I started about 6 weeks ago with a curbside pick up of a green VC-SPORT. I now have 7 Victa mowers 3 bases to be used. I'm picking up 1 on Wednesday and hopefully 2 more on the coming weekend. I just love these mowers! Art is perspective and I think these mowers, especially the 1970's era, are Art!!!
I've only just found the joy in these beautiful pieces of art! I need to catch up.... 🤣🤣🤣
I found it in the 1980s as a teen when I saw the green 1973 -74 VC 125 mk III and it's deep engine note. I saw two in quick succession and was completely smitten with the styling. They looked like the VC Sports but with less fancy features like smaller non ball bearing wheels and painted handlebars. Other than that, they had the same features as the Sports and Mustang only with a smaller capacity engine. I have been hooked on all thumb latch series ever since and also always loved the Powertorque models on that base.
I used to draw them in class, and the funny thing was the guys didn't care that much, one even thought it was cool, but girls were more derisive by far, except one nice pretty blonde who commented I should focus on the ride ons rather than push models. I had no passion for ride ons.
Another funny thing though is whenever I mention I'm painting up a mower to a female staff member in the paint department, they show interest and think it's cool.
Ahh, if only victa had kept producing the thumblatch catcher series, they would be in better shape today!
Got these 2 today. Curbside finds! 1 Victa 70-71 Utility (Parts reference V83 and a Mayfair. I don't know much about the Mayfair mower but will keep me busy with research!!! The deck on the Mayfair is completely stuffed but that never bothers me! Happy day
That is GOLD!!! Cheers mate, now I want one of those....
That mower just did it for me. It was the first high arch Victa I saw with the old fashioned carburettor. I was totally intrigued at the modern sleek engine cover in combination with that. It would fart and sputter on start up and make a unique deep groan as it ran. It was a sight to behold. I also love how the engine pokes out the side from the cover in that organic way. They look good both with or without the catcher. The second one I saw being used only days later made the same deep groan.
Ahh, if only victa had kept producing the thumblatch catcher series, they would be in better shape today!
So when I found the green VC-SPORT on the side of the road, that was it..... I fell in love with these 70's model mowers.and when I was gifted my best mates nono's mower and saw the original orange colour I couldn't believe just how much that colour popped!!! It's really a beautiful orange! Ahh Victa you've done it again......
First time posting here, I hope I'll be able to attach a photo. I just picked up this old Victa at a junk shop in New Zealand for $18. It's lost its decals, but I bet the forum could help me identify it. Victas of this era are not common in NZ; our domestic Masports are far more plentiful. Orange is the original color of the alloy deck, but it's been over-painted blue at some stage. The remote throttle control has perished.
Last edited by D0nsean; 21/03/2105:51 PM. Reason: Photos added (I think?)
Looks like a 70's VC sport. But im not sure what they are called in NZ. This is my Red vc sport, looks very similar! I could be completely wrong! But I'm sure one of the more senior technicians can help!
Hi DOnsean and Seanoss, that mower you pictured DOnsean looks like a VC Sport with a cover from the slightly later self propelled PowerPlus model. Note the different outline on the front of the dress cowl for the powerplus decal.
Nice pic of a survivor there. Does it work? I imagine getting parts for a Victa of that vintage to be much more difficult your way.
This high arch chassis was feature packed even for now, as was the first VC chassis before it. The ones that stand out was the two piece rear flap which let you insert the catcher onto the machine without having to lift the flap first as you had to in later thumb latch series like the Corvette, Corsair and store brand alloy thumb latch series as well as Vortex and other thumb latch models with the Powertorque engine in the 80s. The other feature was the premium quick release handles which had teeth that allowed you to lock them in varied positions for going under bushes or to increase general mowing comfort. The previous premium mid arch chassis also featured these handles.
Ahh, if only victa had kept producing the thumblatch catcher series, they would be in better shape today!
