Vauxhall FE Victor Road Test 2300S

[@skippmclovan1135]

During the mid-1980's my '69 FD pretty french blue 2000 was retrofitted with a brand new 2300 slant four taken from a factory new 1984 CF Bedford Van which had been fitted as a new vehicle with a small block Chevy 350 V8, so the 2300 was an unused virtually brand new engine. It totally transformed the FD into a genuine ton-up vehicle, which could easily break traction on a standing start. Previously it could not! The only 2000 parts that were re-used were the starter motor parts (which differed slightly in the van iteration) and ALL of the induction tract complete with the Stromberg CD175 carb from the 2000, replacing the van's tiny strangling 28mm downdraft Zenith system. That made the engine 'wake-up' and perform amazingly well with a good bit of ignition advance thrown-in. It was a delightful car that seemed to me back in 1985 to be thoroughly modern, barring just one feature of the electrical system which employed a thermal cut-out for the main headlights. In a pitch black night, on full beam, you could suddenly lose ALL lighting temporarily. In a state forest near Taupo one night that happened to me at 110kmph, on a narrow twisting open road . . terror .. necessitating a full stop without any external vision whatsoever ..hoping NOT to run off the road..! That switch came out after that..! Also the front discs could 'fade' somewhat on very long steep downhill sections of open road high speed driving, such as found in some areas of the mid-North Island, and also on the Banks Peninsula of the South Island. At that time my work vehicle was a Mark 4 Cortina. If choosing which to drive long distances I would have elected for the Victor as the 'easier' of the two to drive. Note: The Victor sported two transplanted very comfortable Ford Laser Ghia front seats!! 🤫

[@ianlowden6168]

My dad had one and I must say it looked great in ruby red. It was a nicely sized family car and served us well. Yes, there were rust issues but overall it was fine and we liked the car a lot. This was 40 or so years ago and I still have the fond memories of my father taking us to places such as Scotland and the Lake District. It never let us down.

[@hughwalker5628]

I had a 1976 2300 GLS. I admit that I struggle to criticise the cars I've owned but my FE had a sense of being indestructible in a way that the Carlton I owned later couldn't match. I very much enjoyed my FE. The Carlton was just a car. And when the Vauxhall badge on the grill fell off the Carlton, there was an Opel badge underneath. And I lived in Luton.

[@jimsimpson1006]

I love Vauxhall’s from this era. Maybe because they remind me of my youth.

[@boneshaker6819]

This takes me back! I had one of these when we had a smallholding in Huddersfield. I used to go to Holmfirth cattle market buying calves and bring them back in the car. Took the back seat base out, and a quick swill out after if necessary. Used to get some strange looks when people realised a little calf was looking at them in the rear window. A very comfortable car, but the rot in the wings was wicked!

[@markstorer7204]

My dad had a vx2300, 1977(s plate) he chose it as we used to caravan most weekends in summer and it was one of the best tow cars he ever had, low gearing and a torquey motor meant nothing passed us on the road when full laden(5 of us in total plus a 16' lunar caravan loaded with gear and awning) brilliant memories 👍

[@davidmg1925]

As you say a towers car. My use to tow alot too. He had a 1600 cortina mk2 , which was quite rare as most of them were 1300s, a Volvo 145 got thoroughly abused with a caravan on the back and a boat on the roof. IN 1980 The volvo got pensioned off for shopping car and a 1750 maxi came. Ironically the 1 st was really high but it did have twin carbs for 90 BHP.

[@markstorer7204]

@@davidmg1925 maxi was a well under rated car, it had loads of torque and power for it's time and cornered like it was on rails.....and carried 5 us luggage in comfort 👌

[@rockyluvinfrnd8180]

The ultimate of this series was the VX 2300 AUTOMATIC....which was built as CONTESSA (but without the engine and gearbox of VX 2300 AUTOMATIC) in India till 2002...

[@984francis]

Underrated car. Very rust prone though. Unique styling I like it a lot. The Ventora was lovely.

[@HubNut]

Indeed. Unloved and rusty - which is why so few seem to remain. Must concede I probably prefer the FD, but these are nice motors.

