OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Collectors Corner Identification of Particular Machines Sheerline Model 6 or Model 9.Which is which?

Hi everybody I have recently been shown some documents that have made me come up with a big question.Thanks to tomo4192.
As we all know there are two Sheerline models.Model 6 and 9,but really which is which?
As we have come to know the one on the left is the model 6 and right is the model 9.Or is it?


The next is a scan from the 1969-1970 green book.Which really doesn't say much at all.


However the next picture is from the 1971 reprint of the green book.
Now this clearly shows the models and which numbers correspond to which model.

Now before you say this is a miss print as I thought that as well,also some collectors also believe that.There are 2 things stop me from thinking that.
1.If it was a miss print why did no-one (like the dealers) change it.I certainly in both of my copy's of the green books have pen marks and new part numbers etc,to change to the correct information.
2.The discovery of a second document that also states we could have the models around the wrong way.Thanks again to tomo4192.



Here is a look at the second document. Now I believe this is a photo unfortunately it isn't the greatest picture,but it is clear enough.Maybe somebody else has this that would like to post it up.
You can see the victacode which shows the same in the 1971 version of the green book.
Now I know of some of you out there may get upset with this information.As I know it has been the wrong for quite a many years,but we are in the search for the truth.I'm not sure there has been a lot of research into this.So maybe it's time we all got together and sort the truth.I mean I don't want to go around saying that one model is this when it may not be.
Any thoughts pictures documents in this matter would be great.Lets find the truth.

Hi Jeffrey, Here's a link that seems to confirm that the Model 9 has the fuel tank on the top rear of the cooling cowling as per your first pic.....
Click HERE
But.....as you say....Is it correct!

Yes that's right Deejay.That is on Johns VM website.I have spoken to John and he said that he originally thought that was the way they were,but he also told me that he hasn't done a lot of research in finding out which was which.So I said I'll will do some investigating as I would really like to know which is which.Something else I found interesting when I looked at my mowers on the weekend.Was the engine numbers.Now at the end of the run of the model 5's.Mowers were being produced so fast that the engine number order went out the window,and the the engine numbers started with letters.Believed to be codes given to dealers on behalf of Victa..On the now new Model 6 this one.

I found (As I have 4 of them)at all there engine number start with letters,and all the now model 9's,this one.

All (Only have two) start with 162,and had no letters.Which would specify that the date year would be 1962.Interesting I thought.Could this just be another sign.If anybody else has found the same on there mowers then please feel free to add the numbers.If you don't feel happy with adding the whole number then just add the start just to confirm, or deign this theory.

will check mine . will have to wait until the weekend so i can dig them out again.

this also shows them that way. from the powerhouse museums website.


this shows v6 and v7 no slotted base

this shows v6 with slotted base


as you can see . still a lot of conflicting info. i thought the double sided base (for carb) either side was for a consul2?

Thanks gizmo that's awesome.I know the pictures shows the double hollows like the consul 2.I can assure you the Sheerline bases are not like that at all.They only have the one.I wonder if the artist did do that wrong,or maybe they were suppose to and changed design at the last minute.I'm sure the pictured wouldn't have been changed then to suit.Great picture of the model 6 chassis it shows that it is the other one with tank at front again.Wow.
I also have come across this from the VM as well.


These two have come from the 1968 version of the green-book.
This is where the original naming that came from on VM and became the means that we identified them,but wow this is getting confusing.
Now I'm even more confused.Which is which?

Hey Jeffrey ,
this is indeed getting interesting, it seems victa couldnt make up there mind i keep digging here and see what other docs i have.
also makes me wonder what other models we got wrong.
cheers, mitch

so the one i showed before is a model 9 ? engine number is dap29000. carb on one side only opposite to normal .
and it was all green , dark cowl and handles , light green base with victa in red . and it is getting confusing now and if it is a 125 still , why is the plug in centre ?

Well vccomm as to what model it is,is still really unknown.However that engine makes me believe it could have come off the other Sheerline model.I do think that one has been played around with.I mean gold cowl and gold handles there is no reason for that other than somebody a long time ago changed it.That is the correct sides for the carby and muffler.Spark plugs were in the middle of this style of 125cc.They did run it that way for quite a few models...and yes confusing it is really getting.I really hope we can find an answer for this.

