of memories both good and not so good.

[@Paul-iv9mt]

I learned to drive in one of these in 1962. It was brown and cream. I remember the year I took my test it snowed on New Years Eve and that snow ( which I had to learn on) was still piled up when I took the test in March. I passed and maybe coping with the snow helped me.

[@gmpltd114]

Great video Steph, my Grand pop had an FD Victor in dark green here in New Zealand back then. Very neat car.👍

[@shaunw9270]

Nice 👌 Here in England ,the first car I ever rode in was my Dad's '66 Victor 101 Deluxe 👍

[@HowardLeVert]

Regarding the radio: it has two wavebands - a fully-tuneable Medium Wave and a preset station on Long Wave, which would have been the "Light Programme" back in the day (but with a slight tweak would now be Radio 4). You get to that by turning the tuning knob fully clockwise. I've repaired a couple of these radios in the past - one for a PA Cresta and another for the much more conservative Gerald Palmer-designed FB Victor. My first car was column-change - a Renault 16 - and I still prefer a column change to this day :) Great video, thanks for sharing that with us.

[@danieljames2015]

I work in the plant that made this beauty. Apart from a few Robots, it still has a very 1960 look and feel to it . Absolutely fabulous, you would never get depressed looking at that pastel Dash , Radio and the gorgeous Dials. But the poor Steel and total lack of rust proofing makes it a miracle that it has survived in this condition. Great review !.

[@idriveaclassic]

Omg do you?!

[@danieljames2015]

@@idriveaclassic ; The Luton plant now a PSA Van producer , but still has the ancient tiled tracks and turntables that these would have progressed along and then parked outside alongside Kimpton Road . A lot of the remaining buildings date back to 1903 , but this once mighty firm now a shadow of its sixties importance, like the rest of the British Car Industry. Vauxhalls were everywhere in Luton when I was growing up, but now I think even the Collection has been scattered . The owner is very privileged to be the guardian of this gem !

[@davidhynd4435]

Thanks Steph, great video. What a lovely, tidy example of the make and in such a pretty pastel colour too. I remember seeing these on Australian roads in the 1970's so they must have sold here in reasonable numbers. I'm not sure why they sold at all given that the FC Holden (1957 to 1960) and FB Holden (1960 to 1961) were similarly equipped (three on the tree, drum brakes, bench seats, etc.) with trendy American styling, including a knee-fracturing wraparound windscreen for the FB, but unlike the Vauxhall the Holdens came with six cylinder engines and oodles of social acceptability. Maybe in an era when every second household had a Holden in the driveway a Vauxhall Victor or Velox was a way to stand out from the crowd?

[@chrismccartney8668]

I had one my first car it was Victor F Reg 368 KkR two tone black bottom grey above waistline had separate from seats (with fake tiger skin seat covers over the two tone grey leather seats) engine very reliable and flexible. Had the chrome radio also I didnt get it till it over 10 years old in the 70s before that it was our family car so had many memories with it When I got new car I sold it to a neighbour who wanted a cheap car and it served him for a few years very reliably 3 gears was not a problem. As it did most things in 3rd gear...

[@michaeltutty1540]

Great video, Steph. That brought back memories. Ma had a 58 Velox until 66. A neighbour had a 59 Victor Super like that one. The Super was the fancier trim level. The Victor was a better car than the Velox, being both more mechanically robust as well as more resistant to rust. When our neighbour was forced to stop driving, another neighbour bought it for use in the summers at their cottage in the country. I have a feeling it may still be going strong. I hope so, anyway.

[@peteredwards338]

In 1965 my sister drove from Essex to Northumberland in a Victor, on the journey part of the n/side front wing fell off followed by the exhaust. They were real rust buckets, a kindly truck driver wired the bits back on- she made it home!

[@philipjohnson4744]

Look brilliant, I took a picture of a 1957 Chevy Belair while on holiday a few years ago at Kissimmee Florida car cruse evening. Same colour and very similar lines particularly rear end fines

[@davidchesterman1556]

Takes me back. My Dad had a 1958 one in the sixties same colour but no radio and it had the two chrome stripes on the bonnet. One everlasting memory is the time the rear suspension collapsed on the driveway, I think it may have been an ex hire car and perhaps abused. He later bought a 1962 FB that had 3 on the tree too and an abiding memory of both cars is very high revs in 2nd gear going up some hills. The FB was probably the first car I drove a country road before the lagal age. Dad must have liked Victors because he bought new 101 in 1967 that had four on the floor although I believe you could still get the column change. I passed the test in the 101 a week after my 17th birthday (mind you I had already passed the same test in my Isetta bubble car which you could drive at 16). I still think I'd like a 101 today it was like floating on air as I recall.