[@LOTPOR0402]

AS were most cars of the time { 4 years late !}

[@sgthree]

My dad had a 1978 VX2300 which was face-lifted from the one in the video having the single unit headlights with integrated indicators, and it seems, revised interior. Pretty much the same blue colour, but a black interior. Registration was UPK365S. It was his first company car having had a Mk 3 cortina 1600 XL (VTT268J), and the first family car we had with cloth seats, which was a huge relief having had the skin pretty much ripped off my legs by the dark blue vinyl seats in the Cortina during the summer months. Him getting a company car meant we then went to being a 2 car family, as he then bought my mother a Fiat 126 (WPC407M). The Vauxhall was replaced in 1979 by a newer Cortina Mk 4 2.0GL estate in the very 1970s colours of gold with a brown vinyl roof, and brown seats. He seemed to change cars very regularly in those days - I think the company rules were every 24,000 miles!

[@raydoherty5419]

Good review but I could not stop looking at the amazing scenery in the background. Beautiful!!

[@stephenbibby8650]

My Dad had the 2300 S (think it was an S) with an automatic box which I think was a three speed . He bought it new in the mid 70’s. I remember it being a smooth comfortable car. He eventually replaced it with a Carlton , also a nice car.

[@brandywell44]

I had the later and last model VX4/90 in the late 70s. Starting seemed a problem, though it never once let me down. Rust was its weakest point and why we as British manufacturers were allowed to make such poor durability cars is a question that deserves a thorough answer.

[@ic08jy700]

That was the way 70s cars were. If you bought a Toyota, it was rusty before you got it home. I believe it was the Germans and Audi who really started to tackle terminal rust and other manufacturers were compelled to follow suit thank goodness.

[@Steve-GM0HUU]

​@@ic08jy700Perhaps Britain did do some things right before German cars became really popular here? The paint process for the Rover 2000 that went into production in 1963 seemed to offer very good protection (at least until BL wrecked it by introducing changes in 1975). Perhaps one reason why so many Rover P6s survive today.

[@ngauruhoezodiac3143]

Rust was a common problem with all British cars at the time. Even with expensive models.

[@ngauruhoezodiac3143]

​@@ic08jy700 Volvos and Saabs had good rustproofing. French and Italian cars were notorious for rusting.

[@brandywell44]

@@ngauruhoezodiac3143 It never had to be that way. Our domestic industry was destroyed on purpose.

[@raymondnewton2388]

I bought 2 Victor 2.3l in 1972/3 because the first one was totaled and the second lasted me until 1979. I thought they were good cruisers for trips up and down the M1. I also had the use of an estate version with automatic transmission and power steering. Served me well.

[@version736ha2]

Just rewatching your early stuff. These cars were everywhere in the 70s

[@bmw-e30]

The Viva was single handedly responsible for developing a lot of owner related mechanical knowledge such was its desire to break down. We used say back then that it would take you anywhere but wouldn't take you home.

[@scabbycatcat4202]

ha ! to think the VX range was once my DREAM car , ( i am 56 yrs old ) . I had the VX and the Viva estate on my bedroom wall as a kid. Thank heavens no one can identify my !!

[@glenrea]

I have a soft spot for the underdog 70's cars. Would rather have a Victor over a 70's Ford. I agree with your styling comments, the grille in particular needed to be more conservative - A Griffin badge on the Reckord's grill would have worked well, as would all models being fitted with the twin headlamps of the VX4/90 and Ventora versions. All told a well thought out review

[@HubNut]

I'd certainly take a Cavalier over a Cortina (and a sporthatch over a Capri), not so sure about a Victor over a Granada though. Mk1 Grannies just look fantastic. Thanks for the comments.

[@bobmirdiff2043]

I have a soft spot too - Even going as far as Marinas, Allegros, and even a Princess!

[@Dan_druft]

I have a soft spot as well.............. Quicksand

[@allanarmstrong4333]

@@bobmirdiff2043 I suppose someone as to like them.

[@chrisredfield3240]

@@bobmirdiff2043 i wouldn't go as far as the allegro

[@Victor-DOOM]

Any survivor from the 1970s is a great car in my opinion

[@blastproces]

If I was a headmaster in 1975 I’d of had one

[@jimsimpson1006]

And if I had been manager of the Coca Cola factory I worked in (instead of slogging my guts out on the heavy line for peanuts), I’d have had one too m8.

