IDRIVEACLASSIC reviews: Vauxhall PA Cresta (the posh Velox!)

[@stevie2nw]

Stunning, one of Vauxhall's best. Has to be one of the most beautiful cars ever made.

[@idriveaclassic]

Agree 👏👏👏

[@fleurandshanemilne746]

I am from Bluff in New Zealand and way back in 1983 out the back of one of the local garages there was a1962 Pax Vauxhall Velox, just sitting there and no one took much notice of it. It was dark blue with a thin white stipe at the top of the doors back to the end of the fins. It was complete just had no back wheels on it, so it was just sitting on the ground in long the grass the keys were even in it but no battery. Then it was 21 years old not much rust that I could see, it just looked original with faded paint. I was 15 yrs old back then, it just sat there for nearly 3 years and then one day it was gone. All I can say is I really wish some how I could have got it. They are such cool cars and I have always loved them.

[@idriveaclassic]

Oh what a shame it never made it 😭

[@Riys-hp8jx]

Imported from Bosnian 😂

[@dufus7396]

The bar display speedo and dimmer knob for dash lights..pure class

[@grayfool]

Holy moly! What a car. I really can't remember the last time I saw a PA. They rotted soooo quickly in the day. Full marks to Steve for looking after that one so nicely. Beautiful job.

[@idriveaclassic]

Yes he’s done an incredible job

[@michaeltutty1540]

Ma had to repaint her 58 Velox in 60 after extensive welding. By 66, the car was structurally beyond repair.

[@None-zc5vg]

One of the early 'PA' models (with the three-piece rear window and those 'rocket ship' giant tail-lights) drove (chugged) past me last year: the bodywork had that 'more-filler-than-metal' look but what can anyone expect of a 60+ year-old 'thin-metal car'.

[@lennyh500]

Steel strikes at the time meant Vauxhalls were made from naff Eastern Bloc steel. By the early '70s, there was a big push to shake off the rust-bucket image.

[@replevideo6096]

A friend of mine had a PA Cresta, which I got to drive a few times. It was beautiful to drive, so smooth and quiet, thanks to the flexibility of that engine. You could literally drive it in top gear all the time as long as you were doing over 20 mph. I had a Mk. 2 Zephyr, a lovely car but no match for the Cresta. A little known point is that this model Cresta handled as well as a Jaguar at speed. Ideal as a bank robber's getaway car, and more chance of getting away because the cops were looking for Jaguars.

[@idriveaclassic]

Haha yes. A robber with style.

[@manthony1956]

These I remember in the U.S. They were sold through Pontiac dealers here, which makes sense, as the interior/ exterior color schemes are very Pontiac of that era (mid 1950s to early 1960s). From the "knee-knocker" ingress/ egress of the front doors created by the wrap around windshield, to the reverse C pillar. and the multi-color leather seat covers (Pontiac used three color vinyl, no leather available, and called it Morrokide). Unusual touches like blacked out textured metal surrounds on controls, the full sweep speedometer and so many other things. The designers of the time added ornamentation to everything from the door lock buttons to the window regulator handles. The cars of this era always remind me of an older home, where not a surface is without an accent of some sort. By the time I started driving and working on vehicles fifty years ago, most of these were in the junkyards, but for me, the junkyards were like visiting a toy store. Great car. Great review. Be well.

[@idriveaclassic]

I wish I could go back in time I really do

[@chunxxxxter]

Probably a silly question but Were they left hand drive in the USA? Imagine finding a rust free example there!, And I cant believe they came with a set of funbags!

[@stuco81]

Great post, had no idea these were ever sold in the states.

[@stephenholland5930]

@@chunxxxxter I would expect them to have been LHD if sold by Pontiac. Ford sold LHD mark 1 and 2 Cortinas in the US.

[@manthony1956]

@@chunxxxxter They were left hand drive. I lived in the San Francisco Bay Area as a kid, and most vehicles were fairly rust free (though not like desert vehicles). We really disliked vehicle from the East Coast. Most had "road cancer" and were a pain to work on.

[@deanosah]

My Uncle had velux and I have the last picture of Gran sitting in the back. It brings back happy memory of Gran seeing this video.