[@idriveaclassic]

I’d love to drive an Isetts

[@shauncheshire7742]

Recently bought the exact same 1960 victor f type series 2 ,although in a terrible state , a project that will keep me out of trouble for quite some time, great video ,well presented , made my day 👍

[@owengoodspeed5763]

My father had a Wyevern, a red and grey Victor FA and then pre and post facelift FBs. I think there was a facelift partway through the FA run as well. The rear wings stick out a bit further than the one my father had. He reckoned that he got 80 mph out of his. He said he only did it once and never repeated the experiment as the feel/handling of the car at that speed was just too scary. Thank you for bringing back childhood memories including long car rides from North London down to Cornwall.

[@andrewthomas7073]

Thanks for the review,Steph. My father brought one from Attwoods in Wolverhampton . I was very excited as I was at junior school at the time. The only things that were different were the rear light clusters, which had a hole at the bottom of the chrome surround through which the exhaust pipe protruded, with a corresponding painted black disc on the other side, and the other difference was that the body was two-tone, grey and lime green! Dad was very proud of it, but was shocked to have the curved windscreen replaced when it broke just before our summer holiday, costing 7guineas!!! Happy days!

[@shaunw9270]

When I was a little boy in the 70's , these are the kind of cars that got me excited . British Fins n Chrome era , like Rock n Roll on wheels 👌

[@idriveaclassic]

They’re my favourite era too

[@shaunw9270]

@@idriveaclassic This is a beautiful example Steph . Who needs speed when there's this much cool going on 😉👌

[@replevideo6096]

I loved this one because I had the same model, actually an FS Victor, identical to the F model except the space rocket bumpers and chrome trims were changed to plain ones to suit British taste. The key feature was to make it appeal to company reps who drove long distances to stop the annoyance of jingling keys. The dash board lights are dimmable to make night driving more relaxing on the eyes. The gear change needs attention because it should be feather light and precise. Screen washers are a legal requirement, and had to be retro fitted to older cars when the law came in. Seat belts were not required then but the Victor body uniquely had mounting points built in, presumable for export markets. So get your pal to fit the washers and belts, and fix that gear change. The hand brake is fly off. You just twist it and let go and it flies into the off position. The car was a real pleasure to drive with the long lasting, smooth and flexible engine which as you noticed, does not need constant gear changing. The down side was that it was a notorious rot box and most of them went to the scrap heap with all the mechanicals in perfect condition. One guy I knew had to have new floor pans welded in his new car under the 12 month guarantee. That's why you couldn't find any, because they long ago changed into ferrous oxide. A special selling point in the brochures was the special rust proofing plastic coating on the underside, which was as much use as a chocolate teapot. The FB model was far better, having all the pluses of the F and FS, with a really rustproof body as well, if somewhat more ugly. These Victors would last way over 100,000 miles provided you got them in quickly before the rust bug devoured them.

[@glpilpi6209]

I remember these models only lasted a few years because of the rust . I saw many examples with rusty front wings when they were newer. Even the front bumper rusted through . It's surprising that any have survived in the UK. I agree that column change should be silky smooth and needs some attention .

[@PurityVendetta]

What a fab review, my only question is why hasn't KZbin recommended this channel to me before? Better late than never. A car I can only just remember seeing on the road. From a time cars were recognisable.

[@paulleighton8522]

Another one knocked out the park Steph. What a beautiful car! I hadn't made the connection to the BelAir influences until you mentioned it but of course Vauxhall and Chevy are both GM. I like it though. I'd buy it now, I'd have bought it then. I love the American styling of fins'n'chrome. Plus as with all your recent videos the new sound setup makes it an absolute pleasure to watch. IDRIVEACLASSIC has definitely become part of my Sunday routine.

[@idriveaclassic]

Aww Paul that’s such a sweet comment. Thank you x

[@petemoxley925]

It’s only now that I realise how beautiful this car is. My friends dad had one of these in the early 60s when I was about 7 years old.. I remember how unusual the shape seemed at the time. Dad was always a Ford Zephyr man. Great video.