[@szilardtoth8814]

Yeah, on the continent we got this Victor as Opel Rekord-D and GM RANGER 1900...

[@NYChemicalRomance]

Overdrive was such a cool feature. Really wish cars of today had it. Nearly bought an 80s Volvo just because they still used it on some of the 740s.

[@mjames2117]

5 or 6 speed+ manuals or 8 speed+ autos don't require overdrive

[@alexanderheath6662]

In the sales brochures and ads back in the 70s for the launch of the New exciting FE Victor and it's variants - they were called the Transcontinentals. I have owned two FD Victors in my time, and i think in my opinion that they are far more stylish than the next generation FE models, but was still a good looking car all the same and you could still see some of Americanism in the design..

[@davidking9707]

The first car I have driven on the road in 1985!!!! A lovely car. It was badged as a Victor until 1976 then it was facelifted as a VX1800/VX2300.

[@sectionq1]

Had the exact same model and colour but automatic. Had to get rid of it in 2008 when I moved. Loved it. Thankfully it still exists, but with a respray, found photos of it online.

[@zennor_man]

Good review. I think the FE was a step backward...I owned A Victor FD 1600 (with 3 speed column change) from 1972 until 1983...it never let me down & was a real looker! This was my all time favourite....I last saw it towing a caravan up the M1 around 1985 at a good pace!

[@volvo480]

I used to live in an apartment building where there was an elderly lady driving Vauxhall, which was unusual because I live in an LHD country where they'd sold Opel by the numbers. In 2002 her 1972 Viva gave up the ghost and she bought a Victor 2300 Automatic as a replacement. She is still driving the Victor today, I've checked the MOT of the 21-BM-21 and it's still valid and same owner since 2002. Good times.

[@richardhudson-we8mc]

Miles better than cortinas of that time

[@BanjoLuke1]

Spot on with this assessment. An underwhelming car that seemed to announce the start of the slow death of Vauxhall. I would love to see a piece on the FD. For all its faux-American coke-bottle style, it was a solid, hard-working, complete (if flawed) machine.

[@m.v.k4681]

I had a Vauxhall Victor 2300 SL I took my family on holiday from Newcastle to Bournemouth with 5 adults, a dog and a lot of luggage. It gave me an easy 35 MPG, and it was capable of a speed of well over the 70MPH It was my first brand new car. It had a couple of things that went wrong during the 1 Year warranty i.e. it needed a new alternator and a new exhaust as the old one snapped right in front of the silencer box. I loved it and was sorry to see it go but I needed the money for a deposit for a house as I was getting married, I had it for 20 months and did 23000 miles +. Thank you Vauxhall motors for what, at the time was what I think was a fantastic car.

[@sleepycatpictures1176]

Never took to the FE, too cross-eyed for me. My fave was the FD. Mmm, 2.0 inclined four. Inclined not to start most of the time, but, hay-ho. Beautiful styling and came with pop-out front and rear screens!

[@rogerlee6599]

'Uncle Pete' ( R.I.P. ) had a metallic red Vauxhall Viva HC, registration LJK 794L back in the 1980s when he & I lived in East Grinstead, near to the Queen Victoria Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . Moving on, I came to live in southeast Wales in early December 2014 & this video of yours, filmed in August 2014, just before I met my now Wife !

[@googledagain]

This is a blast from the past! In the early 80s I owned the slight facelift version VX2300 estate car, a 1978 on a T. Almost canary yellow! What I loved mostly was its torque, power I wasn’t used to at the time. Mine had a regulation 1970s brown vinyl roof but also one of those super full length concertina sunroofs which I absolutely loved. Of course it leaked but you can’t have everything. The only other thing I remember was poor oil pressure. 20mpg and petrol was £2.04 a gallon at the time. It did come down again a bit later. But I worked on a baseline figure of 10p a mile for decades after that. Rose-tinted memories!

[@wynkindeworde6504]

I had a couple of 2300 FE's and a VX/90 they all had terrible rust problems yet my faithful 1800 FE estate that went on forever and a Ventora FE never rusted at all. I bought FE's as they were dirt cheap secondhand in comparison to Fords. I'd love another 1800 FE estate my first one was near indestructable.