Hi Jeffrey, I have spotted something here that to me does not make sense....the first illustration (above) of the Sheerline Model 6 states that the engine is a Mk.10 and the Victa magneto a Mk.5E and on the second illustration of the Sheerline Model 9.....it states that the engine is a Mk.9 and the magneto is a Mk.5.

My question is this: Why would Victa use a later model engine the Mk.10; (9 comes before 10) on the Model 6 and also an upgraded magneto (Mk.5E); then seemingly go backwards with an earlier engine and magneto on the Model 9.
This just does not make sense.
The plot thickens!

The whole thing is getting confusing Darryl. Non of this makes sence at all. What were they thinking and or doing? This why I want the truth. I mean its at the point if somebody asked what model they have you would have to say model 6 & 9.

What if they were released together ? high series and base model ? they were only aroumd for 18 months

Well that is possible as well,but they would still have to have a model numbers.I'm leaning more to the one that we use to call the model 9 the model 6.Manly due to the engine number set-up.As the end of the model 5's seen letters before the numbers as did this one.Then the next one had only numbers with the date as well.However I still could be wrong.

they might have been released at the same time yes , both 1960/61 maybe it was just a starter choice ? and they didnt see a reason to change the cowling to suit impulse start so just used the more common one for the job . Dave

No I don't think so as the engines numbers were different,as I had mentioned before with the letters at the start.Also the impulse starter had a ring that would fit both types of cowls.

well vccomm.
thats sounds like a reasonable explanation to me.
so the better design gets first release.
maybe the new released sheerline did indeed have the longer cowl and later engine mk10. with probably slight modification to the magneto as in the 5e .to accomodate the longer cowls shape.
then as you suggested the other variants (developed at the same time)use the square cowl for the impulse starter etc.
they surely would have had more than 1 engineer working on a design?
we do know that much later down the track they start putting all their fuel tanks under the cowl.
which brings me to another question what really is the difference between a mk9 and mk10 engine. other than to accommodate different cowl shapes?
sorry for my speculative ramblings guys. i am just excited and curious. bazz

Well I think that is just all speculation as far as releasing something that may or may not be better looking.I can't see how that could be proven also I really don't think that would have been the thinking behind it.Besides we are really just trying to find out which model is which,not which one is the better looking mower.Sorry but I really don't want this post to off topic as I'd really like to know which is which model.I have a few of both versions and I really don't know what they are right now except for Victa's made in 1960 and 1961.As far as the engine with the MK9 and MK10 engines is the 10 is just the updated model.I don't think there is any difference it is just the next release.

Hey all,
This has been in the back of my mind for a few days now , Jeffrey using the consul as an example model 511 and 521 which is pre victa code yeah ? , is it possible to find this number or parts of a number like (511 or 521) from the engine code ?

Hi tomo as far as the Consul 2 Victa codes,yes they do have a Victa code. The 511 is V18 and the 521 is V24.Not sure if you are interested but the Consul 4 codes are,model 512 is V19 and model 522 V25. I've never actually seen the Consul 4's but would love to get some.As far as the engine number telling you what model it is I have found (through my experience)the consul 2 numbers start with the number 2.I have one here that starts with a 25,but it still has that 2.Now in saying that I also have a cadet that starts with a 2.So I'm not real sure as to what the go is there.So it goes 2 then the year and then the serial number.Now as I said through my experience I don't have that on paper.So I hope that helps you a bit.I mean this could well be another question without an answer.As is this topic but its something that would be good to find out.Unlike the Sheerline the Consul 2 and especially the Consul 4 were not as popular,so it will be harder to find the answers.
Whilst I'm on this topic I'd just like to add,that if I have offended anybody or said the wrong to to anybody I do apologise. It was never my intention to do so.I would just like to find the answer.There may not be an answer.So I'm willing to work as a team with you all and hopefully we can find out. Hopefully you guys are as well.Thanks I'm glad I got that out there.

i talked to the guy i got it from tonight , his brother got it from a gent that had it new , said he never changed anything but the aircleaner and only moved it up out of the dust . his brother painted it gold and i did find a little paint under the cowling , it was a dark green as are the handles . same i think as model 6 ? (one with the tank on top at the back) as far as he knows , no one changed the engine and it starts with letters , DAP ... at least this one has a little bit of a story from prev' owners . might help a tad ? Dave

That's one thing I love to hear story's behind mowers.It doesn't change the value of them but it's great when there is a story behind them.

and it seems to happen with older gear too , not so many owners and this one seemed to be in the same family since almost new ! so it would be so good to find out the origines of the details of both ! and why so subtle the changes

OK then just found another document in another spare parts book I had in a box down stairs.This now proves the other way again.Wow this is getting more confusing again.

