OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums The History Forum Company Histories VICTA - News Cuttings - October 1963

Hello ODK History Lovers
News Cuttings was Victa�s official news publication to its dealer network.
Probably introduced in the late 1950s, it would be no more than a few pages in length.

This late 1963 issue is of absolute interest because it covers the 1964 Victa Range.
Victa was on a mission to make the best Australian rotary lawnmowers and its range
was expanded to 5 models for �64!

The interesting thing � for me � was the strength of 4-stroke lawnmowers at this time.
Victa embraced the 4-cycle engine designs in the 1960s, not out of desire, but
because of market pressure from the opposition makers [the other large makers who,
combined, held the other 50% of the market, and who favoured 4-strokes!]. There is
power in numbers.

On Page 1 Victa�s flagship, the Corvette, is shown in its 4-stroke guise!
Note the new features for 1964. Nice.



This is a remarkable edition of Cuttings � spanning 8 pages and with numerous
images. It shows Victa at its best � with a clear campaign strategy, multi-media
integration and a glance of what was now the giant Victa Group. Behind every
great leader (Merv Richardson) was another � and another � Here, I think
John Mason deserves special credit and recognition.

TO BE CONTINUED �

PAGE TWO � The Magazine Pages 1-5
This late 1963 Cuttings is a large one � with 8 full pages
of words and images.

The front-page acts as a testimonial about the 1964 range, with numerous
quotes from leading sellers, like Grace Bros., Anthony Horderns, Knock &
Kirby, and McEwans. The slogan for the campaign: �Turn grass into lawn
easier with a �64 Victa�.

Page two continues the pats on the back, but the main story is
about the opening of a Victa branch in Townsville. There are also
short articles about the mower industry trade-in booklet and spare
parts selling aids.

Page three is fascinating in that it helps us understand how Victa made
itself an Aussie icon � through saturation advertising in all forms of media �
including television. The other story was about the making of the TV
commercials via a 17,000-mile journey � Alice Springs, Darwin, Hobart,
Cairns, Lord Howe Island, Port Moresby, Lae, Goroka, Madang � and a
few more.

Page four and page five record images of that filming journey.

PART THREE - The Magazine Pages 6-8
Page six is devoted to marketing � Victa display material.

Here we�re talking �spot cards�, �handle card� and other signage.
This is Victa�s �display 101� hints to their dealers. It�s pretty hilarious,
with a few �rules� and hints, like: ��get a garden atmosphere into
your displays�� and ��keep the display Victas free from dust.�

Page 7 has two articles. The first is an announcement that Victa
will build the Aircruiser 4-seater aircraft. That�s a story that will prove
not to end well.

The second story is about BP Zoom, with a couple of images of
Victa engines at the BP Port Melbourne laboratory.

Page 8 includes Victa Service Guide No. 15 �
�How to service the Walbro carburettor.�

The final bits are the light-hearted regulars, �Short Cuts� and
the �Victa Wise� cartoon strip.

PART FOUR � View or Download
This edition is a must-read for the Victa enthusiasts.

Victa News Cuttings is an important primary document about
this great Australian lawnmower maker.

This Victa Cuttings is from my collection and it is in very good condition.
As always, I make it available as a download for personal use.

Because of the awkward layout of pages 4 and 5, I have included an
extra page covering these pages (for better clarity).