1966 Vauxhall Victor FC101 Estate Ambulance

MAKEVauxhall
MODELVictor FC101 Estate Ambulance
REGISTRATIONRBH 540D
ENGINE SIZE1594
TRANSMISSIONManual
CURRENT V5
COLOURWhite
INTERIORRed Vinyl
LOCATIONMalton, North Yorkshire YO17

1966 Vauxhall Victor FC101 Estate Ambulance

In stock

  • UNSOLD at auction November 2023
  • Unique Ambulance conversion by Martin Walter (Dormobile)
  • Great original condition
  • Functioning blues and twos
  • Comes with loads of original medical apparatus plus Doris the patient!
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Description

The Vauxhall Victor FC series hit the showrooms in 1963 and was cleverly marketed as the 101, the name arising from the claim that there were 101 improvements over its predecessor, the FB. Being extremely spacious, the estate version gave the masses the option of owning a superb family car with bags of room to chuck the kids in and head off to the coast for a holiday.

This Vauxhall Victor FC101 Estate

RBH 540D was supplied new by Bridge Service Garage, Windsor, in 1966 for the princely sum of £725.This unique, and as far as we know, total one off Ambulance conversion by Martin Walter (Dormobile) was commissioned by the Slough Industrial Health Authority at a cost of £168. The Victor gave service on private land for some twenty four years after which it was sold and finally road registered for the first time in 1990.

Quite famous on the show circuit, this 1966 Vauxhall Victor FC101 De Luxe Estate Ambulance did the rounds, winning prizes and admiration along the way. It found a home in the North of England where the then owner persuaded his local authority to allow him to display the Northumberland crest which remains on the car to this day.

Our vendor has owned Amber, as she is affectionately known, for almost four years. He really does love her, you can see it in his eyes when he speaks about her. Honest. But he feels that it’s time for someone else to really enjoy her.

Finished in white, the paintwork is mostly in very good order. There are a couple of touch ups and the offside rear door does have a patch of bubbling (please see the photos) although a replacement door is included along with an assortment of spares. The chrome work is also good and the rare Winkworth Bell is a lovely addition to the front. Some of the window rubbers are showing signs of ageing which is to be expected on a totally original, unrestored vehicle such as this.

The red vinyl seats are in great condition, showing hardly any signs of wear and tear. The rear squab has been retained and is also included in the sale. The dash has a couple of cracks on the passenger side and the drivers side corner is in need of repair. The headlining is in good condition with just a small tear above the drivers door.

The vendor assures me that the Vauxhall Victor FC101 has been heavily undersealed, proof of this can be seen on the engine bay. The engine runs well and the three speed column change is smooth.

Look inside and you will find Doris the patient laid out in the back surrounded by a vast assortment of medical apparatus and lighting equipment, all of which is included in the sale. The rear frosted windows also provide some patient privacy! The storage box on the roof contains an additional stretcher and information boards. Of course we couldn’t help ourselves and just had to have a play with the blues and twos. They didn’t disappoint!

UPDATE:

Since we listed this Victor FC101 for sale, a previous owner who had the car from 1996 to 2002 has very kindly been in touch and provided a document detailing the history plus a very comprehensive list of his use of the car and work undertaken during his ownership. The additional photographs at shows etc have been added to our Image Gallery.

He has also provided this information: “I am now 88 and I acquired this vehicle direct from Slough Estates and still have the early service book etc. 

This  is a one OFF special with a high compression engine and also a high ratio back axle. This 101 model was the first UK manufactured vehicle with coil suspension at front.

It was kept in a heated garage and the original Slough Estates Driver told me that if they had a “shout” they would look out of the window and if raining they would dial 999 and pass the job on! It was always garaged when I had it.

The roof pod had a canvas stretcher and a full set of beech wooden splints.

This was because Slough Estates had acres of hangar type buildings and 2 of the huge cooling towers – the ambulance carried this gear as if needed the Estates Fire Brigade would be able to get casualties down from heights!

I had the underside professionally stripped and re sealed as soon as I had it (cost £500).

On delivery to Slough – Vauxhall acquired access to the M4 for speed trials and it did 100 mph with ease, I never exceeded 70mph. I also had the “ head valves “ hardened when leaded petrol stopped.”

Our view

This Vauxhall Victor FC101 Estate is a joy to the senses. It’s a fun, quirky piece of time travelling motoring history which is begging to be displayed for everyone to see. Whether you love Vauxhalls, are a retired doctor, paramedic or nurse or just have a thing for something a little bit different, then this is for you.

Our Image gallery does all the talking, so do please spend some time studying the photos and video.

Vehicle Location : Malton, North Yorkshire YO17 – it’s the responsibility of the buyer to make collection / transportation arrangements directly with the vendor.

Would like to arrange a viewing, make an offer  or have a question about this Vauxhall Victor FC101 Estate? Please contact the Evoke team at team@evoke-classics.com and we will speak to the vendor on your behalf.

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