Doesn't this just get any easier.I just don't think there is a solution to this.

would have thought the earlier books would have been right , because back in those days they would have sent out a revised sheet or would have corrected it ? , by the time the 1971 copy's came out they would have been history anyway , not to mention any part needed by then was nearly always interchangeable .

Yeah you could be right,still would like to know why.It's almost like buying a Commodore only to be told 5 years later hey you really bought a Falcon.[Censored] I'm going to miss our Australian cars when there gone.Anyway it just doesn't make any sense.You just never know maybe somebody out there really knows.

The vf comodore is out in july its the last commodore

I know this really has nothing to do with the ID of these models but it is certainly a good read.It would have been issued to Victa dealers.

its a good read ive got a few recall letters kicking around , any luck on the 6 & 9 front ? im all out of ideas

No not as yet Tomo but we can leave this topic open and maybe somebody who knows will come along with the answer. So now we wait.

Hi Guys,
Interesting topic,I think your getting close. To my knowledge they were both released at or on around the same time. Very simliar to how the model 3 roto and 4 special ran..Neither were a utility,the option was starters. The sure start was released as the newer or more appealing option on vcode 6(what you would know as 9). 3,the last recoreded engine no of the model 5 from my own research is CAC.... So to me the next in line would be DAP before they reverted back to number sequence...which incidently is as EG 2DAB11111. I think number sequence is irrelevant considering they were produced at similar times,while your "DAP" serial may denote an early run of the model it does not necessarily determine the model itself...the use of tank on cowl (what you know as the model 9)would be a follow through from the model 5 only in different styling which to me would also place it as the earlier model while the "tank IN cowl" (as you know as model 6)would be more revolutionary and carried on to the next generation of mowers placing it as the later...Anyways there are a few more bits like the later code engines being the wrong way around but I tend to agree with the models being reversed and the bulk of documents stating the 2 are meant to be the other way around. 6 should be 9 but since they ran almost side by side im unsure if there will be a definate answer. This may well be why the models werent amended in print form,because they ran together and wernt very different. A little extra bits for your theories,Im sure near all your info is all but accurate:) Either way a very good topic and extremely informative. Thankyou, Mal.

Thanks Mal that was well put and agree as they were sold and made as part of the same run. We may never find the answer,but I guess the only answer we maybe able to find is. Why did the later documents change from the earlier ones? As that is where the confusion has come into it.

Some more for the Mystery.

Ive been doing some more research and came up with 3 fairly solid conclusions.
Two have been mentioned,the third has not,and I think is the final piece.

1. What we currently know as Model 6 or V code 6 has the later MK10 engine. One piece barrel and the Engine that directly followed the model 5 series engines.
What we know as Model 9 or V code 7 has the earlier MK9 125 engine and barrel with the port covers.


2. The Newer more modern streamlined cowl design with inbult tank,would surely have been a later design.


3. Blumbly posted this image in a previous thread.




Now the Image shows the Model 6 or V6....But if you read the lower info about "When Impulse starter is fitted use " blah blah drum" My point is that NOT in any example or document did the Mower we know as the model 6( tank in cowl) EVER come with an impulse starter. The "sure start" impulse was only fitted to what we currently know as Model 9.

4. Im also of the opinion that engine numbers will not be relevant since both models ran side by side... but more examples may help..So the two models may not run in sequence.


Please let me know your thoughts and any other numbers to back up the sequence of 6 and 9.

So at present Im leaning now towards the models being the wrong way around. "Sure start" and tank on cowl model 6 or V6.....Streamlined tank IN cowl and later 125 MK10 Model 9 Or V7....

What do you all think? Please offer your thoughts. I have both going currently and want to get them correct.

Well I don't know if I've put this in above but I have noticed is that the one we have been calling the model 9.With the engine numbers they have letters in-front of the numbers.As did the last of the model 5's.That has been the case in the one's that I have found.Not sure if that's what your saying as well Blue.I don't know if there will ever be answer as to why Victa started one way then changed to another.As it seems to be that is what has happened,but why?

