1961 Vauxhall Cresta PA

Description

Driven over 35 miles to the sale; current owner 4 years; manual overdrive   

With the introduction of the 'PA' series Cresta and Velox in October 1957, Vauxhall embraced American styling with even greater gusto than before.

Plentiful chrome, garish colour schemes, wrap-around windscreens and fashionable tail fins were all featured on these top-of-the-range sixes, which bore a more-than-passing resemblance to the contemporary Buick Special from the parent branch of General Motors. Originally powered by an 82bhp 2.25-litre straight-six, the overhead-valve engine was enlarged to 2.6-litres in 1960, now with 95bhp and increased diameter wheels to allow for larger drum brakes.

Numerous minor styling tweaks were also introduced on these models including a larger front grille and one-piece rear screen while the dash gained a padded top and a horizontal strip speedo. The standard transmission was a three-speed manual while overdrive and the two-speed Hydra-Matic auto 'box were options. Offering softly sprung comfort, the Cresta offered decent performance for the time, with a top speed of over 90mph.

Dating from 1961, this Cresta PA with registration number 119 XVR (previously on YAM 514) has a 2651cc engine allied to manual overdrive transmission and was driven here over 35 miles by the vendor who has owned the car for the last 4 years. There is a mixture of history with the car from around 2014 to 2016 where the previous owner has handwritten costings for the parts that were required to complete some of the work that was previously carried out on the car. There is no confirmation of exactly when this was done or who did it but should give the new owner something to work on going forward.

Although MOT-exempt, it has a current MOT until July 2025 with just a few minor advisories relating to slightly perished tyres, while 11 old MOTs show that it has always been in light regular use. There are also details of various events the car has attended over the years. 

In the boot there are quite a few spares the previous and current owners have gathered up over the years which will make mild renovation easier in the future. Over the past few years, the car has been covered outside and unfortunately it looks like moisture has got in the paintwork and created milky patches in a number of places, although the car could certainly still be enjoyed as it is with scope for cosmetic improvements in the future if desired. 

Starting promptly and running well as we have moved it around on site, this Cresta oozes Rockabilly cool and is on offer here at no reserve so the best bid drives it home.

For more infomation please contact [email protected]