1968 Vauxhall Victor FD Estate Dimensions, Size & Specs

The Vauxhall Victor FD Estate has a curb weight of 1053 kg (2323 lbs), which is fairly typical for a mid-size estate car of the late 1960s. This weight offers a balance between structural sturdiness and fuel efficiency. Comparatively, many contemporaries in the mid-size family wagon segment weighed around 1000-1200 kg, placing the Victor FD Estate comfortably in the middle range.

A standard UK single garage usually measures approximately 2400 mm (7 ft 10 in) in width and 4800 mm (15 ft 9 in) in length. With the Victor FD Estate's length of 4488 mm (176.7 inches) and width of 1699 mm (66.9 inches), it will fit lengthwise in a standard garage with some room to spare. Widthwise, it fits comfortably allowing space for opening doors and some storage on the sides, making it convenient for everyday garage use.

Compared with the previous generation of the Vauxhall Victor estate models, the FD Estate was notably larger and more modern in styling. The FD Estate's length of 4488 mm (176.7 inches) and width of 1699 mm (66.9 inches) represented an increase over its predecessor, providing more interior space and improved cargo capacity. This upsize was part of Vauxhall’s effort to enhance comfort and practicality for family users, making the FD Estate more competitive in the segment.

The Vauxhall Victor FD Estate features a practical station wagon layout, offering seating for five passengers along with generous cargo space in the rear. While exact cargo volume figures for the era aren’t typically specified, the vehicle’s dimensions indicate ample room for luggage and groceries, particularly with the rear seats folded down. The estate design prioritizes utility, making it suitable for families or individuals needing extra load space for daily tasks or vacations.

With a width of 1699 mm (66.9 inches), the Victor FD Estate strikes a good balance between maneuverability and stability. This relatively moderate width helps drivers to navigate narrower roads or city streets typical in the UK, while providing a stable stance on highways. The width contributes positively to its handling characteristics and ensures the car doesn't feel too bulky, which is advantageous for an estate vehicle primarily aimed at practical daily use.

The vehicle height at 1333 mm (52.5 inches) for the Victor FD Estate is consistent with many mid-size station wagons from the late 1960s. This modest height aids in reducing aerodynamic drag somewhat and lowers the vehicle's center of gravity compared to taller SUVs or vans, potentially offering more stable handling. At the same time, it allows sufficient headroom for passengers and provides good cargo volume when the rear seats are folded.

In comparison with similar estate models of the late 1960s, such as the Ford Cortina Estate or Hillman Hunter Estate, the Vauxhall Victor FD Estate falls into a similar mid-size category. While Ford Cortina Estates were slightly shorter in length (approx. 4400 mm), the Victor FD Estate’s size offered a very competitive cargo and passenger space balance. It provided a comfortable, practical option without being oversized, which was well aligned with market needs at the time.

The Vauxhall Victor FD Estate's design is focused on utility and versatility. Its spacious interior with rear folding seats allows for flexible cargo and passenger arrangements, making it ideal for family use, grocery runs, or weekend trips. The moderate length and width ensure easy maneuverability, while the decent curb weight of 1053 kg (2323 lbs) provides solid build quality and reasonable fuel economy for its era. It thus offered a reliable family car combination of space, comfort, and practicality.

The relatively moderate curb weight of 1053 kg (2323 lbs) coupled with medium-sized dimensions contribute to an efficient and comfortable driving experience for the Vauxhall Victor FD Estate. The lighter weight for an estate car of that period helped to moderate fuel consumption, an important consideration during the late 1960s. Furthermore, the size ensures an agile driving feel without compromising interior space, making it a practical daily driver for both urban and longer journeys.