With the introduction of the ‘PA’ series Cresta and Velox in October 1957, Vauxhall embraced American styling with even greater enthusiasm than hitherto.

Plentiful chrome, garish colour schemes, wrap-around windscreens and fashionable tail fins were all featured on these two top-of-the-range sixes, which often were seen wearing whitewall tyres.

Originally of 2.25 litres, the overhead-valve, straight-six engine was enlarged to 2.6 litres in 1960, while the one major styling revision came in August that same year when a larger front grille and one-piece rear screen were adopted on the ‘PADY’ Velox and ‘PADX’ Cresta models.

The standard transmission was a three-speed manual, while overdrive and the two-speed Hydra-Matic auto ’box were options.

An estate conversion was offered by Friary Motors of Basingstoke.

This ‘PADX’ Cresta has been in the current owner’s possession for the past 20 years, covering a mere 4,000 miles in that time and appearing in the TV series Heartbeat on several ...