
Louis Frankel
Specialist
LOT 562
1960 Vauxhall PA Cresta Saloon Registration no. RPM 56 Chassis no. 101101
"Many die-hard enthusiasts for the marque believe the PA to be one of the best-designed Vauxhalls ever to leave the factory. Even those who do not agree with this opinion must at least concede that it should go down as the most noticeable." – Trevor Alder, Vauxhall The Postwar Years.
With the introduction of the 'PA' series Cresta and Velox in October 1957, Vauxhall embraced American styling with even greater enthusiasm than hitherto. Plentiful chrome, garish colour schemes, wrap-around windscreens and fashionable tail fins were all featured on these two top-of-the-range sixes, which often were seen wearing whitewall tyres. Originally of 2.25 litres, the overhead-valve, straight-six engine was enlarged to 2.6 litres in 1960, producing an additional 31 horsepower, while the one major styling revision came in August that same year when a larger front grille and one-piece rear screen were adopted on the 'PADY' Velox and 'PADX' Cresta models. The standard transmission was a three-speed manual while overdrive and the two-speed Hydra-Matic auto 'box were options. An estate conversion was available from Friary Motors of Basingstoke. Offering softly sprung comfort, the Cresta had a decent performance for the time, with a top speed of over 90mph; indeed, the company's advertising hailed the Cresta and Velox as 'Built for the motorway age'.
This restored PA-series Cresta saloon is described by the private vendor as in good condition throughout. The car is offered with a V5C Registration Certificate and comes with a quantity of spare parts to include a gearbox, rear axle and items of trim. The provision of a battery cut-out switch is the only notified deviation from factory specification.
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