OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums The History Forum The Old Soap Box RESPONSE to L.W. Griffiths Show Photos

This is a Response topic for these photos:
https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=68029

I love these photos, when you chose a mower like you choose a new car. So many Villiers 7f engines, Rover used the Villiers then shifted to Briggs and Stratton. The engine boards are interesting, shoppers couldn't care less what's inside a mower engine now only what's on the price tag.

Looking at all the photos I see a lot of Victa advertising but the actual mowers are very thin on the ground and not prominent in the displays. In the 1962 photo I think there is one Victa tucked in sideways at the back. I have heard a lot about Victa dominating the market but these photos don't reflect this. Is this due to the actual mowers being in short supply due to purchaser demand ?

Hi Paul

Yeah, I love them too. They are time capsule stuff.
I guess Victa wins either way. With the 'secret' takeover of Pace in 1959,
a dealer stocking Pace or Victa branded mowers would lead, ultimately, to
the same bank account.

For me, the 1962 photograph is so revealing: the impact of the 4-stroke is obvious,
with VK30 and VK40 engines on the Pace and Scott Bonnar machines, and the emergence of
Briggs engines on other products.

Here I note Victa's claim that in 1963-64 ��there was a violent swing to four-strokes
in the early sixties. At their peak in 1963/64, four strokes accounted for 68% of all
motor mower sales.�
see https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=66878

I was also surprised to see the Rover Slasher and, I think, their tiller.
If the date is accurate - 1962 - then that is also amazing. And Briggs engines!

On the stand in the background there is, I think, a Villiers Lightweight 4-stroke
on a Pace (?).

I can pick out the Pope fuel can, and the Pope, Pace, and Scott Bonnar side catchers.
And look at that original football-shaped Rover logo! What a gem!

Hi Jack,

Thanks again for your picture topic. Some interesting parts up on the back wall, wheels, starters etc. On one of the signs it mentions Wasp as a brand name ? Any info on them Jack as I have not heard of that maker. I understand that Victa still profit from the Pace mowers but it nearly a complete absence of the Victa mowers.

Hi Paul

I appreciate (and welcome) the point you make on the near-absence of Victa on the stand(s).
You are the first to raise that. I believe that the 1960s was not about Victa's dominance at all.
Victa shared the market amongst about half-a-dozen players. It was the leader, I guess, in sales,
but not overwhelmingly so.

Wasp: It is incredible you saw that!
The 'Wasp' is one source of great frustration for me!

This is what I know:-

A 1959 Villiers newsprint advert list the Lawn Wasp as a Villiers client.



A 1960 newsprint advert I have records this lawnmower:-



A 1963-64 Trade-in Guide also lists the 'Wasp'.



The British company Webb mad a mower model named 'Wasp'.
This is of no relevance here.

Perhaps Wasp (and Hornet) were brands linked to Amplion, or ?.
They were, I think, entry-level store brands. I can only speculate...

It remains a mystery to me.

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JACK