Vauxhall Victor FB Est
ENGINE 1508cc/4-cyl/OHV POWER 49.5bhp@4600rpm TORQUE 85.6lb ft@2200rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 78mph 0-60MPH 23.7sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 22-29mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, four-speed manual MoT 12 months from sale ODOMETER 56,894 miles
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
Expecting this Victor to drive as well as it looks is a tall order, but it begins well with an instant cold start. Gear selection is very smooth and precise from the conventional floor-mounted four-speed transmission.
The steering is surprisingly light, only requiring effort at parking speeds. Performance is adequate in everyday traffic, the suspension provides a smooth ride with no unwanted knocks or rattles and the all-drum brakes improve with use.
BODYWORK CHECK
The Moonlight Blue over Bermuda Blue paintwork is difficult to fault and the panels are arrow-straight with excellent gaps. It’s certainly of concours standard, with just one tiny blemish at the base of the offside front wing and a small touch-in required to a chip inside the petrol flap to report. The silver finish to the nearside front wheel has been marked, but this should be a relatively easy fix. With unblemished chrome, chip-free sill panels and a smooth, wellprotected underside, there is little doubt that this FB enjoyed meticulous care long after its 1996 restoration.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
The deep pile carpeting has been well protected and so is unmarked. Finding fault with the interior is difficult, although the map storage tray under the dash requires a small repair to one corner and the roof lining above the offside rear door could do with re-fitting into the ‘Furflux’ seals. Open the tailgate and storage space is plentiful, although filling it with everyday items seems wrong – best instead then to admire the unmarked chrome strips and perfect flooring.
UNDER THE BONNET
The engine bay area looks a little bland, but is very clean, with just some light stains on the inner wing courtesy of historic windscreen washer failure (since replaced), which should polish away. Vauxhall’s four-cylinder motor shows no signs of any leaks with ample space around it for any maintenance. Just a few hours spent working in this area will reward any enthusiast chasing show-winning perfection. The history file is certainly one of the most comprehensive any new owner could possibly require; every MoT dating back to 1980, plus dealer service invoices and job sheets from 1965-79 are included.
THE CCW VIEW
Buyers looking for a 1960s classic that can stop traffic may not have even considered a Vauxhall, much less a workaday estate. This FB is certainly one of the very best around both visually and from behind the wheel. The performance figures may not excite but that’s not what this Victor is about; this classic is all about style and showing off – two things it does superbly.