VAUXHALL CARLTON

1959 Vauxhall Cresta PA. 2262cc. Mountain Rose & Ivory with grey upholstery. The PA Cresta,
announced 2 October 1957, is probably the best-known version. It mimicked the American
fashion for tail-fins, wrap-around windows and white-wall tyres, taking its cues from the 1957
model Buick Special announced twelve months before the Cresta, though understated
compared to the Cadillacs and Buicks of the time. All factory-built PAs were four-door
saloons: the estate cars were converted by Friary of Basingstoke, Hampshire and are rare
today.
The PA Cresta had independent front suspension using coil springs and an anti-roll bar with
a rigid axle and semi-elliptic leaf springs at the rear. The Lockheed brakes used 9 in drums all
round. Carried over from the last of the E series cars, the 2,262 cc six-cylinder engine had
pushrod-operated overhead valves and a compression ratio of 7.8:1 (a low compression 6.8:1
version was available); it produced 82.5 bhp (61.5 kW) at 4,400 rpm. A single Zenith
carburettor was used. The transmission had three forward speeds.
It was well equipped with leather and nylon upholstery for its bench front and rear seats and
woven pile carpet. A heater was fitted as standard. The radio remained an option on the
home market. Other options included fog lamps, reversing light, locking filler cap and
external mirrors. In order to keep the front floor clear to seat six people the handbrake lever
was mounted under the dashboard and the gearchange lever was column mounted. The
car could be ordered painted in either single or two tone colours.
A PA tested by the British magazine The Motor in 1958 had a top speed of 89.8 mph (144.5
km/h) and could accelerate from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 16.8 seconds. A petrol consumption
of 25.2 miles per imperial gallon (11.2 L/100 km; 21.0 mpg‑US) was recorded. The test car cost
£1073 including taxes of £358. They tested the 2.6 Litre version with overdrive in 1960 and
found the top speed had increased to 94.7 mph (152.4 km/h), acceleration from 0-60 mph (97
km/h) to 15.2 seconds and fuel consumption improved to 26.8 miles per imperial gallon (10.5
L/100 km; 22.3 mpg‑US). The test car cost £1077 including taxes of £317. The car without
overdrive cost £1014. This car has been lovingly restored and presents in super condition
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today as the photographs show, during the restoration many parts were renewed to include
the steering, suspension, brakes, clutch and battery. The wheels were re-furbished, window
rubbers replaced, a new wiring loom and new tyres. The car drives just as you would expect
with a crisp engine and smooth gearbox and is more than happy in modern traffic.
Absolutely any inspection is welcome. All major debit cards accepted. Delivery can be
arranged.