[@jackiron4785]

I grew up in the days when these were viewed as old bangers. I especially remember a maroon grey with its front wing and lower front panel rotted out on the street we played in the early 70s. Yet even then, it was a special car to me, it was different, it was like the cars we saw on the many American shows and films that were on TV in those days. My affection for these cars was heightened after leaving a showing of American Graffiti in around 1977, walking out of the cinema to be greeted with a Cresta gleaming in all its glory. For me, you can keep your Ferrari, Lambourn, Aston etc. The pseudo American cars of the 50s early 60s are what I really love. Thanks Steph for featuring the PA.

[@idriveaclassic]

God I haven’t seen American graffiti in years

[@jonathangriffin1120]

If you look hard at the bottom left hand corner of the screen during Del Shannon's 'Runaway' you'll see a Morris Minor.

[@peterriggall8409]

Loved that paint and trim brochure. What a lovely thing to keep with the car.

[@idriveaclassic]

I know! I was spoilt x

[@bunter6]

Shows you how times have changed, cars now are an appliance rather than luxury. New car sales are so much less personal and its almost expected/implied that you've already been on line and chose your desired spec and just want a test drive in a similar spec one before you sign up for your finance/pcp/lease. Back when I was a kid I remember my mum and dad being in the dealership for ages going over things with the dealer and then coming home with loads of brochures that were richly made, none of that now, a lost age.

[@peterriggall8409]

@@bunter6 Yep, same experience. Now the most important thing is how big the screen on the dash is and if it is Apple car play and Android compatible. Upholstery colours are charcoal or charcoal....sounds like T model Ford selections.

[@andyelliott8027]

@@idriveaclassic That clock can be fixed, there are people who specialise in that. So many classic cars have that problem, even the ones that are really well restored and I always think it looks like the job has not been finished. Clocks in old cars can be fitted with quartz movements these days too.

[@WitchKing-Of-Angmar]

@@peterriggall8409 and yet even the Model T had color in 1908-1913 to 1925-27. 1914-1924 was all black. And as for the Model A, I believe there was 28 different color combinations.

[@Roger.Coleman1949]

My favourite Vauxhall of all time , this PA DX Cresta the last of the line before becoming much more restrained .My best mate's dad had a ' 58 PA Cresta ( 2.2 litre , 3-piece rear window , oval rear lamps and flat fronted bonnet with a round lens mascot ! ).It was duo-grey with red/black leather interior , reg.no VJJ 118 , always loved going out in it !.Steve is a lucky man to have kept this beautiful example - glittering unashamedly - can tell you loved it Steph !.

[@thomascarroll9556]

Oval lights, and indicators in the fins?

[@Roger.Coleman1949]

@@thomascarroll9556 Yes indeed Thomas.I can still see his dad replacing a bulb in the nearside rear indicator fin and unable to refit the screw holding the chrome reverse angle finisher trim .It ended up having a wood screw fitted but it seemed to work !.

[@thomascarroll9556]

@@Roger.Coleman1949 when I was a child in short pants I used to pass two of these parked behind each other, with the two types of light clusters, on my way home from school, liked the one withe the indicators in the fin better. At the time my dad had the older (55?) Wyvern and Velox, the wyvern had friction windows!

[@anthonyfmoss]

I’ve heard this car described as “Luton’s finest hour”. Lovely to see this Steph. Great video again! In fact, I know you said it could be one of the favourite cars featured in 2021, I’m almost beginning to think that it is one of my favourite cars ever featured on your channel. This could be Steph’s finest hour!

[@idriveaclassic]

Aww Anthony. Your comment made my heart smile x

[@joetaylor2394]

Interesting about the disc brakes option, in the states during that era on almost all domestic makes it wasn’t even offered. It wasn’t until 1962 that Ford made front discs standard equipment on the Lincoln. Very remarkable example of an English classic there, thanks for sharing

[@idriveaclassic]

Ahh really?!

[@WitchKing-Of-Angmar]

@@idriveaclassic uhm no, disk brakes were first offered on General motor sedans in 1926 to improve the Taxi culture in the cities from having to brake fast.

[@Kenny_P_abz]

That brochure was incredible. Even in the late 80s though the Next Directory had fabric swatches for suits.

[@robertlambert8719]

This is A Proper Motor Car! Same age as me, and in a much better condition! All credit to the owner. Why can't we make cars like this now? A lovely 6 cylinder engine, rear wheel drive and a superb interior. Thanks for another superb video!

[@idriveaclassic]

Car is nearly twice my age and looks better than me too 😂😂😂😂😂

[@michaeltutty1540]

@@idriveaclassic Now, then, Lass. Less of that. Thee's stunning in your own right.

