OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums The History Forum Model Histories VICTA Models MODEL - The First Mayfairs - c1965-1968

Hello ODK History Lovers

The Victa Mayfair was a low-mid arch lawnmower made by Victa Mowers for specific
and long-lived purposes. It was a Stencil brand mower that was introduced for
specific commercial purposes and sold in store brand guises (and disguises) over
many decades. Though largely un-recognised, it should be considered one of Victa's
most enduring and successful models.

This article discusses the first Mayfairs - the odd-shaped-handled two and four
stroke machines that roamed this earth for three seasons - from 1965 to 1968.



The starting point is a discussion on the rationale behind the Mayfair.
It was Victa's first true 'Stencil' lawnmower, and it would go on to foster
many entry-level store brand machines. I have covered that story HERE.

TO BE CONTINUED ...

PART TWO - SPECIFICATION

There was little change in the specification of the first Mayfairs over
the three mowing seasons they were produced. The chart below is the
master guide to understanding differences. I will reproduce this guide
for each parts list (downloadable) in the next part.

The two-stroke [Mayfair 2] went through three models: 529, 539, & 549.
The most significant change between the models involved changes to the
125cc engine specification; with the most obvious change being the
introduction of the new 5M magneto in the second year.

The four-stroke [Mayfair 4] went through only two models: 520 and 526.
There appears to have been very little change in specification.


Source: Green Book VOL 1, 1972.

TO BE CONTINUED ...

PART THREE - PARTS LIST - Mayfair 2-Strokes

I have divided the parts list into three parts:
Short Motor, Ancillaries, and Chassis & Catcher.
As always, these are downloadable for personal use.

The first Mayfair 2-Stroke used three engine models over its three year span:
17N, 17CG, and 17DD.



The first Mayfair 2-stroke had a magneto upgrade from the 5L to the 5M
in its second year. The carburettor was the 3L for all models.
All models had the 12-246 Impulse Starter.



The first Mayfair chassis is quite distinctive; in that it has the double
bent-up handle bars. All would have the renowned 9C blade holder with its
separate pair of cutting and discharge blades.

PART FOUR - PARTS LIST - 4-STROKE MAYFAIR

I have divided the parts list into three parts: Short Motor, Ancillaries,
and Chassis & Catcher. As always, these are downloadable for personal use.

The first Mayfair 4-Stroke used just one engine model over its three year span:
the Victa 16C, better known as a Kirby VK-30.

PART FIVE - Commentary & Significance

The Mayfair has been largely ignored by collectors; yet it was one of
Victa's most enduring designs. I have argued here that the Mayfair was
Victa's first true Stencil Brand lawnmower.

There has been some good recording of what - at first glimpse - was an
earlier rendition of the stencil brand in the form of the red Model 5
machines seen on these forums. However, I feel that particular machine
was most likely not a stencil mower, but a lawnmower built for one or
two large clients. Its story has not been told.

The Mayfair appeared in 1965 for specific purposes - that it could be
sold to various dealers in order to combat the opposition manufacturers.
Victa's John Mason tells that story in an associated article
(see Related Reading).

Initially the name 'Victa' was not associated with the Mayfair, but
within a couple of years it was an open secret. Both the stencil Mayfair
and the store brand spin-offs associated Victa with the products.

The main purpose of the Mayfair, though, was to offer a compromise
between the duality of interests emerging in the industry - the
hundreds of small atomistic Victa dealerships, and the emerging
Mass Merchandisers.

The mass merchandisers were not like the large, old Department Stores -
who offered after sales service, spares and repairs, all in-house. The
new breed just SOLD - at discount prices - and relied on the dealer
network for everything else.

The Mayfair was commercially political in that it walked a tight-rope
of competing interests for the times. Victa were living on borrowed time
though - the days when manufacturers (like Victa) could dictate selling
prices as a condition of dealership were coming to a close. The Trade
Practices Act of 1972 essentially changed the commercial balance in
favour of Big business. A buyer could buy 250 (or much more) store brand
mowers at a 'special price' and sell at a 'special price'. One argument -
unconvincing - said that the consumer would be the winner. Today, never
have lawnmowers been cheaper - but it has come at a high price.

The rest is history.
--------------------------
Jack

I do not believe we have a record of a restored first model Mayfair.
Here are some good images of an unrestored machine courtesy of member Leo-G



Source: https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=72011

JOHN MASON - The Mayfair Stencil


Would you like to comment on the first Mayfair?
Simply create a new topic in the Old Soap Box HERE.