[@idriveaclassic]

I love the Zephyr ❤️

[@TheOzthewiz]

Our first car was a '57 English Ford Zephyr with 3-speed column shift. Was a really NICE car at first, but first Winter in Minnesota, things started to break because of sub-zero temperatures, turn signal lever and vent window lock snapped off. Most British cars were prone to breaking in cold temperatures. We consequently, lost interest in this car and traded it on a '58 Studebaker "Silver Hawk". What a difference! The Studebaker was SUPERIOR in every way to the Zephyr.

[@karma133]

This car is in great condition considering the reputation these had for rust. Most dissolved within 5 years. You must try to get hold of a PA Velox/Cresta if you can. This is fast becoming my favourite car channel- keep up the good work.

[@idriveaclassic]

I’m working on it I promise! Xx

[@9610SMUDGE]

Really enjoyed another of your videos. A great trip down memory lane. I really like your delivery style very watchable and look forward to many more.

[@Corinthian44]

A lovely video , I love your enthusiasm , well done Steph . I only came across your site last week , and have already , enjoyed many of your videos . Being quite , make that very , old , I actually remember the cars you test , and owned some of them at the time . Best wishes !

[@malcolmschenot6352]

I had a 1971 Ford Maverick standard shift "three on the tree" column shifter and I loved it. It was quite peppy and got great gas mileage. The drive train was great, but the plastic interior was falling apart. I had to retrieve the crank and hold it against the door to get the window to open and close, but I was young then and didn't care all that much.

[@jonathan461965]

I've got an immaculate '59 in laural green and cream. So stylish and turns heads everywhere.

[@fatduck3344]

I just barely discovered this channel and I think it’s great! So I’m gonna subscribe.

[@idriveaclassic]

Thank you so much!

[@chrisweeks6973]

Nice to see a Coventry-registered car, complete with the dealer's sticker on the glovebox lid. William Brandish & Sons were the Vauxhall main dealer in Coventry, located on the r/h side of Whitefriars Street as one headed towards the London Road. They were also the main dealer for Triumph motorcycles and, in 1960, as a 14-year-old, I used to gaze through their window at the delectable Tiger 110, finshed in black and ivory, complete with the 'bathtub' fairing. My dad bought his new HA Viva Deluxe from Brandish's in late 1963 and I bought a new HB Viva SL from them (GKV 697D) in November 1966. That was a nice car, though with the impetuosity of youth, I decided it wasn't fast enough and swapped it for a MkII 3.4 Jaguar; I should have bought two - one to use whilst the other was being repaired... Such is life!

[@fruitychink]

Great job as usual . I remember most people considered styling just too advanced and purchasers preferred the Minx and the Anglia /Prefect . I drove a later one in an astonishing yellow livery and loved it . Column change was fantastic and always wondered why it became obselete ...presumably linkage issues ?? Keep these coming for old duffers like me !!

[@idriveaclassic]

Hahahaha. You’re not old.

[@dukenukem5768]

The column change was really to allow a 3-person bench front seat. When bench seats went out of fashion, column changes went too. Same reasoning for the umbrella handle handbrake which she did not mention.

[@nigelh4617]

Nice one, Steph. My dad had one of these, first car I ever travelled in. He swapped it for an FB estate, in '63. PS. This one appears to pass the all-important headroom "beehive clearance" test.

[@idriveaclassic]

Hahahaah. My poor hair gets a battering at times!

[@barryhallam1628]

The Bedford CA 'Doormobile' van and Caravelle, used the first Victors as a base. Both the cars and the vans were softly sprung giving a nice ride.

[@arnepianocanada]

Wow! Awhile back I said it seemed a bit hard for one "across the pond" (I'm in Canada) to get all that you said. This was word-by-word clear and lively. Earliest Victors had a 'Darren Dip' (named for US car designer "Dutch" Darrin) in the rear-door sheet metal, but it raised many complaints for being so blatantly American. We got both Victors and Envoys in Canada; even as a small boy I liked looking at them.

[@profrumpo]

Much thanks for yet another superb test, as a youngster I recall seeing these when on their last legs in the 1970's. They were nearly always rusty as although all cars rust eventually, these really seemed to dissolve!

[@idriveaclassic]

Thanks!

