OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums The History Forum The Old Soap Box REVISED-A detailed rant on the VC-160 (With Pics)

As it is the mower that got me started, and while fairly non-collectable, one of my favourites, I thought I might provide what I know on the Victa VC-160 (and its family).
The VC-160 was run from 1970 to 1973, in three different generations. During it's run it was in the premium position of the non-self propelled Victa line-up, and ran as the flagship model for two very important milestones in the Victa story, the first came with its initial introduction in 1970, as the first Victa "Hi-Arch" mower, and the beginning of the 'Catch in the wet' campaign, it ran the Victa 160cc engine, which in itself was only a few years into production, and with an entirely new look, and some major changes to the base plate design, this mower signalled a new era for Victa.

This first generation VC-160, the 1970 V80, was run with the Series 70 MKI 160cc Engine, this engine used the G3 governed carburettor, and the 'Sure Start' Trigger-release wind-up starter, without a decompression valve. The machine was green, with a white cowl, and a plastic green cover fitted to the top of the cowl, covering the starter. It came with a Green 'Armorlite' grass catcher, which was 20% larger than previous Victa Catchers.

This is the 1970 'V80' VC-160 (MKI)


During 1971 the release of the next VC-160 came about, this year-model was the V96, and was possibly the best selling of all three VC-160 year-models.

This second generation release saw the introduction of a second Victa milestone flagshipped by the VC-160 range, the 'ZIP-Start' System, whereby an automatic decompression valve is coupled with a recoil pull starter, and a re-tuned engine, to allow faster engine speeds during starting, this in turn creates a stronger spark, and a stronger 'pull' through the intake stream, to make it easier for the mower to start 'First Time'. It also makes starting easier, by making the pulling motion smoother, and easier, as there is no longer any compression points felt while pulling the cord.

This new engine, was labelled the Series 70 MKII 160cc, and was the same in basic design as the Series 70 MKI, with the addition of the New Starter and Decompression Valve, as well as some re-tuning to the ignition and carburettor, the V96 also had a re-designed Badge mounted to the dress cowl.

The dress cowl itself can be found in two subtle variants, the first has a noticably smooth, and slighly slanted lip around the hole that the starter pases through, the later variation has a squared lip, wit a circular 'Step' around it, it also has three square indentations, spaced evenly around the edge of the hole, the second one is cast on the same machine as the V80 cowl, and holds the shape that suits the V80 starter cover, the three indentations are where holes and screw-clips to mount the V80 starter cover would go.

This is the 1971 'V96' VC-160 (MKII)

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Along with the V96, A new, and very similar machine was released, the V97 VC-125, this Boasted many of the same features and looks of the VC-160, such as the same Hi-Arch base, large catcher, Zip-Starting, and the VC-160 Styling, however, it was powered by the 125cc version of the Series 70 MKII Engine.

It also lacked a few of the 'Refinements' of the V96 VC-160, such as Multi-height handle bars, 8" rear wheels, and the Optical fuel gauge cap.

This is the 1971 'V97' VC-125 (MKI)


The third generation of the VC-160, is almost identical to the second, utilising the same engine (Series 70 MKII) it simply has an updated Height adjustment Lever, new lower handle folding Latches, and a revision to the catch flap. It was released in 1972, and given the code V111, Like the V96, it had a 125cc Counterpart, the V112 VC-125, which was also a 1971 model, with the same three revisions, the following year the VC-125 name was used on a new mower, this one no longer held the VC-160 styling, it instead held the appearance of a Victa Sports, and was run as the 125cc version of that.

Towards the end of its run, the V111 VC-160 also was seen with a white, plastic float bowl on the carburettor, this also applies to the V112 VC-125. The 1972 V111 was the last of the VC-160's, and its tenure wound up some time in 1973, when that year�s new line-up was released. In it's place in the 1973 Line up, stood the all new V135 VC-Mustang, Powered by the Series 70 MKIII engine.

Also, the V111 can be found with two different bases, the first is cast the same as the V96 base, while the second base is cast in the same mould as the VC-1uto Drive MKI (V109) this base has slight markings that indicate where cut outs should be made for the auto drive, as well as a distinct set of belt grooves near the centre hole, under the engine mounts. The V111 can be seen with either of the 2 dress cowl variants of the V96.

This is the 1972 'V111' VC-160 (MKIII)


The first picture is a few years older, but these are of the same mower, this is the one that once belonged to my father, and is the one that got me started.

The VC-160 was also released in self propelled, starting in 1972, with the V109 VC-160 Auto-Drive. This mower was based on the 1971 V96, and did not have the V111 revisions. Unlike the previous Victa self propelled model, the late 60's "Self Propelled" the VC-160 Auto-Drive engaged the rear wheels internally, Drive was supplied through a belt driven gearbox, positioned through the rear wall, behind the fuel tank. The tank itself was smaller, to accommodate the belt, tensioner and linkages.