Thanks Blumbly,appreciate the imput...Im Unsure why they changed,maybee it really was a misprint,But why it changed isnt as important as determining the Correct models.

The fact that the image states the use of the Impulse starter as an option for the Model 6 (tank on cowl) as per diagram,to me says that it is actually as the document suggests..A Model 6,Not 9. No other document shows this. I think this is a very important piece of information.

My engine nos all have letters in front irrespective of model. 3 are actually DAB...... So I dont think the answer lies in the Engine numbers. The ones with the numbers only to me would suggest a later engine as this is when the date codes started,so if anyone has a model with this full number sequence please let us see what model it is on. Im now almost certain the the answer lies in the starter types Especially since the model we currently know as 6 (Tank IN cowl) NEVER came with this starter type(impulse).
..Get me?

But not all of them had impulse starters.I have had five so far and only one had the impulse starter.

For sure they did not,it was an option...But what im saying is the model we currently know as 6 (tank IN cowl) NEVER had the impulse as an option. The Manual Image I posted clearly states that the sheerline model 6 (the one we currently know as 9) DID. So I think this is the correct Image to suit the Model 6. Anyway ill keep chipping away and see if I can find some more evidence to support this Manual Picture.

Does this help at all?

28 Oct 1960

Yes unkie it helps,but what the ad doesnt state is if its a model 6 or a model 9 Im going to continue researching this until I find the answer for sure and then start a sheerline thread when Ive gathered more info,just The Automatic and Roto one

well if victa done things in order we should say that that model being the first release , that it would have been the model 6 ?

Yes Tomo We would assume so,but many members have voiced opinions in regards to a reversal of the models due to inncauracies in the Manuals.. I have 4 now and a few more image/serial examples,so Im trying to get any clues I can with serial and others directly from the mower.

The real trouble is they ran side by side,so while the numbers may be in sequence,they are shared by 2 models. I have some examples of lower numbers on model 9s and vice versa. But in my opinion they are more than likely the way we have always known them to be Pretty much everything else is known about sheerline...So I dont think there will be any other great mystery.

The main clue in this Ad is the date,And as you said the term "First Release" Also they were still selling Specials" up until and even after this date. So I think this shows that this may well be the first AD Depicting A "Correct Model 6". I Really think this is enough to verify Its accuracy And should be treated as such until Someone could prove conclusively That it is not:) Case closed?

I had been told previously by some that the model 6 and 9 bases were different. If you look at blumblys Image,It states The same Number chassis as being 6' For both models pictured . This will verify other memebrs attesting to their model 6 and 9s having the same base types. While their are 2 chassis styles for sheerline,this clearly proves that both models recieved the same chassis style at some point

i agree ive seen a few body mix matches in them ,if we could ever get close to an answer id say that calling our "first release" here our model 6.
what a nightmare.
cheers tomo

well here's what it says in my 1971 green book, same engine, same everything??
sorry guys no help.

This may just close the case on this thread. As it pictures the Sheerline on its original release, It would appear that the Model 6 designation would logically apply to the model pictured, with the externally mounted fuel tank.

June, 1961




It looks to me like the back room boys got their Green Book images mixed up in later years.

Hi bestseller

There must have been a lot of 'discussion' going on about the Victa Range.
The earliest Victa ad I have for the release of the Sheerline dates from
14 October, 1960. The next 6 November, 1960.




The TV advert also presented the Sheerline with the streamlined cowl.

The June 1961 photo depicts the 1961-62 range, suggesting that the
external fuel tank Sheerline is the later model.

p.s. the anomaly in the 1961-62, for me, is the Standard & new Utility.
Surely two utility bases could not last - it made no sense.
So, I guess, the Standard was dropped for the 1962-63 season.

All very confusing.
---------------------------
Jack

I picked this sheerline a few weeks ago. It's in rough shape but I can definitely work with what I have to restore it to a very decent looking specimen. Very disappointing that the original badge was broken recently before I purchased it and was thrown away.

I also picked up what appeared to be a standard of some type. I do see that there is a sheerline style standard but this one I have picked up, for free, has the opposite model cowl than the one in the manual and advertisements I've seen.