[@CharlesStanding]

Oh, what a lovely video to brighten up a lockdown Sunday. I'm really pleased that you included the image of the Queen in her Friary estate - I believe that at the time, the snotty brigade pooh-poohed the car until Her Majesty (the ultimate royal petrolhead) started hurtling around in one. Steph, thank you again for another brilliant video.

[@idriveaclassic]

I love QEII - she’s such a woman ❤️

[@davidbaugh]

Great video. I bought a 1960 PA Cresta with my Father in the late 80's and have regretted selling it ever since. I think it had only covered 28,000 miles. It also hand a very rare 45 record player slung under the passenger side dash.Brilliant.

[@idriveaclassic]

Did it skip? I’ve always wondered about those.

[@davidbaugh]

Very rarely, the only time was if we drove over a pot hole. The the turntable part was sprung to avoid skipping. If memory serves it was a Philips unit.

[@davidbaugh]

There's one for sale on eBay at the moment.........£800!!!!!!!!!

[@ianstanley7230]

What an iconic bit of 50's/60's motoring! I remember someone in the village where I grew up having a Cresta in the early '60's. I thought it was a fantastic shape then and it still looks great. Well done for getting one on your channel.

[@idriveaclassic]

Thanks Ian. It wasn’t my easiest find, had a hand in sourcing from Kev who appears in many of my videos!

[@nevillewalker6299]

I remember as a 19yr old going to Measham Car sales with my father to buy a car. I indicated an identical car to that shown and he gave me one of his looks. We finished up with a low line Ford Consul still a nice motor.

[@retr0naut823]

Do you remember the good old days before the ghost town 😉. Cresta famously stared in The Specials video for ghost town.

[@idriveaclassic]

It did indeed!

[@jonnycando]

@@idriveaclassic But Steph that was so before your time….kudos for knowing of that cool song and video!

[@trevorshields7347]

Hats off to the restorer/s of this car. The bodywork looks fabulous!

[@happyhermit2022]

Excellent review of a car that is obviously cherished by the owner...great engine note 👍

[@idriveaclassic]

Thanks so much ❤️❤️

[@drwho534]

That has to be the most American/Brit looking car of that era. The GM styling influence is so overwhelming I'm sure many unfamiliar with it upon first sight might say it's obviously an American car. Thanks for the great scenic drive. Another amazing 'I Drive A Classic'!

[@idriveaclassic]

Thank you so much!!! X

[@owengoodspeed5763]

What a beautiful car! And especially in those colours. The video takes me back to my childhood when there were lots of these on the roads. I also remember the rear window stickers or little red triangle rear bumper badges proclaiming "Warning Disc Brakes"! My father had FA and FB Victor's and so the umbrella handle hand brake and ignition key slot with the twisting collar around the outside were very familiar as well. Thank you 🙂😎

[@sinclairforrest2178]

My dad had one of these, grey over maroon. We used to drive from Scotland to the West Country on holiday. I remember it fondly. My dad was a Vauxhall man until he graduated to Wolseleys.

[@discerningmind]

Steph, it was the Plymouth Fury video where I first discovered you, and how lovely and wonderful you are. This Vauxhall is a wonderful example. The Colors and Upholstery book was brilliant! I love the way they did the exterior rear door handles. Thanks again Steph for a fun and interesting video.

[@idriveaclassic]

Ahh really! I loved doing that video x

[@graffb.5531]

I just love these. I believe the Cresta had an option of a Venetian Blind for the rear screen.

[@davegeros9314]

PB was immensely popular in New Zealand, saw heaps of them as a kid. Was my parents wedding car 👍.

[@lucythemoggy1970]

love how you complemented the car with ur outfit steph!

[@idriveaclassic]

Thanks michael it’s a home made number

[@tinplategeek1058]

I'm drooling. This is a classic British car. Also it brings back memories of my childhood when the PA and Velox were everywhere.

[@idriveaclassic]

I wish they were more commonplace.

[@michaeltutty1540]

@@idriveaclassic they would be had they not started rotting after the first year on the road! They were even worse than Peugeot for rust, which is really saying something.

[@patgal8588]

Thank you. This has been in my top 5 classic cars for more years than I care to remember.

[@andygreen1a]

Stunning car,absolutely immaculate,a credit to the owner. I look forward to your reviews on a Sunday morning as never know what you will review next, fantastic variety on your channel. Already looking forward to next week. By the way you r outfit coordinates beautifully with the car.

