
Vauxhall Cresta (1957-62)
PA
Production Total: 81,841
Recorded in UK 2024
Licensed=34 SORN=11

The Vauxhall Cresta (1957-1962) is known for several common faults:
1. **Rust**:
- **Body Panels**: Rust is a significant issue, particularly around the wheel arches, sills, and other body panels. Replacement panels can be hard to source, and the cost of repairs can be high.
2. **Electrical Issues**:
- **Aging Wiring**: The electrical system can suffer from aging and corrosion, leading to intermittent faults.
3. **Cooling System**:
- **Radiator and Hoses**: These components can deteriorate over time, leading to potential overheating issues.
4. **Suspension and Steering**:
- **Wear and Tear**: The suspension components, especially the rear, can wear out, affecting handling and ride quality.
5. **Engine and Transmission**:
- **Oil Leaks**: The engine can develop oil leaks, particularly around the gaskets¹.
- **Gearbox Issues**: The three-speed gearbox can have synchromesh problems, leading to difficult gear changes.
Despite these issues, the Cresta is a classic car with a lot of charm.
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Generations
The Vauxhall Cresta had four generations:
1. **Cresta E**: Produced from 1954 to 1957.
2. **Cresta PA**: Produced from 1957 to 1962.
3. **Cresta PB**: Produced from 1962 to 1965.
4. **Cresta PC**: Produced from 1965 to 1972.
Each generation brought various updates and improvements, making the Cresta a popular choice for executive car buyers during its time.
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Body Styles
The Vauxhall Cresta PA (1957-1962) was available in two main body styles:
1. **Four-door saloon**: This was the standard body style, offering a spacious and comfortable ride.
2. **Five-door estate**: Introduced later in the production run, this body style provided additional practicality and cargo space.
The Vauxhall Cresta PA (1957-1962) had several notable features that made it stand out during its time:
1. **American-Inspired Design**: The Cresta PA was known for its stylish design, which included tail fins, a wraparound front windshield, and lots of chrome detailing. This gave it a distinctive, eye-catching look.
2. **Two-Tone Paint**: Many models came with attractive two-tone paint schemes, adding to its visual appeal.
3. **Spacious Interior**: The Cresta offered a roomy interior with a full-width front bench seat, which could comfortably accommodate six passengers.
4. **Smooth Ride**: It was equipped with a 2.2-litre straight-six engine, providing a smooth and relatively powerful ride for its class.
5. **Luxury Features**: Higher trim levels included leather upholstery, a heater, a clock, and other comfort features that were considered luxurious at the time.
6. **Optional Extras**: Buyers could opt for additional features like a radio, external mirrors, reversing lamps, and overdrive, allowing for some customization.
The combination of these features made the Cresta PA a popular choice for those looking for a stylish and comfortable family car in the late 1950s and early 1960s.
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Trim Levels
The Vauxhall Cresta from 1957 to 1962, specifically the PA model, offered a few distinct trim levels and options:
1. **Standard Trim**: This included basic features such as a column-mounted gear change, full-width front bench seat, and a 2.2-litre straight-six engine.
2. **Higher Trim Levels**: These featured additional refinements like leather trim, two-tone paint schemes, a heater, clock, and a lockable filler cap.
3. **Optional Features**: Buyers could also opt for extras like a radio, external mirrors, reversing lamps, and overdrive.
The PA model was known for its American-inspired styling, with lots of chrome, whitewall tires, and fins, making it quite distinctive for its time.
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Engines
The Vauxhall Cresta PA (1957-1962) was equipped with the following engines:
1. **2.3-litre OHV Inline-6 Engine**:
- **Power Output**: Approximately 82 HP
- **Aspiration**: Naturally aspirated¹.
2. **2.6-litre OHV Inline-6 Engine** (introduced later in the production run):
- **Power Output**: Around 95 HP
- **Aspiration**: Naturally aspirated².
These engines provided the Cresta with a smooth and comfortable ride, making it a popular choice for executive car buyers of its time.
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Spares
You can find spares for your Vauxhall Cresta (1957-1962) at several places in the UK and Ireland. Here are some options:
1. **Vauxhall Green Parts**:
- They offer a wide range of parts specifically for the Vauxhall Cresta.
2. **eBay**:
- A good source for both new and used parts. You can find various listings for Vauxhall Cresta PA parts.
3. **BuyCarParts.co.uk**:
- They provide a selection of parts and accessories for the Vauxhall Cresta.
4. **Specialist Vauxhall Forums and Clubs**:
- Enthusiast communities often have members selling parts or can recommend trusted suppliers.
These options should help you find the parts you need to keep your classic Cresta in top condition.
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Specialists
Here are some specialists in the UK and Ireland who can help with your Vauxhall Cresta (1957-1962):
1. **Vauxhall Cresta Club**:
- This club is dedicated to Vauxhall Cresta enthusiasts and can be a valuable resource for finding parts and specialists.