The Drive was controlled by a flip-bar at the top of the handles; this bar made up the 'Comfort-Grip' section of the handle bars, and engaged a clutch within the gearbox when the bar was pushed forward. The V109 had the same colour green base as the standard VC-160, but the words 'Auto Drive' were cast into the top right side of the nose piece over the front axle. The cowl was lime green, and held the standard MKII/MKIII VC-160 Badge.

This is the 1972 'V109' VC-160 Auto-Drive (MKI)



The following Year the VC-160 Auto-Drive was released with a revised gear-box, this was the 1973 V136, this model was still based of the V96 VC-160, and again did not have the revised folding levers of catch flap (the height adjuster for all the Auto-drives is unique from and non-propelled VC-160) It did however take on a new style to the previous Auto Drive, the base was now painted silver, and the cowl grey, the green catcher was replaced with a black one (Auto-Drives cannot take normal VC-160 Catchers, as they have a special cut out in the lip, to accommodate the gear box) It was also no longer Badged VC-160 Auto Drive, Instead it took the name 'VC-Auto Drive' and this was placed directly on the new black backed cowl badge.

This is the 1973 'V136' VC-Auto Drive (MKII)


In 1974 The auto drive continued on the same frame and gear box, however it took on the new Series 70 MKIV 160cc engine, which used the G4 carburettor (At this point facing backwards, with no primer bulb) This was the V169, and hit held the same styling, and Badge as the previous year-model.

This is the 1974 'V169' VC-Auto Drive (MKIII)


The following year the last mower to hold the VC-160 design was released, the final version of the Auto Drive, the V198 had the G4 carburettor, now with a remote primer bulb, to overcome its awkward location, and a further revision to the gearbox, the drive was now controlled by a small plastic lever, moved by the operator�s right hand. This model ceased production in 1978, signalling the end of all forms of the VC-160.



All four Auto Drives, and the Two VC-125's can be seen with either of the two cowl variations discussed in the V96 VC-160 section, and the V112 VC-125 can be seen with either of the two bases discussed in the V111 VC-160 section.

I hope this is useful to someone in identifying mowers and engines, please feel free to comment, or correct anything you know to be different, or missing, as this has only be written to my understandings, and through my own observations.

Quick Corection, The Series 70 MKIII was not made to suit the G4 Carby, it was made alongside the revisions to the G3 Carby.

The MKIV was indeed the G4 Carby's Engine

To My knowledge, Neither were ever a factory-fit to the VC-160.

Great thread mate, you gotta love the VC160 Victa's. Great Machines!!

I had an autodrive one once wit hthe G4 carby but it was a ptimerless one, just a plain white cover with no primer bulb. Never did get it running, sold lots of bits off it and sent it for scrap.

Thanks VC, I sure do, they just get through anything, and always seem to be repairable!

Hi Joe, yes, i have today found 3 variants i had not seen before while browsing the manuals section, there are manuals for both MKI Auto, and MKII auto, and in these manuals, they are both on the G4 (Primer-less at least for the MKI) and i also noticed a later vaiant, simply named the auto-drive, with the VC dropped, however, i have no image for that, so im not sure if it realy is based on the VC-160.

To help with restorations, Here are some pictures for identifying the corect parts on these machines. The particular parts below are ones that are often incorrect.

1) The grip handle at the end of the pull cord on the MKII (V96) and MKIII (V111) as well as the first Auto Drive (V109) and the 2 VC-125 variants (V97 & V112) should be large, and green, not black.


2) The throttle lever on all three VC-160's (V80, V96 & V111), the two first VC-125's (V97 & V112) and the firts two VC-Auto Drives (V109 & V136) should have the curbed Victa 'Thumb Grip' head, not a T-bar head (The replacement sold today has the T-bar, so if replacing, try to get a good 'ThumbGrip' for the swap)


3)The screws used to hold down the dress cowl, for all three VC-160's (V80, V96 & V111), the two first VC-125's (V97 & V112) and the four VC-Auto Drives (V109, V136, V169 & V198) have a domed surface, with a slight, flat lip around the outer edge.


4)The catch flap lifter for all three VC-160's (V80, V96 & V111), the two first VC-125's (V97 & V112) and the firts VC-Auto Drive (V109)is long and green, it's replacement sold in the later 70's was black, and sometimes this is seen. The black one is natural to the last three VC-Auto Drives (V136, V169 & V198)This lever is often snapped.


5)This picture shows the corect Throttle control and Air filter housing for the second two VC-160's (V96 & V111) and the first VC-Auto Drive (V109)the first VC-160 (V80) the two VC-125's (V97 & V112) and the last three VC-Auto Drives (V136, V169 & V198) had the same throttle control, however the air filter housing (same design) was black.


6)This picture shows the hanle height locking lever for the second two VC-160's (V96 & V111) and the first VC-Auto Drive (V109)the first VC-160 (V80) the two VC-125's (V97 & V112) and the last three VC-Auto Drives (V136, V169 & V198) had the same type of handle, however in black.

Also, the easiest way to identify between a MKII VC-160 (V96) and a MKIII VC-160 (V111) is the latches used to release the lower portion of the handle bars, for folding.

