OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Restoring, Customising and Modifying Victa Walk-Behind Rotary Mowers Victa Viceroy Restoration

G'day Mr Davis, Paul and all,
All the evidence I have strongly suggests that the Powerhouse Museum's
image is incorrect! I have found many errors in their descriptions and notes.
And the studio image date and purpose is unknown.

It would be easy to understand how that might be ...
The vast majority of their collection was donated decades after these machines
were made. Second they were donated at arms length from the folks involved
with these mowers at that time.

I have no doubt that the studio shot represents, as it were, new old stock, but
we need primary and contemporary evidence that the catcher mated with that body
at that time.

We know the Model 7 catcher was the second rear-catcher production design and
that the Green Books show it as the replacement catcher for the Viceroy and
Ambassador. The early design is simply not shown (and why would it be?)

On these forums, I have reproduced both the 1962-63 manual and the
1963-64 manual. They are contemporary documents to these events.
I feel they are the safest guide to these old mowers.

I have looked at extensive advertising records ... and I can find no images
of the Model 7 catcher mated to a Viceroy or Ambassador.

Remember, these first rear catcher models lasted but one season.
It makes no sense why Victa would change the design, given that
the new catcher was given such blurb with the arrival of the
first Corvette of late 1963. The Model 7 catcher was NEW for the 1964 Victas!

I would feel more comfortable with contemporary evidence that would show
Victa changed the catcher design mid season - when the Viceroy and Ambassador
were in production.

Forum Historian Mr Davis and Paul C have given us evidence that says this issue is not settled.

The eternal skeptic.
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Jack