THE VAUXHALL CRESTA

Autumn 1957 had a decidedly stratophereric feel The world’s biggest radio telescope went into Operation at Jodrell Bank, while Russia launched its first space satelite,shortly followed by Sputnik II contained Laika the first dog in orbit.Vauxhall‘s new big saloons, the basic Velox and upmarket Cresta seemed positively space- age themselves.Vauxhall Set-out in 1955 to encapsulate some American- style glamour for the duo, and the effect was modern. The new cars had sleek, elongated lines, fashionable fins topping off the rear wings, bold rear light clusters and gleaming chrome trim framing the low-set radiator grille and headlights. The remarkable windscreen wrapped around the sides of the car for a panoramic aspect,while at the back a three piece rear window provided outstanding allround visibility.With column-mounted gear change and full-width bench seats front and back,six adults were accommodated comfortably.The 2.2–litre six cylinder engine was familiar from previous Vauxhalls. This power unit, mated to a three-speed manual gearbox, meant the car hit 60mph in 16 seconds and had an unspectacular 89mph top speed.Still, steering and the was light and road holding acceptable,despite a tendecy to wallow in corners.These handsome vehicles bought colour and style to Britain’s dreary roadscape.There was a raft of striking two- tone paint jobs or you could order a vivid single colour like salmon pink or apple green. The Cresta sported whitewall tyres and anodised hubcaps like its American Chevrolet cousins, with upholstery in two-tone leather herringbone-weave Nylon. In late1958, a Cresta cost 1000 and seventythree pounds. It was the kind of car you desperately hoped your Dad would get next.With a youthful Cliff Richard breaking into the charts and coffee bars springing up everywhere, these snazzy Vauxhalls were integral part of modern Britain as the 1960’s dawned.The wrapped around single-piece rear window to match the front one was new for 1960, along with an engine boost to 2.6 litres. And optional overdrive, giving 96mph top speed. The two-million Vauxhall, was built in February 1959 ,was actually a Cresta, just one of the173,604 PA made.Perhaps it was neverquite as gripping as the ‘space race’ but the PA Creata genuinely enlivened British motoring.

Types of Rallies.

• Visits to places of interest, Gardens,Workshops etc.

• Branch Outings/ Mystery Trips

• Straight Line Navigation usually set-out in small areas or villages,

• Silent checks

• Follow the leader trip usually in conjunction with Branch activites.(These can be dangerous as people are inclined to forget they should wait for the car behind and show them the way)

Silent Checks and Straight Line Navigation activities assist with the allotting of results for the competitve paticipants.

From the National President

North Island Floods. The Management Committee are aware that some of our club members have been badly affected by this weeks floods in the North Island, and some are battling to get things back to normal.Our thoughts are with the members affected in those areas, and we hope and pray that you are all OK. We know some members have been rescued from rooftops and their homes and vehicles have been flooded.Management Committee member Tony Bartlett has not been able to be contacted, as he lives and works in Gisborne, where the communications systems are still down, so we hope that he and his family are safe.National Office have received some information about cancelled events and are trying to get information to provide to members, as no doubt the local branches will also be doing.If you are the organiser of an event that has been cancelled, please let National Office know so that they can answer queries.We feel for the people of Napier, and the cancellation of the Art Deco and related club events must be a significant blow, coming on the heels of the Covid disruptions.We have been advised that the National Veteran Rally is on, as planned, in Auckland next weekend.The Management Committee are thinking of ways that the club can assist members affected by the disaster, and suggestions and offers of assistance are welcomed.

On behalf of the Management Committee and National Office,

Diane Quarrie President

The Vintage Car Club of New Zealand Incorporated

The Historic Vehicle Authority of New Zealand

We will need to have some practise with the reading of these charts in the coming months.

So please keep this chart ??