[@dwightmoore3060]

My father had a 1957 VV Station Wagon. He bought it in Britain, brought it back to USA in 1959 when his assignment to UK ended. We lived in California. In 1962 we drove across the US to Connecticut to visit family. We made it all the way across the country without a problem. Half way back, in Missouri, the car threw a connecting rod through the side of the engine block, and that was the end of that. Stranded, Dad bought the ugliest car ever made anywhere - a 1959 Chevrolet Biscayne. Hideous, but it got us home. To this day, I still have the license plate and our AA badge from the car. Thanks for the memories.

[@allanloiselle2052]

My first car was a 60 Vauxhall Envoy. I really liked it when it worked, but it was pretty abused when I got it and I did not favours. An easy to drive car, and it had a ton of personality, something my 2015 Chrysler 200 lacks.

[@O1Richard]

The older victor’s, Cresta’s and Velox’s looked more like 1950’s American cars and like in the states the cars got more square and had less chrome by the late 1960’s, a real shame that the cars today don’t look more individual.

[@elephantsmemory3142]

I had a Ventora Agreat engine but the rust on the body was very bad

[@O1Richard]

Elephants Memory Between my Grandad and my dad they had every Viva HA to HC including the Bedford HA van, they too rusted but decent engines, my Grandad had a Vauxhall 10 from the 1930’s as his first car. I’m in my 40’s so I can just about remember seeing viceroy’s, VX’s Chevette’s and the like, still more stylish than the stuff they churn out today.

[@jamesgibson5606]

Just a point on the windscreen washers, I remember going to fill up with fuel and the attendant actually filled the car for you and as the car was being filled up the attendant would clean your screen as part of the service. Great video Steph.

[@idriveaclassic]

They still do this at Teales Garage in Mirfield. Used to be my local when I lived in the old house.

[@andrewp9725]

Really suits you! Great video as always keep it up!

[@idriveaclassic]

Thanks so much Andrew!

[@Roger.Coleman1949]

Great review Steph of an incredibly rare car, even in the slighlty updated F ( A ) style from 1960, the previous model had different trim and bumpers, the exhaust protruding from the extremity of the rear bumper.A friend had an estate version in the same colour VVE 868, also 1960.Tom has done a great job and is a lucky man to own such a fantastic example.Will not quote what Ian ' Hubnut ' would say about the wiper arrangement , everyone will know !.

[@idriveaclassic]

Thanks Roger!

[@jackfishcampbell6745]

I guess they didn't all get rusted out right away. Where I live in Winnipeg Manitoba Canada there used to be lots of these cars around. That was back in the late sixties early seventies. Later on in the mid seventies I had a 66 Vauxhall viva. It didn't seem to have anywhere near the quality of these older models but was fun to zip around in. By that model year it had stick shift and buckets. The electrical system seemed to be the chief problem. Thanks for the memories.

[@danieleregoli812]

Ohh what a stunning car that is!!! Thanks a million for bringing us such a wonderful video!!

[@STEVENSCOTTFERGUSON]

Hi Steph! Just wanted to first say that I really enjoy your videos. I love seeing cars not available in North America. I have been interested in the Vauxhall Vectra for years and was so excited to see you review it. It reminds me of a 1957 Chevrolet. Please keep up the good work and stay safe! I look forward to your future videos.

[@idriveaclassic]

Thanks Steven. You stay safe too love

[@hebneh]

It’s “Victor”, not “Vectra”, and these in fact were sold in North America.

[@STEVENSCOTTFERGUSON]

@@hebneh Yes I have seen one thank you my friend

[@jonathangriffin1120]

Nice one Steph, I remember when the first of the Victors came out, our next door neighbour at the time worked for Bristol Vauxhall/Bedford dealers Welch's in their Cork St. Frome depot and he had a new one, the early ones had two ribs on the front of the bonnet and the exhaust used to exit THROUGH the rear bumper on the left hand side but it used to play havoc with the chrome so Vauxhall changed it. The concave trim strips on the front wings are the last vestiges of the 'bonnet flutes' which were a Vauxhall hallmark right from the start. The reason for their rarity is the fact that they were terrible 'rot boxes' which was a pity because they were a nice car to drive if you didn't want to play 'boy racers'.

[@idriveaclassic]

Ahh that’s where Richard one of my friends lives. Small world.

[@peternutkins2203]

I saw one of these when they first came out in 1957, didn't know there were any left, they used to rust a bit! I had a PA Cresta soon after that, lovely car.