This is a comprehensive Operator Manual for the
1962 Victa models:
- The
FOUR STAR 4-stroke
- The
SHEERLINE 2-stroke
- The
STANDARD 2-stroke
- The
UTILITY 2-stroke
Hello
ODK History Lovers
Victa led with four models for the
1961-62 lawnmowing season.
The
Four Star (4-stroke), the re-styled
Sheerline (2-stroke), the re-styled
Standard (2-stroke), and the new, entry-level
Utility (2-stroke).
These replaced the thee-model line-up for 1960-61: the
Sheerline,
Four Star and
Standard. So, the
Utility was
new for the 1962 range year.
I have always wondered why the Sheerline was re-styled - with such
a less-exciting, squarish cowling. The answer must lie in marketing: the
top-line 2-stroke
Sheerline had to match the style of the new square-
cowled Victa
Four-Stars (aka Kirby-Tecumseh). Hence a squarish
cowling for the
Sheerline.
[I always found the first model Sheerline the more attractive of the two.]
Also note that the new Sheerline cowling had to accommodate
the new
impulse starter of the Four Star! These top-line
models had to match - feature for feature.
The beautiful rounded-lines of the original
Sheerline cowl was
now used on the ageing
Standard. The first
Utility would inherit
the ageing
Standard cowling.
In print advertising, Victa certainly understood the impact of the new
4-strokes to the Australian rotary lawnmower market. There was equal
treatment of the 2 and 4 stroke models in the conservative, masculine
ads of the day.
[I love Dad playing with son with train set in second ad. The
message is subtle for some ... I mean "all aboard ..."]
Victa was the new toy on the block.
How ironic: today, many mowers
are toys!
TO BE CONTINUED ...