• Exceptionally rare

• Only two previous owners

• Very low mileage

• Immaculate bodywork

The Vauxhall Victor was produced in a range of models between 1957 and 1976 and replaced the outgoing Wyvern and FC cars. Taking it’s styling cues from the contemporary, so called, “coke bottle” designs emerging from Detroit, the FD series Victor (and VX4/90 and Ventora models) were based on the new Opel Rekord floorpan and offered the first mass produced belt driven overhead cam 1599cc and 1975cc engines.

First shown at the 1967 British Motor Show, the FD Victor saloon was dubbed “car of the show”. The 3300 estate came along in 1968 and was the only Victor offered on the domestic market with the 3.3 litre engine borrowed from the Cresta. The FD range briefly became Britain’s most exported car.

Less FD cars were made due in part to ongoing strike action and a reduction in export markets during the early 1970’s. Research suggests only 693 Victor 3300 estate cars were built. 

Launched in 1972, the FE was the last of the Victors and represented the last Vauxhall to be designed independently of Opel.   

When you consider that most Vauxhall’s of this generation literally dissolved in the British weather, this extremely rare example is definitely a survivor and worthy of admiration.

First registered on the 1st August 1969, early history is currently unknown but the current owner understands that it was in storage and in a private collection for some time. 

Following some online digging around, this Victor was listed at Mathewsons Auctions, Yorkshire during February and March 2020. They noted 67,000 miles on the clock which was warranted by the previous owner who appears to have owned the car for 43 years and knew the first owner.

We don’t know for sure, but judging by the condition of the bodywork, a full or partial restoration may have been carried out during 2020. The current owner then acquired the Victor on the 10th June 2021.

There isn’t much accompanying paperwork with this stunning Victor, but the V5, in the current owners name, is present and a copy of the current ‘Pass’ MOT which was done at 68,328 miles and runs until the 2nd June 2022. 

This Victor has only covered a 1,000 miles or so during the last year. The online tax record shows an expiry date of the 1st June 2022 and the correct looking Vin plate is attached on the nearside Inner wing.

  

As estate cars go from this era, this later bucket seat model is refreshingly luxurious with it’s black and grey leather upholstery and complimentary door trims with a tasteful wood-look dashboard.

The extremely spacious and simple design of the cabin feels cosy and yet light and airy with the added bonus of enough space in the back to hold a party.

The owner assures us that everything operates as it should, and generally speaking, the entire interior is in really good condition. Sure there are one or two very minor age-related marks here and there (see photos), however, this rare estate is very presentable and consummate with the low mileage.    

The slim steering wheel features an ‘energy absorbing’ notice and the well laid out instruments and switches are clear and easy to access. The 4-speed floor mounted gear lever is light and positive and a ‘pull and twist’ style handbrake sits under the dash. Period Britax inertia front seat belts are a great feature.  

The carpeting looks virtually new throughout and even the loading area is pristine along with the trim and a fantastic roof lining. An original spare wheel and usable tyre are housed neatly in the rear.     

Wow! - how many 1960’s Vauxhall’s have you seen in this condition?. As mentioned, being the subject of a body restoration at some point, the paintwork can be described as immaculate. 

The silver metallic paint is very glossy and even. We couldn’t detect any dents or dings down the sides or stone chips for that matter. The wheel arches, door bottoms, sills, bonnet edge and tailgate all appear free of any bubbling or visible rust.

The panel gaps are pretty even, the stainless steel trim and front grille fit well and chrome items such as the door handles and bumpers are also very good. The windows and lights look scratch and crack free.

The underneath is very clean and well undersealed. In fact a small window sticker indicates that this Victor may well have had additional 3M underseal applied from an early age. Lastly, this Victor sits on befitting Rostyle wheels with a set of legal Toyo 175/70R13 tyres.   

Upon opening the bonnet, we are presented with a beautifully clean engine bay. The bonnet itself has been painted with sound-deadening paint, the inner wings are as shiny as the exterior and the

original looking specification components are very well detailed.

This rare Victor 3300 is propelled by the potent 3294cc OHV naturally aspirated six-cylinder engine producing around 124bhp. Rather than a three-speed, it features the desirable 4-speed manual gearbox (only offered on the FD 3300 estate), rack and pinion steering, beefed up rear suspension and front disc brakes.

The current owner has attended to the regular servicing requirements to keep this lovely Victor in good health and having taken it for a quick spin, we can confirm that it appears to drive very well. The smooth and quiet engine, gear change, steering, suspension and brakes all sound and feel up together.   

Design wise, the FD Victor’s crisp styling was ahead of it’s time and has subsequently stood the test of time extremely well. The highly desirable 3300 estate is without doubt a very rare and appreciating example of the FD range. With effortless performance and bags of space, it is very practical too.   

This particular beauty is a must for any classic Vauxhall enthusiast. It’s originality, stunning bodywork, interior and detailed engine department makes it the ideal candidate to display at classic car shows (if that’s your thing) and you can really enjoy driving it with the whole family, picnic basket, chairs and the even the dog in the back!. Ultimately, you’ll be hard pushed to find another one in such good condition.


Notice to bidders