VAUXHALL PA CRESTA

Back in the 1950s, Vauxhall released a car that looked like an Eddie Cochran song on wheels. Will Holman asks: can you imagine the firm being so adventurous today?

Staid, boring but dependable Vauxhall, right? Wrong. 1954’s Cresta E was a big step up for the Luton firm in terms of appointments and styling, but it was the PA that captured the zeitgeist perfectly three years later. The new model became a symbol of rebellion and style, and with its sleek lines, distinctive tail fins and undeniable rock ‘n’ roll vibe, quickly became a favourite among enthusiasts and rebellious spirits alike.

The Vauxhall PA Cresta made its debut in 1957, at a time when rock ‘n’ roll music was taking the world by storm and the young were eager to break away from the traditional norms. Not many youngsters could have afforded to buy one of course, but the car’s design embodied the spirit of this cultural revolution, its bold and daring aesthetics reflecting the changing times and appealing to those seeking a departure from the conservative designs of the past.

One of the most striking features of the PA Cresta was its tail fins, a nod to the jet-inspired styling that dominated the automotive scene – especially in America – in the late 1950s and early 1960s. These fins not only added a touch of futuristic elegance, but also contributed to the car’s distinctive silhouette. The front end boasted a prominent chrome grille, emphasizing the car’s bold and confident presence on the road. The two-tone paint schemes, often with vibrant colours, further accentuated the PA Cresta’s flamboyant personality.

Beyond its stylish appearance, the PA Cresta had the performance to match. Under the bonnet you’d find a robust 2262cc OHV straightsix engine (2651cc from 1961 onwards) that delivered not only a respectable amount of power, but a smoothness and refinement that set the big Vauxhall four-door apart. The softly sprung ride and handling made it a joy to drive, and the car’s reputation for reliability only added to its allure. Factory cars were all four door saloons, with the very unusual estates all being converted by coach builders Friary (those are now very rare).

As the PA Cresta rolled onto the streets, it became an instant icon for musicians, rebels and those with a penchant for the extraordinary who all found themselves drawn to the car’s charismatic charm. It became a symbol of freedom, embodying the spirit of an entire generation that was breaking away from tradition and embracing a new way of life.

In 1959 the car was facelifted with an even larger front grille, while the threepiece rear screen was replaced by a single large wraparound piece of glass. Disc brakes were options earlier, but the big Vauxhall stuck with drums as standard until 1961, meaning you really do need to keep at least two seconds behind the car in front in today’s competitive driving environment.

Despite a slight lack of modern stopping ability, the Cresta’s design has stood the test of time and any selfrespecting teddy boy can’t really be seen driving anything else. Its classic lines, tail fins and bold grille remain as eyecatching today as they were in the late 1950s. Of course, rock ‘n’ roll is very much part of the establishment today, but somehow the Cresta retains its anti-establishment feel.

Eighty thousand were built, but none had much in the way of rustproofing, so far fewer survive as there’s a lot of bodywork to corrode. And of course the car was a firm favourite with hot rodders during the 1970s, during which time you could be forgiven for wondering whether there were more Crestas powered by a Rover V8 than a Vauxhall straight-six. But if you’re handy with a welding torch and enjoy sheet metalwork, restoring a PA can be a rewarding experience, albeit a time consuming one. And if you’re a fan of Eddie Cochran, where better to listen to him sing, ‘she’s sure fine lookin’ man, she’s something else’?

The car’s replacement, the PB Cresta, was a fine looker too, but Vauxhall had bottled it as far as the styling went because the new model was smart, but fairly conservative. Maybe the designer had just mellowed with age. The PA hasn’t, though. It’s still a brash, mould-breaking design that turns heads. Nobody will ever say that about a Zafira.