Vauxhall Cresta PA
A slice of 1950s British Americana with iconic tail fins and wrap-around glass.
- Power
- 83 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 16.8 s
- Top speed
- 90 mph
- Est. value
- $11k–$28k
About the Vauxhall Cresta PA
The Vauxhall Cresta PA is the definitive example of 'transatlantic' styling in the British motor industry, heavily influenced by General Motors' American designs of the mid-1950s. Launched in 1957, it featured flamboyant tail fins, wrap-around windows, and optional two-tone paintwork that stood in stark contrast to the austerity of post-war Britain. The 2.3-litre straight-six engine, carried over from the E-series but refined, provided smooth and effortless cruising suited for the newly emerging motorway age. While its soft suspension and bench seats prioritised comfort over handling, the PA remains a highly coveted collector's item for its evocative Space Age aesthetic.
Vauxhall Cresta PA specs
The Vauxhall Cresta PA produces 83 bhp (62 kW) and 168 Nm (124 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 16.8 seconds and has a top speed of 90 mph (145 km/h).
| Make | Vauxhall |
|---|---|
| Model | Cresta |
| Generation | PA |
| Trim | 2.3 |
| Years | 1957–1962 |
| Type | Classic |
| Body style | Saloon |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Production | About 81,841 built |
| Engine | 2.3-litre inline-six |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,262 cc (2.3 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 83 bhp (62 kW) at 4,400 rpm |
| Torque | 168 Nm (124 lb-ft) |
| 0–60 mph | 16.8 s |
| Top speed | 90 mph (145 km/h) |
| Transmission | 3-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1,200 kg (2,646 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 69 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Vauxhall Cresta PA worth?
A typical Vauxhall Cresta PA is estimated to be worth $11,000 – $28,000 (about £8,200 – £21,000).
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Vauxhall Cresta PA rarity in CarSpot
The Vauxhall Cresta PA is an Uncommon card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 36 out of 100. Hot hatches and premium sporty cars. An Uncommon card is worth 20 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Vauxhall Cresta PA fun facts
- The PA Cresta's styling was so similar to the 1954 Pontiac Strato-Streak concept car that it is often referred to as a 'miniature Buick'.
- Queen Elizabeth II was a notable fan of the model, owning a bespoke PA Friary Estate finished in Imperial Ivory and Royal Sage.
- Early PA models are easily identified by their three-piece rear window, which was replaced by a single wrap-around screen in the 1959 facelift.