[@idriveaclassic]

Thanks so much andrew!

[@rhysstatham7407]

As a young boy in the 1960s I remember a gentlemen who lived in the same street had one of these a real head turner. We had a Vauxhall Cresta from 1950s styling though that car suffered from rust.

[@50654570]

What an amazing book Stephie. The idea was so advanced that i never imagined people in the 50s could come up with this idea. The car is so beautiful too. Thanks for your comprehensive research and the generosity of the owner to share the car with us. I am most grateful

[@idriveaclassic]

Honestly it’s my pleasure it really is. Best day out in ages.

[@50654570]

I wish i can come with you! The shape of the front and rear windscreens are so unique. I only saw the car in B&W in films....i wish i got one.

[@karlhurn]

Always loved the PA Cresta. It somehow has a bit of American glamour about it, like a small 57 Chevy 😉

[@williamhumberhawk8187]

I wondered about the seatbelts. My 1961 Humber Hawk Series II didn't have them when my father bought it when new. But he fitted two point belts in the front. There are no mounting points at the bottom of pillars. Only at the top and at the centre tunnel. It wouldn't be legal to fit them today under NZ regulations but because they were put in when near new and with the car being over 40 years old I think I would be allowed to keep them. The original straps were frayed so I replaced the straps but kept the original hardware. It isn't obvious that the straps have been replaced and I hope it won't be a problem when the car gets inspected for its first warrant of fitness since 1990. If I upgrade to modern belts and mountings then they would have to be done by a certified specialist and that will be expensive.

[@idriveaclassic]

Oh really? You can fit belts at home here

[@williamhumberhawk8187]

@@idriveaclassic you can here too. But the rules change when it comes to fitting mounting plates and drilling holes in structural areas. But I have considered just fitting some and seeing if I can get away with it.

[@haroldhorseposture9435]

Love the P.A. Loved 'em from the age of 5 when I first asked me dad what that car was what 'uncle Jim' had arrived in. Maroon and grey ,it was , like most I saw back in the day . Like a 1960's Durex packet !. Pestered Dad to get one, but 'too expensive' was the response - they were new at the time . Finally got me one in early '83, painted it pink , and in '87 put a small-block Chevy in it. Sold it in '90, along with my '63 P.B. , and imported a '57 Ford Fairlane. The yank addiction was started by that P.A. , and has led to a selection of Corvettes , which persists to this day.

[@allanmollison6971]

Where abouts in UK was this filmed. It looks like it could have been somewhere in the US, and the car looks a bit like a chev bel air. Certainly the American influence is present with this car. Another great car video, 10/10

[@idriveaclassic]

It was filmed on the moors in Yorkshire 😊

[@eadonone]

There were lots of these sold in New Zealand by GM dealers who also sold Holden's as well the PA was a great car

[@idriveaclassic]

Ah lovely

[@bcfairlie1]

Absolutely right. Vauxhall was very popular in New Zealand, until G.M started to price them out of the market in the late 60s. I still believe that the P.c. Cresta was superior to both the Holden and Ford offers from Australia at the time. Though I do love Chryslers Valiant.

[@johnjamesmoses]

Yes I am a Kiwi, my first car was a dark green 1960 Vauxhall Velox PAY my second A bermuda blue 1962 Velox PAX. The Velox models were assembled here the PA Crestas were imported, fully assembled from the UK and relatively rare. There were a couple of PAX Cresta Friary wagons in the Wellington area. I still have a sales brochure for the 1961 Velox and Cresta models that I picked up at a car show when I was a boy.

[@darrenwilson8042]

That trim booklet is the sort of thing you do on line these days when you can change colours etc on a manufacturers website - the person who came up with that concept for Vauxhall was a true visionary

[@idriveaclassic]

It’s such an expensive thing to produce. Incredible reallt.

[@darrenwilson8042]

@@idriveaclassic That was the internet in 1960. They just didn't know it. Bet if looked on the back it would have gad "visit Vauxhall UK at www.vauxhallcars.com". Nobody at the printers knew what it was they were printing ha ha ha ha

[@seancooke4127]

Excellent style combination. Beautiful scenery beautiful car. Too many so called experts have knocked the PA Cresta for its American Styling. I have always believed that it was the most glamorous of all the 1960s big saloons. They have good strong engines, nice gearchange, beautiful interior, smooth body, they drive well and easily equal to big Westminsters, Zodiacs and Super Snipes. Well spoken Steph driving should always be an occasion not a means of A to B travel. These weren't really big but the PBs and PCs were massive.