[@garyfisher1503]

Wynkin de Worde they used the ventura engine in the early Bedford tk trucks.

[@russharding6795]

Yeah we had a very secondhand 1800 FE estate that I loved to drive (very slowly) in a very relaxed way, nice shape. Cambelt broke but no damage to engine and no problem to me, then mid twenties, with little mechanical experience, replaced it myself.

[@ColinBarrett001]

It's a little more accurate to say they used the Chevrolet sourced Bedford petrol truck engine in the Cresta & Ventora cars.

[@wynkindeworde6504]

@@russharding6795 My cam belt broke twice both times year apart, on exactly the same bend on the same road! But as you say good times and no vlave damage!

[@briansimpson3110]

I drove a FE VX490 2300 as a private hire cab it was a great car reliable good to look at it did the job well

[@briansimpson3110]

Thank you for your comment its good to know that we are noticed in your busy life

[@andrewwheeler8591]

Dad replaced his 101 for a 73 2300 SL, lovely tow car, pulled the caravan a treat. Good memories 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@SlowMenThinking]

Had one of the FE's in the 80's Funny thing In New Zealand the thing was good No rust Big and Comfy where our speed limit was 100km/h and hilly roads it was great long distance cruzer. I've Driven all sorts of British cars most left nice memories all became a bad memory in the 90's and beyond. The joke was I was driving a 71' Fiat 124 sport coupe ant that thing keeping up with all the performance japanese cars that flooded our shores since the early 90's. Would love to see a review on a Hillman Avenger!

[@skippmclovan1135]

Yep.. the FD was also a lovely late sixties' open road car in NZ ..the roads suited the car well. Later offerings from GM such as the Torana/Sunbird Opel four cylinder CIH cars weren't as good. So, GM came out with 'Radial Tuned Suspension' to try to recover the lost ground that was being soaked-up by the Mark 3 Cortina and other six (and eight) cylinder offerings such as the HQ Holden, the Falcon, and the Valiant. At the same time the Mark 4 Zephyr/Zodiac 'bombed' dramatically!! ..despite having four wheel discs!!

[@danrkelly]

Clear memories from the early 80's of seeing that front end sitting in the driveways of 1970;s built chalet bungalows in rural Suffolk (often alongside the Viva 'wagon' with that fab backend). I new it was a Vauxhall but that was about it.

[@s_class7027]

A lot of these Vauxhall’s ended up in Mauritius 🇲🇺. Remember them well. Lots of blue ones too.

[@lindagray2282]

I bought a 1978 S Reg 2300 in dark red in 1982. I saw it as a beautiful comfy big car. I 🥰 it. Had no troubles at all with it. Sold it four yrs later and bought a black two door Opel Ascona 2.0 Berlina. 🥰that one too. 💁‍♀️

[@CZ350tuner]

My father had a proper Vauxhall Victor back when I was a kid. It was a white F reg and it replaced the white Wolsley 15/60 (The reg was 1790KC). My mother learnt to drive in the Victor and liked the column gear shift, which she frequently wishes her Renault "Migraine" could have.

[@caflee7801]

You can still get one! From India ofcoursel

[@jimififul]

Haha. I watched this a few years ago Ian, but it just came up on my recommendations! Have to admit your current look and style is a vast improvement!

[@petertate5741]

Had the 3.3 Ventora estate (73 model with o/d amazing car !

[@cybair9341]

I got stranded twice in my mom's Vauxhall Victor (in Quebec, Canada). One time, some snow went to the unprotected timing belt and resulted in bent valves. The other time, the pusher plate springs got weaker as they got warmer and the clutch began to slip so much that the car could not move anymore. In both cases I was embarrassed as I had to convince my mom that I drove her car responsibly.

[@kevinmanns7170]

These were infact badged as the Vauxhall Victor. My Dad had an M Reg 1800 Victor saloon in green with a tan interior and a tan Vynil roof. It was a good looking, spacious and comfortable cruiser. The only problem it had was a broken engine mount, so it would feel a bit clunky going over the occasional pot hole. It was definitely badged as a Victor. My brother also had one, a 2300 estate in silver. I remember that was alot smoother than Dad's 1800, and it pulled very well indeed, no bother at a consistent 90+ mph on motorways fully laden. A superb car for its time !!

