1955 Vauxhall Cresta
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Highlights
• Extensive ownership and servicing history
• Excellent cosmetic and mechanical condition
• Low mileage example
• Cared for by classic vauxhall enthusiast
Background
In 1948, Vauxhall motors production saloons consisted of two main players, the Wyvern and the Velox. With a larger 2.2 litre engine, as opposed to the Wyvern’s 1.4, the Velox was designed towards the more sporty post war crowd. It was then in 1954 that Vauxhall brought to market the Cresta. The first iteration, such as this example, being labelled the Cresta E.
These models were effectively very similar to the Velox, sporting the same engine, and similar styling, however the Cresta was penned as the Velox’s more luxurious counterpart. Available with a host of luxury features including a heater as standard, fascia mounted clock, and more lavish interior upholstery options as well as the choice of 2 tone paint work.
These models were effectively very similar to the Velox, sporting the same engine, and similar styling, however the Cresta was penned as the Velox’s more luxurious counterpart. Available with a host of luxury features including a heater as standard, fascia mounted clock, and more lavish interior upholstery options as well as the choice of 2 tone paint work.
This being a 1955 model, has slight tweaks and improvements to the interior alongside separate amber rear indicators, more efficient window mechanisms and a new chrome plated grille.
History
This fine example, thanks to an extensive folder of paperwork, has quite a well recorded history, most notably in its early days. Originally bought by a Mr Purdy of Portslade, from dealers, Mansfield’s Automobile engineers and Agents of Kingsway. It was then excellently cared for by Mr Purdy and the dealership for a great deal of time, the dealership servicing the car and providing various items and manuals throughout Mr Purdy’s ownership.
After the death of the original owner, the Cresta passed through the hands of several Vauxhall enthusiasts and members of the Cresta club, with it largely being kept in storage during this time, hence the incredibly low mileage.
Paperwork
Having been under the care of Vauxhall enthusiasts for a great deal of its life, the Cresta boasts a very impressive file of paperwork.
We find a lot of original material from when the car was bought new, including, owners manuals, servicing guides and a letter from the dealership addressed to the owner congratulating him on the purchase of his Cresta. There are also several receipts for servicing work undertaken by the original dealership as well as letters confirming the purchase of various manuals to accompany the car.
We find a lot of original material from when the car was bought new, including, owners manuals, servicing guides and a letter from the dealership addressed to the owner congratulating him on the purchase of his Cresta. There are also several receipts for servicing work undertaken by the original dealership as well as letters confirming the purchase of various manuals to accompany the car.
There is also a comprehensive collection of previous MOT certificates alongside registration documents and more modern receipts and invoices for servicing and maintenance, there is also a great deal of Vauxhall Cresta Club literature.
The interior
While already boasting a more luxurious trim compared to its Velox counterpart, the interior of this specific Cresta stands out even more, this being due to the addition of some rather bold tiger print seat covers, adorning the seats both front and rear, courtesy of “Car Coverall” of Regent Street London. The covers fit excellently and boast very minimal wear, providing a unique bit of style to the cabin of the car.
The door cards and door furniture are an excellent blend of chrome, leather and fabric. All four are in excellent condition and finished in beautiful shades of brown and beige. Looking above we see the headlining, also finished in a similar beige, it is of an exemplary condition as well. The carpets and mats below are of an equally good standard, and look as to be expected of a car of such minimal mileage.
Up front, the dash board is quintessential 1950’s, sitting proudly in a goldish brown, we find a symphony of chrome adornments, dials, and switchgear. On the far left we find the small clock that comes as standard on the Cresta, finished excellently and sat within a ring of chrome. The original radio, a work of art in itself, lies in the centre of the dash. We also find controls for the heater, another standard luxury feature of the Cresta.
The boot itself is also very neat, the upholstery is minimal, but smart, looking almost unused. Just inside, we also find the original jack for the spare wheel that sits under the car.
The Exterior
Influence from the wonderful American cars from across the pond is rather evident when looking at the exterior of the Cresta. A combination of curved lines and hoards of chrome trim the car presents excellently and is a wonderful example of 1950’s styling.
The paintwork itself is in good condition, finished in a deep shade of black, investigation suggests the paint is mostly original however there has been some repainting done to the front and rear valance. Unfortunately the paint is faded and showing signs of blemishing in some areas but this does not detract from the look of the car.
The front end holds a large chrome bumper and what is known as the “wide mouth” front grille and badging. There also sits two beautiful spot lamps that are mounted just above the bumper. Just above the headlights sit wing mounted side mirrors and yet even more chrome trim on the bonnet and beautifully sculpted windscreen trim. The Vauxhall designers didn’t leave it there though, as the pattern of wonderfully stylish chrome trim continues around the sides of the vehicle and onto the rear where we see another beautiful bumper and boot trim. All of the chrome is of exquisite condition, with very minimal wear to be seen. It is clear to see when looking at it that this is a car that has been very well stored and cared for.
The car sits on four chrome wheels and white wall tyres, all four are in a great condition and really compliment the look of the car.
The Mechanics
Under the bonnet we find the same 2262cc 6 cylinder engine that is equipped in the Velox. Testing at the time suggests the motor was good for 64hp and 80mph. This example fires into life almost immediately, finding a lovely consistent idle and providing a subtle engine note from the exhaust at rear. The engine bay and engine itself appear extremely clean and free of leaks.
Everything is reported to work as it should, the car drives excellently, the power from the engine delivered through a 3 speed column shifter. The braking system also works well and brings the car to a stop with ease.
The Appeal
An incredibly rare opportunity to acquire a stylish, rare but usable classic. This has to be one of the finest E series Crestas on the road today, it is clear that this example has been excellently cared for by genuine classic car and Vauxhall enthusiasts.
We have here, an incredibly well documented, well maintained low mileage example of a piece of 1950’s art.
We have here, an incredibly well documented, well maintained low mileage example of a piece of 1950’s art.
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Vehicle specification
- Year 1955
- Make Vauxhall
- Model Cresta
- Colour Black
- Odometer 28,560 Miles
- Engine size 2262
Auction Details
- Seller Type Trade
- Location Essex
- Country United Kingdom
24
bids
- Jo•••• £16,500 22/12/21
- Ch•••• £16,499 22/12/21
- Ch•••• £16,250 22/12/21
- Jo•••• £16,000 22/12/21
- Ch•••• £15,750 22/12/21
- Ch•••• £15,500 22/12/21
- Jo•••• £15,250 22/12/21
- Ch•••• £15,000 22/12/21
- Jo•••• £14,750 22/12/21
- Ch•••• £14,500 22/12/21
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