[@idriveaclassic]

I think it’s interesting to look at it as a real daring leap forward.

[@leopoldonotarianni8663]

Excellent description of the Vauxhall PA Cresta, Steph. I loved the extra detail in this particular review and the dealer trim/paint trim combo book. Keep up the fantastic work. Always interesting.

[@planecrazy19031946]

I had a 1960 Cresta PA, maroon and silver grey, long tail lights not like this later version. I believe that it cost just over £1000 when it was new, mine was two years old. I learned to drive on this car and loved it. No overdrive just the three speed box. I fitted reverse lights, side repeater lights, electric washers and twin aerials just behind the rear window by the rear fins. Rust was the main problem in those days with most cars and this one was no exception, I remember fitting new sills to both sides under the doors and rust could creep in along the top of the fins. It only took about an hour to change the clutch plate, the gear box was quite light in weight compared to the Zephyrs and Zodiacs which had four speed boxes. I remember that it took me almost as long to clean all of the chrome as it did the paintwork. After the PA I went on to own a white Velox and a maroon Cresta deluxe PC a 3 litre automatic which I remember having a massive boot. In their day they were a big car but when I see one now I think that they look smaller than I remember them.

[@Vince_uk]

I always liked these cars and when I was a kid I used to dream of owning one in the 1960's, that is last century by the way 😂

[@idriveaclassic]

😂😂😂

[@profrumpo]

Superb test, how lucky you were to get behind the wheel of this beautiful and rare car. Seeing that really interesting colour and trim book was quite the treat too. Thanks to owner Steve, what a lucky man owning a real piece of British motoring history. Thanks for another terrific review.

[@idriveaclassic]

I was *the* luckiest.

[@andybryant1772]

I've seen a couple at car shows here in Australia. They do look better in the flesh. I love how your clothes match the interior.

[@buddy8225]

Another sweet treat. A Vauxhall Cresta. My favorite Vauxhall is the Viva. ❤️😀

[@allanriches9381]

The roof line and rear window is art

[@andrewwilson4143]

This brought back memories ... my dad had one of these which was 2 tone blue. In 1966 he had a Viscount which was another level .... even had electric windows !!!!! Luxury .... hahaha. Thanks for the memories Steph .... try and get a Viscount.

[@idriveaclassic]

Gosh leccy windows!

[@stevehadfield5963]

Rumours were that they were left outside unprotected,sometimes before painting. If true it's no wonder they had rust issues! This one is top notch and a credit to the owner, it's too good really, I'd be scared to use it. When we were looking for our classic we narrowed it down to a PA, MK2 Jag, or MK2 Zephyr or Zodiac. It had to be in good condition but not a trolley dolly as we wanted to use it for more than showing, and automatic as the wife is disabled. To cut a long story short, we ended up with a Zephyr as we couldn't find a PA, the jag's were stupid money and we weren't too keen on the aluminium rear on the zodiac. That was in 2004 and it's still with us, still making us smile and still dragging us into chats with some lovely like-minded people. They certainly change your lives that's for sure!🤓

[@idriveaclassic]

Is that true?! That’s mental.

[@jkk244]

Those exterior door handles are so cool. As are the wraparound front and rear windshields. To American eyes it looks like I should know this car because it seems so familiar. Another great video Steph!

[@bcfairlie1]

The door handles were a carry over from the the previous E.I.P

[@idriveaclassic]

Thank you so much xx

[@stephenbrockett710]

Great cars when new.Our next door neighbour had a new Vauxhall Velox as a company car every year,so as a kid I was familiar travelling in ,when invited,and viewing these cars every day.Even the earlier cars had a crackly exhaust note and later on in my mechanical career,I found out that GM -UK were not frightened to install , as standard ,a quite progressive camshaft.These Vauxhalls were immensely popular in my country NZ and were driven by many a taxi driver.The later FD Victor that received the 3.3 l. 6 cylinder engine were raced here.The 3.3 engine was an obvious development of the 2.6 lump featured in this PA interview. My Vauxhall in those times ?A tidy 1971 Victor 3.3 bought for $3100 NZ secondhand in1972.

