Omega Owners Forum

Chat Area => General Discussion Area => Topic started by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 07 July 2008, 19:56:03

Title: Classic Vauxhall / Classic Alfa
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 07 July 2008, 19:56:03
Spotted 2 unusual cars this week.
1 was a Vauxhall Ventora on an H plate (1970) Always lusted after one of these as a kid. I think it had a 3.3 lt straight 6 (out of a truck?)

Surely this car must be the Grandaddy of the Vauxhall Omega?

Also saw a rare Alfa Romeo Montreal, had this one in my Observer book of cars when I was very young. Gorgeous looking thing, 2.5lt V8 if memory serves.

Any forum members remember these cars?
Title: Re: Classic Vauxhall / Classic Alfa
Post by: psychnurse on 07 July 2008, 19:57:01
Possibly.....  ;D ;D ;D ;D

Nice!!
Title: Re: Classic Vauxhall / Classic Alfa
Post by: Dusty on 07 July 2008, 20:19:30
Don't rememebr the Vauxhall Ventora Optimist, but years ago my Dad had a Vauxhall Cresta, and I think that had a 3.3 lt engine (Could ne wrong though)

Don't know what an Alfa Montreal is but sounds exotic. :y :y
Title: Re: Classic Vauxhall / Classic Alfa
Post by: amigov6 on 07 July 2008, 20:27:17
I remember them both. The Ventora was a very posh fd Victor. In it's day the Montreal was out of this world to look at. Unfairly known as the poor mans Ferrari, they could cost more to run than buy but were certainly exotic.
     Only available in lhd or am i confusing it with the Citroen SM (Maserati engine)???
Title: Re: Classic Vauxhall / Classic Alfa
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 07 July 2008, 20:38:45
Quote
I remember them both. The Ventora was a very posh fd Victor. In it's day the Montreal was out of this world to look at. Unfairly known as the poor mans Ferrari, they could cost more to run than buy but were certainly exotic.
     Only available in lhd or am i confusing it with the Citroen SM (Maserati engine)???
This man knows his exotica.
I think there was a foreign seventies fiilm with both a Montreal and Citroen SM in. Cant remember its name.

I think the Montreal could be had in right hand drive, but I think you are right that the Citroen SM could only be had in left hand drive :y :y
Title: Re: Classic Vauxhall / Classic Alfa
Post by: philhoward on 07 July 2008, 20:45:50
I know someone who had a Victor because he couldn't find a Ventora then fitted a Rover V8.  Exhaust manifolds were 2 bits of scaffold pipe welded to hacked off manifolds (anyone into Zephyrs and Zodiacs will know the Hockey Sticks) - still made 130bhp!

The SM....now THATS a beauty.  Went to look at a CX GTI Turbo (it was a Turbo 1, Series 2 with a Maikonics conversion for those who know), and the chap also had an SM, sadly rotting away on his drive..
Title: Re: Classic Vauxhall / Classic Alfa
Post by: Ralph on 07 July 2008, 20:46:30
Had A Ventora back in 73, beautiful motor, fuel consumption wasn't exciting, especially with a 36/36 DCD Weber, but the engine roar on full throttle was awesome.

I seem to remember having a book of petrol coupons for it, as we were being threatened with fuel rationing around that time.
Title: Re: Classic Vauxhall / Classic Alfa
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 07 July 2008, 20:51:12
Quote
Had A Ventora back in 73, beautiful motor, fuel consumption wasn't exciting, especially with a 36/36 DCD Weber, but the engine roar on full throttle was awesome.

I seem to remember having a book of petrol coupons for it, as we were being threatened with fuel rationing around that time.
1973 I think that was the time of the oil crisis. Nothing much changes.