The Vauxhall Velox had been introduced in 1948, with a new version in 1951. The Cresta E version, launched in 1954, had the same 2262cc six cylinder engine in the same state of tune but scored over the Velox in having a choice of leather or fabric upholstery, optional two-tone paintwork, a heater as standard, a small electric fascia mounted clock, a cigar lighter and a vanity mirror on the inside of the front passenger's sun visor along with a special ornamental badge above the V (for Vauxhall) badge on the nose of the car called a Speedbird. A radio was optional. In October 1955 a facelift model with deeper front and rear screens was introduced. The balanced drop windows were replaced by ones with proper winding mechanisms, there were interior trim improvements, separate amber rear flasher lights and windscreen washers became standard. A new chrome plated grille with fewer vertical slats replaced the earlier diecast version. This model was assembled in New Zealand, alongside the Wyvern and Velox, with 840 being built in 1956, according to a local owners' group with access to copies of the GM Petone plant ledgers. More changes were made in October 1956, with a new grille with horizontal bars, higher compression ratio engine, electrically operated windscreen wipers (replacing the camshaft driven system) and changes to the body trim and two-tone colour scheme. In June 1957, the Cresta received a redesigned engine of the same capacity based on the deeper block design introduced in four-cylinder form in the Victor F series in March of that year. A Cresta tested by the British magazine 'The Motor' in 1956 had a top speed of 82.2mph and could accelerate from 0-60mph in 20.2 seconds. The test car then cost £931.

The Vauxhall Cresta E has been something of an obsession with our vendor. He fondly remembers having a Cresta when new and in his retirement decided, in 2012, to undertake what can only be described as a breath-taking restoration which culminated in Historics selling his, then restored, E for a staggering £53,760, an auction record for the 56 Cresta.

Upon completion there was noticeable space in the garage, other cars came and went but nothing replaced the beloved Cresta. Having assisted a friend with a restoration of a similar car, he promised that if the car was ever sold, he would want to buy it, after a number of years this opportunity arose, and this fully restored example found its home in place of 893 UYG.

Finished in Champagne over Claret with matching carpets and chrome work in abundance, the original restoration, much like our vendors, took years to complete. Sourcing parts from specialists from the deepest corners of the world, it included being completely stripped to a shell and a totally rebuild of the engine and gearbox. Stripped and repainted with new white wall tyres and a completely retrimmed interior in leather, including door cards, new headlining, new carpets and boot carpet (all bespoke). Given that the car has been used and the restoration was in 2021 there are some minimal signs of age, some re-chroming may be desired, but we doubt any prospective owner would find another car like this available. The paintwork is deep and displays a lovely shine for a car that has attended many shows with chromework (and there is plenty) throughout the car. The bodywork with that Americana 1950's feel is a real joy and upon opening the door the interior certainly doesn't disappoint with the two-tone colour combination continuing, a very enjoyable place to sit.

Our vendor, as did his friend before, actively drives the car having covered circa 5,000 miles since the restoration in 2021. Complete with a comprehensive history file, our vendor testifies that the rebuilt 2.3 litre straight six runs extremely well. According to records there are only three roadgoing E Series Crestas and three on SORN in the UK. This is a car that you couldn't recreate for less than £50,000 or more, in wonderful condition displaying all the chrome and American flair of the 50's and truly has to be seen to appreciate. Consigned by Mathew PriddyConsigned by Mathew Priddy

Lot details
Year: 1956
Make: Vauxhall
Model: Cresta
Registration: PRK 837
Chassis No: E1PC229997
Odometer: 5412

* One of three just road going Crest E
* Fully restored example