[@weaton25]

I had a 1960 and latter a 1962 just like this one with the 2.6 engine 3 speed with overdrive loved it if only Vauxhall could have solved the rust problem my car was only 4 years old when I got it but it had rust holes in it already.

[@idriveaclassic]

That’s shocking.

[@Jaxs2]

That car looks great on you Steph 🤩👍

[@idriveaclassic]

Thank you Carl x

[@volvo480]

I love how your clothing matches the car. In fact I think overall this is one of the best video you've produced so far. Have enjoyed it very much.

[@idriveaclassic]

Thank you! I made the dress myself especially.

[@volvo480]

@@idriveaclassic Well done Steph! And it really shows your enthusiasm for this car.

[@peterriggall8409]

@@volvo480 Wow, top marks Steph. If you make a dress for every road test you are going to be a busy girl. :-)

[@williamhumberhawk8187]

Very nice 🙂 I like the American influences that I can see in the Vauxhalls, Ford Zephyr / Zodiacs and big Humbers.

[@idriveaclassic]

Me too! X

[@voicevoice2053]

I remember driving one in the 1960s. Very smooth ride and smooth six cylinder engine. A very well liked car at that time

[@jeffhildreth9244]

My cousin was a Vauxhall, Pontiac/Oldsmobile dealer in Chehalis/Centralia Washington USA. I visited the dealership when the Vauxhalls were there. I have a VAUXHALL merchandising/promo Pencil. Excellent video. Impressive car.

[@idriveaclassic]

Thanks for watching Jeff!

[@urbanfalk4398]

i must say its brilliant to see how you dress up for the cars, This time the effect was outstanding ! And the way your hair worked with the notwood.....Just brilliant ! well I really enjoyed the pretty car too.. Keep it up Steph !

[@charliedrake247]

Style and class those days had them Ford zodiac PA velox loved them gears on the tree 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿👍🏻🗳

[@lesliedickinson198]

Another great video Steph and so much nostalgia for me as I remember these as a kid and they were stunning against the opposition when new and still carry their looks well today. So lovely to see one in such a good condition, I think Ive only ever seen one in such condition 🙂🙂🙂

[@idriveaclassic]

Thanks Leslie. I was rather spoilt!

[@peterthwaites5891]

Really enjoyed watching you take the old Cresta for a drive... Love your outfit, its so in keeping ..

[@idriveaclassic]

Thank you! I made the dress specially for the video. I found the crimplene in the cupboard a week before and thought it would be perfect 😂

[@VickersV]

Lovely car, always wondered what the car was in the specials video, thought it was a humber! Thanks for a great video. Cheers.

[@jcobbett1958]

In the early 70's, a near neighbour of mine had a yellow 2 tone one of these (fugly colour) but I thought it was the best thing I had ever seen. He had it waxoiled and it was in pristine condition. I begged him regularly to sell it to me to no avail. He said there was no money could buy his baby. Sadly he moved in the late 70's so what happened to it I have no idea. I did eventually get a Ford Zodiac MkII with column change.

[@knifetrain3118]

Absolutely beautiful car! It would fit right in here in the US!

[@davidellis279]

My uncle had one of these Crestas when I was a child and he used to take us to Wales occasionally to see our relatives,what a thrill it was to travel in this super car we felt like Royalty,he had the previous model too but that was nowhere near as good as this model, happy days and memories.

[@RichieRouge206]

What a beautiful car! So American in styling but I love American classics so it’s definitely a beauty in my eyes. Some lovely engineering in it too with the screens, the choke and those beautiful rear door handles! Great review Steph

[@idriveaclassic]

She was gorgeous x

[@roncatton7101]

Cresta is one of my favourite classic cars, love em! Days when cars were really cars. Simple, without any of the unwanted/unneeded money msking computerized gadgets of today. Comforatable seats in those days also..👍

[@WindlePoones]

I owned a 1962 one of these PABX Crestas for three years. It was in two tone blue. In my opinion the best colour. Bought S/H in 1968 I kept it for three years. I loved driving it. The only downside about it was I would regularly bash my knee getting in and out of the drivers seat on the pointed part of the windscreen's body trim. The only other thing I disliked about it was the fuel consumption. The way I drove it would return around 17 mpg. Wish I still had it a dream to drive.

[@alastairwatson3201]

Nice colour coordination with you clothes, too; very nicely matched to the car’s interior.

