Vauxhall Cresta
Reviewed by Unique Cars and Parts
Our Rating: 3
Introduction
Inspired by GM Detroit, the Vauxhall
Cresta integrated rear wings and other design queues
from its American parent.
The car featured an all
syncro 3 speed gearbox and smooth pushrod six, which
gave the car a top speed of 145 km/h.
While the "Estate" model was introduced in
1959, the following year saw the demise of the beautiful
3 piece rear screen, which was replaced in 1960 with
a one-piece wrap around screen.
The "PA" model ran from 1957 - 1962, followed
by the "PB" to 1966 and ending with the "PC"
that saw the end of the "Cresta" name in
1972.
As with many cars from the era,
rust is the main enemy
of the Cresta so be careful to check any vehicle very
carefully.
We had previously described models following the "PA"
as becoming more bland, however a reader rightly pointed
out that the "Viscount" model in the "PC"
range was anything but ordinary. We stand corrected.
The
Viscount was the "luxury" Vauxhall, and came
with such cabin appointments as individual reclining
front seats, leather upholstery, power windows, a vinyl
roof, a heated rear window and power steering.
The engine was a six cylinder (3.3 litre) OHV with Zenith
carburettor which developed 124 bhp at 4600 rpm and 174
lb of torque at 2400 rpm.
Various Transmissions were available during the models
run. Initially the two speed
Powerglide was standard with
a four speed manual as an option.
From late 1970 the GM 3 speed automatic replaced the
Powerglide.
(the European equivalent to the Holden Trimatic). Suspension
was by coil springs, wishbones and anti roll bars at the
front, with a live axle half elliptic leaf springs and
a radius arm at the rear.