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[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

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?

[psychnurse]

Possibly.....  

Nice!!

[Dusty]

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.

[amigov6]

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)

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

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

[philhoward]

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..

[Ralph]

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.

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

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.