[@josephmifsud8261]

A beautiful looking car. Love the colour. I remember the Ghost Town video and song from my childhood and loved it. The actual car in the video is now in the Coventry Music video ( the front half that is). And such a cool brochure too.

[@Topshaman-pk2rx]

Your videos are always required viewing. Fascinating information about the car. Love the dealer's colour and trim book.

[@idriveaclassic]

Ahh thank you ❤️❤️❤️

[@cerealtiller]

I owned an early PA in '71..it had the 3 piece rear window and the Engine was a 2.2 Six. the Front Wings began to separate beneath the chrome trim which ran down the top seam. it had 121 K miles when I bought it. it was a smooth and comfortable Car but was Rusting rapidly. the Estate version is still a very good looking Car.

[@paulrope769]

One of my older friends told me a story about how her and her girlfriends used to go down to Yarmouth in a Cresta, drawing alongside her boyfriend's car filled with his mates and pass drinks and cigarettes to each other from car to car along the Acle Straight at speed.... I told her what happened in 1964 should stay in 1964! Great video!

[@wideawake11]

I really enjoyed this one, Steph - such a lovely car. There were still quite a few of these about in South Africa when I was primary school age and fascinated by just about every vehicle that crossed my path. Interesting regional difference - in South Africa we referred to the cheaper PA as the Vee-lox but it seems in the UK it was the Vel-ox. Ah, you forgot to give us a close-up of the Corgi model car on the back seat. And I think that was the high beam/low beam switch to the left of the clutch. I had a 1961 Borgward Isabella in the late 80s so I got to know the "quirks and features" of cars of this era (and the Isabella is a great driver's car, would love to see one again if you are ever able to get hold of one!)

[@idriveaclassic]

Thanks for watching andrew

[@bcfairlie1]

I like what,you say. I was also a kid in the 70s. In New Zealand. We had a 1954 Velox. I adored the PA Velox . I had a 'dinky Toy ' one. It was a 58 with the three piece back window. I have never,owed a P.A. but I did own a P.B. I ALSO owned a Borgward Isabella. It was a 59. Loved that car. Should not have sold it .kiwis sat Vee-lox as well. We also say Vaux-hall. In reality it should be pronounced Falks-Hall. Because that it where the town got its name from. The family were the Falks and they owned a large hall. ( house)

[@neville132bbk]

We, in Dunedin NZ, always seemed to call them "Vee lox" and the make was "Vorx'all"....same as the suburb across the harbour.

[@brendanhurley8780]

Another great video. Love the colour coordination with you and the car. Magnificent the scenery, reminds me of driving around the Cork/Kerry mountains in the South West of Ireland.

[@idriveaclassic]

Ahh that’s on my list xx

[@daweshorizon]

I remember seeing Vauxhalls of this shape in the late 1960's, then they got replaced with a 'boxy' version. Ford went down the 'Americana' path with the Classic, Cortina/Consul and Anglia, Zodiac/Zephyr wing-thing throughout that era. The Rootes group had their American influenced 'Audax' shape Hillman Minxes et al. Even my Dad's Austin 1800 mark 2 from 1971 had distinctive front wings and tail fins to accommodate the rear light clusters. All of those cars had one thing that modern cars do not. Style. I enjoyed watching this well-informed review of a great classic car, thank you! Love and peace.

[@claymor8241]

My dad got one in about ‘69, lots of memories of childhood outings.

[@mr-wx3lv]

I remember these as a kid. My dad never considered one as it was too "American" for him lol. But I can see the attraction of having one after seeing dull rovers and wolseleys of the time..

[@idriveaclassic]

I would’ve picked a Vauxhall

[@davidjames2910]

This may be the only way that many of us can see a rare car like this. Thanks for showing it.

[@ianthomas5955]

Great review and great comments from Steph - she handled that column change like a pro! This was from an age when Vauxhalls WERE Vauxhalls - top quality and innovation in spades. Now what are we left with? PSA!!! ARGHHHHHHHHH! Still, at least you won't be hanging on to one for long.

[@andywalker5900]

Hi Steph the reason for the 2 position switch on Vauxhall's at that time was for you took it car to garage for servicing you could lock the glove box and any thing of value in boot turn key to 1st position them withdraw keys and take them with you garage could still start car and move it about if need be

[@loveisall5520]

What a beauty! So obvious to an American why this 'little' car couldn't compete with the US-made cars for the same price. But, in the UK and Europe I'd love to have had one...