[@HubNut]

The FE was originally badged as Victor, but they'd dropped that by the time this one was built. They then settled on VX1800/VX2300 depending on engine.

[@kevinmanns7170]

Yes I remember the updated VX range. Cosmetic and trim changes, but essentially the same cars. Always liked the VX4/90 versions.

[@TheHorsebox2]

Very enjoyable. The Irish police have one preserved in their museum. Rare now , I thought they looked impressive enough when new. Love what you do. 👍

[@TheNigelrojo]

I learned to drive in my dad's VX1800. Fond memories.

[@robhosking9399]

I Must Admit! I Liked The Styling Of Vauxhalls Big FE, But Sadly Let Down By It's Lack Of 5th Gear And In My Opinion, Needed A Shorter, More Precise Gearstick, With Finer Gearing. A Good Vauxhall, But Sadly No World Beater!!! Nicely Presented As Always Ian!!!!

[@cjbstevens7596]

Remember one on my neighbours having a mint green vx4/90 version of those on a K plate. Think I disagree about the FD looking better always preferred the FE. Keep up the reviews hubnut nice to see these former-everyday cars going 👍

[@rx6180]

I've liked the transatlantic styling of many Vauxhalls and I think the front of the FE looks influenced by the front of the boat tail Buick Riviera. However despite having a soft spot for 60s and 70s Vauxhalls I've never been able to keep any Vauxhall for very long, including, or even especially, the Opel influenced models. This includes a MK1 Astra and MK2 Cavalier in the 80s, and I've just a few days ago parted with an Astra J Sports Tourer that I could not get along with and will now not look at another Vauxhall. Having just watched your Maxi video Ian, and seen you praise the Land Crab's cousin (I am a BL fan) while most like to give BL products a hard time, I now find myself ever so slightly surprised, yet somehow reassured, that the FE 2300S didn't do it for you after I couldn't wait to unload my Astra J.

[@m.v.k4681]

I had my Astra J 1.4 SRI for 8 years and only sold it when I realised how old it was getting, I had never kept a car for as long. Just shows different people different cars suit.

[@69Phuket]

One of my Uncles had one... Took us on a holiday in N.Yorkshire... He worked at Wharton making jets. I always wondered why he drove such a lump...I was 11. It felt old even in '81. It never broke down... But had trouble on the hill at Pately Bridge!

[@jcobbett1958]

I was employed as a junior salesman at a Vauxhall dealership in 1977. The dealership I was at had been in existance since the 1920's and boy, did it show. They still had an atiquated prince henry model from the 1910's shoved in a lock up garage off site, which I can only presume was an early trade in for a later model! I can also say that Ian is correct about the gearing, the VX2300 as it became known, used to take off like a stabbed rat because the ratios were so close, but it did run out of steam quickly and I can never remember exeeding 90mph ever.

[@plezurhounds]

General styling reminds me of Holden's LH/LX Toranas... Thanks for your efforts:-)

[@JBofBrisbane]

plezurhounds LH Toranas were never that fugly.

[@rossbrumby1957]

It looks like a kingswood, not a torana.

[@garyfisher1503]

I always had vauxhalls, have had hb abd hc vivas, hava vans, fb victor, chevettes, and ha vans oh and a Bedford ca dormobile!

[@firenza74]

Starting problems and running evenly for any length of time was always a problem with these 1800/2300.I owned and drove various Victors, Magnums and CFs through the 80s and they all had these issues.

[@Dan-up6do]

I've always liked the looks of the FE, though you are correct this was the death nail for an Independent Vauxhall.

[@HubNut]

It was the last stab. An Opel with Vauxhall engine and front suspension.

[@Dan-up6do]

@@HubNut If memory serves didn't GM force Vauxhall to just rebadge Opels after this, as they seemed it had sub par sales ?

[@dougowt]

If I could remember the reg I’d know if this was my fathers car! The 2300S was bought second hand from Tom Brown and Sons in Torquay. I later picked up a 2300GLS from a trader at Exeter auctions after it had failed to make its reserve. The power steering belt was making a dreadful squeal and #2 fuse had blown, so the whole dash was off. I caught up with him and got it for £250. A new belt, battery and fuse and it was as good as new. Plus it had ¾ of a tank in it because he had no idea how much fuel was in it 😊👍

[@jeg1972]

My Dad had an FE 1800 Estate, we had it from about 74 throuhg until the early 80s and we travelled everwhere around the UK in it... It brought back some memories, even though ours had bench seats.