These latches:

Are used for the V96 (They are also on the V80, however that model can be identified by it's Impulse starter, and lack of decompression Valve)

These Latches:

Are used on the V111, the only other mower in the VC-160 family with these latches is the V112 VC-125.

As a further note for collectors, the VC-160 family is actually part of a wider family, th VC faimliy. The VC family comprises of the above mowers, as well as the variants of the VC-Mustang, VC-Sports and the VC-Impala.

Hi All, Just an update, as this topic became quite long and out of hand, I have recently cleaned it up, No ones posts have been deleted, the thread has simply been broken into segments based on the different topics covered.

I have also completely re-written the initial post, at the top of this page, using all the help and information I have gained through this forum, and It's members, thanks to all those who have helped, I hope this thread can be a Useful reference Guide to anyone restoring a VC-160.

The New topics started from the cleanup are:
-Bob has a Self Propelled to ID
-Jeffery Restores a VC-160 MKII
-Jeffery Restores a VC-160 MKI
-Joe spots a VC-160!
-Tysen finds a Green VC-160

Further Update:

I have found that the MKI (V80) did not have 8" rear wheels like the MKII & MKIII did.

In fact, there is a subtle difference to the casting of the base plate, that allows for the big wheels on the later bases, if you put 8" rear wheels on a MKI base, the rear left wheel will jam against the base at high cutting settings.

It can be seen here:


The base to the right has a round allowance for the rear left wheel, this is the MKI, the one on the left has a more chamfered allowance, this is a MKII base.

Just a quick update for the VC-160 & VC-125, I have recently found out about the Victa Model codes for these machines (Not the parts code)

The MKI (Parts Code V80) is coded 70VJ
The MKII (Parts Code V96) is coded 71VJ
The MKIII (Parts Code (V111) is coded 72VJ

The MKI VC-125 (V97) is 71VL
and the MKII 125 (V112) is the 72VL

I also have more detail to come on the 2 variations of the MKIII, as well as details of a part that is seldom still seen on these mowers, a small wire clip that guides the throttle cable, I had seen this part in parts manuals, but until recently I had never seen one (I can see why they would be easy to loose)

Keep watching for more VC-160 Info.

Well, an interesting update for the VC-160, as we have recently discovered, there is indeed another model of VC-160, the VC-160 'S'.

Pictured below is one belonging to Jay from Scotland.








Now, I have not seen one of these over here before, however the model is not listed as an export model in my records, in fact the code for the mower (V137) refers to the first series of Victa sports.

Looking at the images, this seems to be confirmed, it's running the Series 70 MKIII engine, as did the sports, and has the same cowl set up, base and wheels.

I'm yet to check the 108 from the start of the serial number against my records, to see if it is a match to the sports serials, however the 74 (1974) shows that the date is correct as well.

It’s quite possible that the VC-160 'S' was not released in Australia, but instead a re-badge of the sports that happened for export to some countries, but for the collector who is interested in adding one to their collection, it would seem to me that the only modification needed to adapt a VC-Sports MKI would be to reproduce the VC-160 'S' label.

Once I have details for the serial, I will add those, hopefully it will be a match, so that those who want to reproduce this machine have access to the correct series of crank case.

ADDITIONAL: I have noticed the decompression valve is a sealed type, which is unusual for the era, I'll have a look into this further as well, further there is the spark plug boot, which I will be finding more about the originality of.

maybe they were produced here too ?
the S os very faded but it is there and looking for a better cowling i found another with the same sticker as the scottish one mine is different S older maybe . cheers Dave

Hi Dave, I knew I had seen another VC 160 'S' on this forum, and that there was some talk of getting someone to reproduce the cowling decal.....well all we need now is to get a good pic of the machines decal from the machine belonging to Jay from Scotland.
This would have your cowling looking mint, Dave.

the replacement cowel i have has the same decal as jay's but the s was damaged almost gone ! and mine is different . not as sporty looking ? might have been more of them here in s.a . didnt know they were a little rare . cheers

Is that a VC-160 "s" or a Mustang "s"?

Not the same, one is a vc160S and the other is a vc mustang S, one has a g4 crby with remote primer and the other has a G3, close but no cigar

haha okie dokie . oops

Yes, the VC-Mustang S was a release here in Australia, a little later in the 70's, it's listed as it's own model too, rather than carrying on the listing of the mower it is based of (incidentally, the VC-Sports, not the VC-Mustang)

Either way I'd like to get my grubby little hands on one of each.

this is my vc160. also has the purple catcher but i dare not use it as its very brittle . could it be fixed by heating the plastic?

Well technically it is a Purple VC-Sports. No near as common as a VC-160. In fact some would say rare. They are getting hard to find. As far as your catcher, if it is showing the signs of those horrible deep cracks, I wouldn't touch it. If you could please put up some pictures of it, I could help you from there. I'm personally not a big fan of heating up plastic to give it new life, as, if it is done wrong, it can wreck the whole thing. I'll wait to see some pictures before I say any more.