1962 Vauxhall Cresta

Highlights

  • Beautifully presented throughout following a great deal of work
  • Fabulous American-inspired styling - popular in '60s Britain
  • Full professional respray carried out in the summer of 2023
  • New clutch assembly and gearbox mounting installed as well as replacing the notoriously hard-to-access rear core plug

The Appeal

By the early 1960s, "Rock 'n' Roll" was gathering momentum on both sides of the Atlantic. That mean all things American were in high demand - including cars. 

Echoing a challenging period of post-war recovery, British cars were by and large understated, perhaps even austere, while contemporary American offerings better fitted the zeitgeist with lashings of chrome and prominent tail fins.

So, much like how British bands emulated American 'Rhythm and Blues', British automakers copied American cars.

Those new to the Vauxhall Cresta would be forgiven for assuming it came out of Detroit, but under the skin, it's as British as tea and crumpets...
This 1962 example has been very well maintained. The previous keeper carried out numerous technical and cosmetic jobs during their custodianship which have led to this becoming a superb specimen. The interior is clean, tidy and original, the paintwork has been professionally refinished in 2023 and several key mechanical jobs have been carried out to ensure this car is in fine fettle.

For those seeking a great example, this one looks to be as good as they come.

History and Paperwork

  • First registered in 1962
  • Six former registered keepers
  • MOT and road tax exempt
  • V5C present
  • There was an historic mileage discrepancy on the MOT history - although this is not uncommon for a car of this vintage
  • It's unknown if odometer has been replaced or if it has gone around the clock

The Condition

  • Full professional repaint carried out in the summer of 2023 to a very high standard
  • A straight and solid-looking example
  • The chromework looks in lovely order for its age
  • Period-correct whitewall tyres fitted
  • Underneath, all presents well besides a light smattering of surface corrosion
  • The interior looks clean, tidy and original with a pleasing patina
  • The upholstery, carpets and headlining appear free from notable wear
  • We understand the cabin electrics and instruments to be in good shape

The Mechanics

  • 2.6-litre four-cylinder engine
  • Three-speed manual gearbox
  • New clutch assembly installed
  • New gearbox mountings
  • Core plug at the back of the gearbox replaced
  • The vendor reports that it drives very nicely with no apparent faults


BEFORE YOU BUY 
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following: 
The seller of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s Terms and Conditions
We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted. Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates. 
This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind. 
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing. 
We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence. 
✓ We also  check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and  it's always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer. 
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection 
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. If requested we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected] 

Please see our FAQs here and our Terms & Conditions here

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Auction Details
  • Year 1962
  • Make Vauxhall
  • Model Cresta
  • Colour Multicolour
  • Odometer 55,367 Miles
  • Engine size 2600
  • Seller Type Trade
  • Town Southend-on-Sea
  • County Essex
  • Country United Kingdom
  • Auction ends
Auction FAQs
Bidding history
31 Bids
  • colinrc•••• £9,500 29/07/24
  • OscarMa•••• £9,200 29/07/24
  • colinrc•••• £9,100 29/07/24
  • OscarMa•••• £9,000 29/07/24
  • colinrc•••• £8,900 29/07/24
  • OscarMa•••• £8,800 29/07/24
  • colinrc•••• £8,600 29/07/24
  • KhanVoy•••• £8,500 29/07/24
  • colinrc•••• £8,000 29/07/24
  • OscarMa•••• £7,250 29/07/24

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