[@srichards9707]

Nice work. I tiredly read Classic Hub as Classi Chub. Fits the vauxhall well.

[@huwjones5879]

My mate had the 3.0 Ventora version, it was a 3 speed Auto but never got as far as the 3rd gear most of the time. It was a nice metallic bronze with a vinyl roof.

[@ngauruhoezodiac3143]

The 3rd gear should engage at about 35 mph with light throttle if the engine is properly tuned. With medium throttle at 50mph.

[@jeffallinson8089]

For a big old barge, its a fabulous looking thing!!

[@stevek3036]

i had an FD Ventora and an FE Ventora. Liked the FD the most even though technically the FE was a better car. Prior to them I had a MK1 Granada 3.0 GXL. No contest - the Granada with fully independent front/rear suspension was much more refined and felt better to sit in.

[@szilardtoth8814]

Lagging behind other car manufacturers had been a characteristic feature of GM's Opel and Vauxhall as well as Daewoo. Had been driven a 1980 Opel Kadett-D Base (Vauxhall Astra Mk.1) 1.2 Lit. and that car also wore 4 speed manual gearbox. It was not a big handicap because of the low idling 4 cyl. OHV petrol engine. Anyway, I missed the 5th gear. Later I purchased a 1990 Pontiac Le Mans LE Automatic equiped with 1.6 Lit OHC petrol engine (Family 1). Basicly a Kadett-E / Astra Belmont Mk.2 manufactured by Daewoo Motor. This car was fitted with a 3 speed automatic Turbo-Hydramatic THM-125 (GM 3T40) gearbox. 50 MPH on 3000 RPM! I missed that 4th speed. Basicly it was a very slow car, reminded me to my Dad's olde Fiat car from the '60s. Pontiac kept the korean import Le Mans till 1993 facelifted for that one last year BUT still remained slow with that old 3 speed automatic gearbox. These are the well known T-Platform FWD cars of GM. Later I bought a 1996 Daewoo Nexia 1.5 Lit OHC (Family 1) Automatic. It finally had a 4 speed automatic (GM 4T40E). 50 MPH on ~2200 RPM.

[@buggs9950]

Oh look it's a Hindustan Contessa! I had a 1974 Viva DeLuxe in that colour with those same coachlines. It would have looked great next to that Victor, if I hadn't put it through a hedge..

[@jurivlk5433]

There was a "Swiss Made" version of Vauxhall up to 1973 or 1975! In Biel/Bienne where Rolex and Omega come from, they assembled Opel and Vauxhall cars from the thirties to the seventies. And there was even something like a mix of Opel and Vauxhall called Ranger. I had a friend whose father worked there and he had a VX 4/90 with the overdrive which drove even after 2000.

[@woodbine66]

I like the big Vauxhall/GM cars. Can we have some more Vaux/Opel tests on Carlton, Viceroy, Commodore, Senator, Monza, please?

[@andrewtombling318]

Hi All, i had the vauxuall victor 2.3 vx inherited it from my grandfather in the early 80s still remember the reg, TNC229R, great strong car, nice gold colour. I do know miss her.

[@cornovii3012]

i had a gold one in 1990 when i was 19, loved it,

[@danielkarlsson156]

My mother had a 1977 Vauxhall Chevette Estate (yes, a Vauxhall in Sweden; that wasn't too common :) ). It ran very well until it was wrecked in the woods by someone who apparently thought it was an offroader (not me).

[@donmacalister9323]

When I was a teenager my father had an automatic one of these. He'd wanted a Rover P6 to replace the Wolseley 18/85 as his company car but was told he had to have the 2300S. In irritation and to annoy his MD he chose the bright green version! I only drove it once, briefly, in the highlands of Scotland when I was about 15. It was a comfortable car, even as a lanky teenager sitting in the back; the back seats were sculpted and great for two. I seem to remember he broke two driveshafts over the 6 or 7 years he had it but he must have liked it as he only ever bought Vauxhalls after it, the next being the early version of the Carlton.

