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Austin Victoria, an original option if you are looking for a classic with national production

Spanish national production is quite hackneyed and studied; However, there is still the possibility of getting little-seen local classics such as, for example, the Austin Victoria.

After several hundred articles published, it is easy to see how national production is - by far - the issue to which you pay more attention. Something in which there are also priorities because, after all, within it the SEAT models tend to be those with the most resounding success in readings and comments.

However, to tell the truth our national production was not as varied as what was deployed in Italy, France or the United Kingdom; gives for what it gives. This fact is aggravated by the everlasting neglect of pre-war classics -here the lack of fans is malicious because it implies ignoring the past of Hispano-Suiza- or the sad silence around industrial vehicles.

Two issues to which we must add not only a certain disdain towards microcars but also the odious habit of avoiding any reference to motorcycle brands by the fans of four wheels; in this case, much more creative than those of automobiles when we talk about national production, well, let's not forget, while Bultaco and Montesa patented their own creations SEAT and FASA only presented partial modifications such as the 1200/1430 Sport or the R10.

In short, if you are exclusively passionate about local things, you are not only limited to a very small plot, but even a large part of it is rather foreign. A complex situation if what you want is to acquire a national production capable of surprising due to the unexpectedness of its origin. Something in which, without a doubt, the AustinVictoria stands out widely when we talk about tourism models.

AUTHI, THE MOST ORIGINAL AMONG NATIONAL PRODUCTION

We recently discussed the history of the MG-Authi 1100 in an article where we present it as a very interesting option to buy a national classic different from the hackneyed SEAT against which this model and its successor the 1300 competed.

In fact everything related to the navarran factory It is in itself quite original compared to the rest of the local production; firstly due to the few surviving units and, above all, thanks to technical elements as distinctive as the Hydrolastic suspensions.

Of course, accompanied by a severe compensation in terms of spare parts since Authi having closed in 1975 this can be difficult to solve in Hispanic territory. An obvious problem for users of that time although, to tell the truth, not so worrying among fans of the classics.

And - let's remember - what in a new car can be a real headache in a classic one is part of the restoration work; in this case freely chosen as part of his leisure, of his choice, of what should make him happier and not more bitter. He does not victimize himself with his whims.

A SUCCESSOR FOR THE 1300

At the beginning of the seventies, financial problems were already making a severe dent in the progress of authi. In any case, the brand redoubled its efforts by presenting a replacement for its 1972 versions in 1300, updating the bodywork, introducing technical improvements and finishing off the whole with a somewhat more competitive bill.

At this point the new Austin Victoria and Austin Victoria Deluxe were an effective alternative to the rear-powered 1430. Likewise - and although according to the tester Arturo Andres the suspension Hydrolastic It behaved very differently depending on the type of road surface - the steering and brakes - disc at the front and drum at the rear - not only gave comfort but also an evident feeling of security.

All this topped off with agile behavior due to its 900 kilos when empty combined with a 1.275 cc four-cylinder engine that, although in the entry-level version produced 62 HP, in the Deluxe it went up to 68 HP thanks to the action of two carburetors instead of one. Of course, this light character - already seen in the 1100 and 1300 - should not be confused with obvious sportiness; In fact, the position of the pedals does not even allow for correct heel-toe.

AUSTIN VICTORIA, A LITTLE PRODUCTION

Just a few months after the launch of the Austin Victoria for the Spanish market, the Oil Crisis of 1973 broke out. A not at all optimistic scenario for the new features to be added to the vehicle fleet, also adding the financial problems dragged along by Authi before.

And boy, neither the sales in Spain - stamped against the commercial dominance of SEAT and FASA - nor the exports - minimal but existing - were able to regain the commercial flight of the Navarrese factory. What's more, in 1976 this became part of SEAT under the protection of the INI, thus saving a good part of the jobs.

Thus, when production of the Austin Victoria was closed in 1975, the total number of units only amounted to 24.682. Something that, in the end, makes our protagonist a true "Rare avis" in regards to national production.

Therefore, if you are looking for a classic car manufactured in Spain without giving up originality and the little seen, we recommend the following: arm yourself with patience, make good contacts, search methodically and when you have found an Austin Victoria in good condition, buy it.

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Written by Miguel Sánchez

We have been writing for La Escudería for almost seven years now; a time in which we have analysed the classic car market, searched for rarities and tried to understand many technical aspects.

I'll stay on this side of the keyboard if you stay tuned on the other side of the screen.

PS If you would like to give me a Lancia or a Triumph I would be grateful, however I would be more excited if you would collaborate with the magazine.

Remember, even going against the much-vaunted spirit of vocation that reigns in the guild of editors, the truth is that a specialized press can only be sustained by professional journalists.

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