1973 Vauxhall Victor Transcontinental ES 1.8 from UK and Ireland
Summary:
A 70's Cruiser
Faults:
My Father had a Victor FE, bought new in August 1973 - Just in time for the new M reg! The car was a special edition "Transcontinental ES" model and replaced an old mark 2 Cortina.
The Transcontinental ES package added a vinyl roof, cloth seats (unusual in 73), head restraints and, wait for it - Hazard warning flashers!
The car was surprisingly roomy and comfortable, providing Granada sized accommodation for the price of a mid range Cortina. However, a wallowy ride spoiled things and regularly induced sickness in rear seat passengers.
For a 1.8 the car was slow! The engine was strangled by poor breathing and gave only about 70 bhp. In a big car like the Victor it had its work cut out and it drank fuel as a result. The fuel crisis hit just as Dad took delivery and it cost him a fortune to run it!
For a mid 70's car I suppose it was reasonably reliable, but by the time he sold it in October 1979 rust had taken hold in the sills and front wings and those cloth seats were thread bare. Imagine writing that about a 6 year old car today!
General Comments:
A car of its time.
A Triumph of style over substance!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 14th February, 2006
10th Jan 2007, 17:55
Actually, the FE series Victor and its derivatives (VX4/90, Ventora) was no more or less succeptible to rust than its mass market rivals.
How many Consul/Granadas, BLMC 1800/2200/Princesses, Hunter/Sceptres, Chrysler 160/180/2Ls, Fiat 132s, Renault 16s, Peugeot 504s and such do you still see these days?
Considering that the FE sold in far fewer numbers than most of its rivals (it was a marketing failure), the proportion that survive today bear testimony to just how well they have lasted.
30th Jul 2006, 19:47
I agree - they weren't built to last. My dad owned a '73 vx490, a lovely pokey car, but it was falling to bits by the time it was only 8 years old.