[@nkt1]

That reminds me of a guy I knew who had been mucked about by his employer. For his company car, he ordered a non-metallic red Ford Mondeo Ghia, knowing that no one else would want it, then resigned when it was delivered.

[@metalman4141]

Once again a true report on vehicle brilliant

[@Synthematix]

glad i found this channel, it belongs up there with the best on youtube

[@HubNut]

Thanks! Do feel free to tell others.

[@gunner678]

My parents had a victor estate a year before this model but the same shape. It was a nice car and great for towing!

[@nikmwh]

My second car was a 2300SL, after the Mk3 Cortina I really liked it; I always knew that the frontal styling could be considered a bit controversial, but I actually like it

[@HenrysAdventures]

I quite like the front end look!

[@ginggur17]

Omg, my parents had the identical car!!! Memories Ian.

[@missourhenry5961]

My uncle had one of these up on ramps in his garage, underneath was a rover p6 3500 v8. He sold the FE but the Rover was too far gone unfortunately. Great video :)

[@edwinholland6149]

I owned FD & FE victors in the 70s & 80s. All good cars, seemed slightly more refined than the Ford's of the time. Had one of these 2300s for a time also, plenty of power but would definitely have benefited from a 5 speed transmission, very comfortable cars, suspension a bit soft.No power steering as I remember, rack & pinion was geared low enough for this not to be a problem. 2 litre FD was pretty much my favourite especially when fitted with a downdraft Twin choke Zenith carb.

[@sanchoodell6789]

The Vauxhall Victor or 'The Hollies Car' (or simply referred to as 'The Hollies') was an iconic vehicle. Certainly to a 1970s British motorist. The mean distinct grill ( or even the cheekier Vauxhall Viva style grill) and the slightly sloping up rear side doors gives this car an American feel. Infact it (in appearance) had similarities with the Plymouth Fury from the same era. (1969-1979)

[@grahambull9333]

Cannot say i agree to the review But we all have our opinion so well done.. few details wrong Owned my VICTOR and yes it is badged as a victor. For over 25 years and shes still going and been very reliable .. and always Not sure why but my victor does a very comftable 70.. will do a cumfy 80 .. infact on motorways people are shocked as keeps up with modern traffic supprisingly well Best of luck

[@Robhalifax]

I really like the styling. Its a handsome car.

[@lesrogers7310]

This car had a slanted/tilted engine design. While power was ok, this design led to almost constant oil leaks. The one I personally owned back in the early 80's caught on fire due to oil leaking onto the exhaust manifold! Another big bugbear with these was the hideous Stromberg carburettor was forever needing diaphragm replacements & had to be kept topped up with engine oil. I never thought putting mineral oil anywhere near rubber was a great idea, but we had no choice back then.

[@Sedan57Chevy]

I'm really starting to get into these British "malaise" cars. Much like their American counterparts, a lot of models from this era seemed to be maligned for being too old fashioned even for the time, oddly or over styled, and generally forgotten. As someone who will probably never get to see one of these in person, thanks for sharing this one on video and introducing me to it!

[@sanchoodell6789]

The Vauxhall Victor or 'The Hollies Car' (or simply referred to as 'The Hollies') was an iconic vehicle. Certainly to a 1970s The mean distinct grill (or even the cheekier Vauxhall Viva style grill) and the slightly sloping up rear side doors gives this car an American feel. In fact it (in appearance) had similarities with the Plymouth Fury from the same era. (1969-1979) This also helped increase the car's appeal to the British motorist.

[@jimdavis8804]

I had a velox. When I was a teen. Had turn signals on the doorpost.

[@gixxerman0016]

My dad had an S reg (1977, I think) 2300GLS. I remember it being a very comfy car. It was a metallic red with a light tan vinyl roof, quite handsome with its twin headlamps. I do think my dad was pretty underwhelmed by it. As a teenage passanger I liked it.

[@alistairshaw3206]

I had the same model, 2300S. It was one of the best cars I ever owned! I even got it for nothing! I had it for years until an uninsured driver ran into the back of it. Far superior handling to a Cortina.

