Vauxhall Victor FE and VX1800/2300 (1972 - 1978)
2.3 litre estate
Great Vehicle and Excellent Carrying Capacity
I bought this vehicle in 1976, after suffering two near fatal accidents in a Morris 1800S automatic (front wheel drive, all weight at front, so braking on wet/slippery surfaces led to uncontrolled sliding). The requirement was effective braking, keeping a straight line in poor conditions - trying this estate out on a muddy lane in Dorset gave me great confidence. Managed 105 mph in Cumbria with 2 other adults onboard, with negligible noise or vibration.
Economy better than I have read elsewhere - I regularly achieved 32+mpg. (The 1.8 litre was underpowered and had poorer economy.) Only problem was the vibration of the included engine when starting, as this led to pulling on the top water hose and leak at the joint with the radiator - simple fix to solder.
Having been used to an automatic with previous car (and two-foot pedal use), one day I pressed hard on the brake and hit the workshop (I had pressed the clutch by mistake) when parking at work. Then discovered pervious repair to front wing !
Downside was when I bought a new toolbox for my car tools - it must have been on display, as tools disappeared one night (guessed who was the thief, but couldn't prove it).