[@Adam_T]

Love the way you co-ordinate your outfits and even makeup to match the colour and era of the car Steph, adds great attention to detail to a thorough test drive and review :) ........

[@idriveaclassic]

Thanks Adam! It’s deliberate and I make all my own clothes. It’s always important to get it right I think x

[@Adam_T]

@@idriveaclassic sure is. And it works beautifully ,

[@brianwillson9567]

What a stunning car. We are so lucky to see this vehicle as condensation from the driver’s breath could rot through Vauxhalls of this era just during a 100 mile journey. OK I exaggerate, but not by much.

[@1969triumph]

My dad had one in solid Black. Very happy memories, sliding along the front bench as the car turned corners.

[@lennyh500]

As a kid, a neighbour had a PA. There was a white oval sticker on the boot with red bars warning of having disc brakes! : )

[@HQBProductions]

Steph....I’m glad you liked the Velox...it was a very impressive car when new...our local corner shop owner Mr Burgess bought a brand new one in 1959;after winning £1000 on the Premium Bonds..981 EHU. The street talked about it for years as he also took his wife and daughter on a camping holiday to France...which seemed super exotic at the time! Now you need to drive the1950 to 1957 Model E version which is different again....same engine but the 2262cc size which is also the same but small size as the engine in a Bedford OB coach. Plenty of those survive in Preservation do one day you will have to test drive one of those to make a set! I was interested in your knowledge of the semi automatic choke...it was mainly a small shaped metal block that could be turned through 180 degrees to alter the pump action on the throttle...in warm weather the idea was to turn it to the off position otherwise it would start up super rich and black clouds everywhere! Well done for another well researched review!! Richard😃😃😃😃

[@patrickh7368]

Great looking car.... my first car was a 1968 FD Victor, same 3 speed column change layout....wish I still had that car..😊

[@idriveaclassic]

How lucky!

[@patrickh7368]

@@idriveaclassic it was fabulous, bench seat , proper motor, no proud about reversing my first car into a tree once “OMG” went to luck, massive chunk gone out the tree not even a scratch on the bumper 😳

[@dennisrobinson7587]

Beautiful car.kudos to the owner.Even the model before this stood out with its outlandish colour combinations compared to other cars of the time.

[@idriveaclassic]

Honestly Steve was a cracking bloke.

[@jefferysmith3930]

Lovely car. What a pleasing symphony of color! The scaled down size of all of those American styling trends really highlights the folly of the wrap around windshield. Looks like it would be quite a knee knocker if you weren’t careful getting in and out of the front seat. By 1961 all of the was terribly passé in the US market

[@DavidHall-ge6nn]

Stunning car with the rare matching dress option. The rear door handle incorporated into the leading edge of the tail fin blew me away. I bet Ed over at Twin Cam is just itching to get his hands on that amazing brochure. Great video!

[@idriveaclassic]

It’s such a rare dealership special. I was scared to use it!

[@newburyclassiccarvideos9527]

Your videos are very good and I am watching to learn about classic cars as I record them at car shows. Keep up the good work. David of Newbury Classic Car Video.

[@jb3222]

I wonder why "retro" styed cars tend to be based on little cars like Minis, Beetles and Fiats? If Vauxhall relaunched this beautiful model I would be camping outside the showroom waiting to get my order in!

[@idriveaclassic]

Eurgh same x

[@davidholmes2283]

Stunning car. Many many years ago I saw a very nice hotrod customization of one of these. I was always reminded of these when I saw my next door neighbour's Ford Consul.

[@phugemawl]

Never owned one but always liked it. it was more expensive than the popular Holden when it was released in Australia.

[@MsPtolomy]

My grandad had one, this brought back memories of a happy childhood

[@idriveaclassic]

Ahh lovely x

[@kaybee5150]

A beautiful car. My Dad had a Cresta in the late 60s, It was white over nipple pink. I used to feel like an American when Dad was driving around. Good video Steph. it brought back some great memories. Thank you very much. :-))

[@neilpiper9889]

I like the matching colour umbrella in the boot

[@johnnicolson3938]

I am in Canada, I bought a Victor, then the Cresta.. I absolutely loved it, thought it was one of the most beautiful I had ever seen.

[@terrapyn99]

It's such a shame that Vauxhall took the indicators out of the tailfins in these later models.

[@idriveaclassic]

It is! It’s proper theatre.

[@markthorne5025]

Totally agree