[@StuartOliver83]

Another great vid,I’m addicted mate

[@petersullivan3012]

I had the Victor 1800 version of this, it was my first 'big' car and I loved it, although it was certainly lacking on the motorway. Was still sad to see it go.

[@m.v.k4681]

Totaly underpowered I thought so I bought the SL2300 1972. I sold it to get the deposit to buy a house and get married. It was just at the time of the oil crisis in 1973/4

[@Nitro-bp2ss]

Have always wanted one of these

[@clareteverywhere8020]

I've just realised where BMW got their inspiration for the grille on the new 4 Series.

[@BarryCatt]

I've owned two Victors - MNW487L, an 1800 when it was a year old and SLT758L, a 2300 auto when it was ten years old. Loved them both and even the old one didn't suffer with any of the faults made in the review or the comments (rose coloured specs syndrome, I expect). The 70's gave us over the top design or, conversely, completely banal. The FE falls into the latter looks-wise, but I have fond memories none the less.

[@ianhand5006]

My Grandad had one of those new in 1975. It had a mono radio cassette as standard, which was unusual back then. The gearstick broke when it was only a few months old.

[@ianhand5006]

It was HRE224N bought new from Hanley Motor Mart.

Don't forget there were not many motorways in 1974. Most journeys were done on A roads at considerably lower speeds. The Chevette was a major change when it came in, as was the Cavalier, because they were sleek, different, and, well, German...

[@HubNut]

There were enough. People were becoming more mobile, yet the British motor industry seemed to almost entirely ignore motorway cruising speeds. Triumph 1300s are painful above 50mph.

HubNut But not many people owned cars then. Regular access to a car car would appear to have more than doubled, but the population has also increased by 10 m in that time. And it's not just old technology, but thirsty motors. Don't forget the impact of the oil crisis in '73. It put paid to some cracking European motors, even new ones, and coincided with the rise of the super mini, Yes, with the Golf, but also the establishment of Japanese cars with the Datsun Cherry.

HubNut Also, the 1300 was old technology, but until we can burn fuel more efficiently, we shouldn't be going much over 55 in any case...

[@rickerbyct]

Most of the UK motorway network we know today was in place by 1974 including the M1 M6 all the way to Carlisle most of the M4 and the M5. Very little mileage has been added since the 70s - completion of the M25 the M40 and various upgrades to the A1

[@davidmg1925]

Yes I agree , they always seemed to have missed the trick in the '70's. That one did sound a bit noisy yes and fuel consumption was never something they were to publicise. Twenties I suspect if you were lucky. Fords would have been high twenties maybe 30.

[@johnturner561]

my dad had the more powerful version of this motor the vx490 loved that car and so comfortable

[@micktaylor9332]

When i was young my dads friend had this car. He died and left the car to my dad. Remember the car well.

[@dezmondwhitney1208]

My late Father had a 2.3 model in the mid 70's, the exact model and spec I do not remember. I drove it with a provisional licence under instruction quite a bit. For the time, it looked quite the executive car and had presence and some style. The car went well, was roomy and comfortable. It grew on you. Not too Shabby for a car made 45 years ago. Did it have an automatic choke? I cant remember.

[@nigelcharlton-wright1747]

A much better looking car compared to some of it's rivals. Pity it was let down by minor details, OK refinement is not minor, but you know what I mean. But these cars were much better than the Hillman Hunter and Morris (Minor/Herald) Marina, a very dull car! My dad had one after owning an Austin 3 Litre Money Pit Edition in the '70's.

[@owenlewis8006]

My dad had the FE vx490, overdrive and twin carbs. Quite a decent machine in the '70s but very thirsty and immensely rust prone.

[@HubNut]

Aye. One reason they are now quite rare. Shame they deleted the overdrive option though. Having driven the identical Vauxhall Heritage 2300S some distance, taller gearing would help both refinement and economy.

[@owenlewis8006]

My dad had the vx4/90 FE with the o/d box. Chiefly remembered for: it went like stink, it was very,very fuel hungry and it was terminally rusted out by 8 years old.

[@bcfairlie1]

I,agree. Keeping the overdrive would have ensured that the FE was better than the MK3 Cortina

[@jaggass]

these victors used the vauxhall slant 4 engines which also found in bedford cf vans. i think the slant 4 engines was the last vauxhall engines made before they used opel engines