2. **Classic Car Workshops**:
- Many classic car workshops across the UK and Ireland specialize in vintage Vauxhalls. Examples include:
- **Classic Car Restorations** in London
- **Retro Classic Car** in Manchester
- **Classic Car Solutions** in Dublin
3. **Specialist Forums and Clubs**:
- Enthusiast communities often have members who are knowledgeable about specific models and can recommend trusted specialists.
4. **Classic Car Auctions and Shows**:
- Attending classic car auctions and shows can also be a good way to meet specialists and find parts for your Cresta.
**NORTHERN IRELAND VAUXHALL SPECIALIST LIST**
Here are some Vauxhall specialist mechanics in County Antrim, Northern Ireland:
1. McMillan Specialist Cars
o Address: Unit 10, Plasketts Close Kilbegs Road, Antrim BT41 4NN
o Phone: 028 9335 4911
o Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00 - 17:00, Saturday 09:00 - 12:30
o Website
2. Wilsons of Rathkenny
o Address: 371 Cushendall Road, Ballymena BT43 6QB
o Phone: 028 2175 8177
o Hours: Monday to Friday 08:30 - 17:30, Saturday 09:00 - 13:00
o Website
3. Townparks Car Sales Antrim
o Address: Springfarm Industrial Estate, Antrim BT41 4NZ
o Phone: 028 9446 2506
o Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00 - 17:30, Saturday 09:00 - 12:30
o Website
Here are some Vauxhall specialist mechanics in County Armagh, Northern Ireland:
1. NI Vans
o Address: 1 Ashtree Hill, Craigavon BT62 2LH
o Phone: 028 3884 9777
o Hours: Monday to Friday 08:00 - 17:00
o Website
2. ClickMechanic
o Service: Mobile mechanics available throughout Northern Ireland
o Phone: 020 3322 9988
o Hours: Varies by mechanic
o Website
3. McMullan Auto Services
o Address: 2 Moy Road, Armagh BT61 8DL
o Phone: 028 3752 2911
o Hours: Monday to Friday 08:30 - 17:30
o Website
Here are some Vauxhall specialist mechanics in County Down, Northern Ireland:
1. Ballyrobert Vauxhall
o Address: 402 Bangor Road, Bangor BT19 1UE
o Phone: 028 9127 2701
o Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00 - 18:00, Saturday 09:00 - 13:00
o Website
2. Donnelly Group
o Address: 62 Boucher Road, Belfast BT12 6LR
o Phone: 028 9038 1729
o Hours: Monday to Friday 08:30 - 17:30, Saturday 09:00 - 13:00
o Website
3. Approved Garages
o Service: Network of approved garages across Northern Ireland
o Phone: 0845 305 4230
o Hours: Varies by location
o Website
Here are some Vauxhall specialist mechanics in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland:
1. Lochside Garages
o Address: 101 Irvinestown Road, Enniskillen BT74 6GQ
o Phone: 028 6632 4366
o Hours: Monday to Friday 08:30 - 17:30, Saturday 09:00 - 13:00
o Website
2. Higgins Autos
o Service: Mobile mechanics available throughout Northern Ireland
o Phone: 028 6632 4366
o Hours: Varies by mechanic
o Website
Here are some Vauxhall specialist mechanics in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland:
Lloyd Cooke Motors
o Address: 53 Lismacarol Road, Londonderry BT47 3LZ
o Phone: 028 7130 2100
o Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00 - 18:00, Saturday 09:00 - 14:00
o Website
2. ClickMechanic
o Service: Mobile mechanics available throughout Northern Ireland
o Phone: 020 3322 9988
o Hours: Varies by mechanic
o Website
3. Donnelly Group
o Address: Maydown Carrakeel Drive, Maydown, Derry/Londonderry BT47 6UQ
o Phone: 028 7122 6386
o Hours: Monday to Friday 08:30 - 17:30, Saturday by appointment only
o Website
Here are some Vauxhall specialist mechanics in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland:
1. Donnelly Group
o Address: 59 Moy Road, Dungannon BT71 7DT
o Phone: 028 8772 2887
o Hours: Monday to Friday 08:30 - 17:30, Saturday 09:00 - 13:00
o Website
2. McMullan Autobreakers
o Address: 15 Melmount Road, Sion Mills, Strabane BT82 9ET
o Phone: 028 8165 9500
o Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00 - 17:00
o Website
3. Approved Garages
o Service: Network of approved garages across Northern Ireland
o Phone: 0845 305 4230
o Hours: Varies by location
o Website
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Racing
The Vauxhall Cresta PA (1957-1962) wasn't primarily known for its racing pedigree. It was more of a stylish, comfortable family car with American-inspired design elements like tail fins and panoramic windows¹². However, some enthusiasts might have used it in local or amateur racing events, but it wasn't a common sight in professional racing circuits.