Two affordable British classics
If you dream of a classic Ford and don't want to spend big, consider the Mark II Cortina.
If you're looking for classic British cars at a reasonable price, look no further than Vauxhall, especially the Detroit-inspired "PA" models of the late 50s and early 60s and the Ford Cortina Mark II of the mid-sixties.
Compared to the Holden and Falcon of the same era, Vauxhall were way ahead in terms of luxury, equipment and power. They were also way ahead in style. Make no mistake, these cars stand out. With severely rolled front and rear windows and tail fins rising above the rear mudguards, the PA Vauxhall was in keeping with contemporary American styling ideas.
There were two models in the line that were sold through Holden dealers: the base Velox and the more upmarket Cresta. While the Velox made do with vinyl seats and rubber floor mats, the Cresta gave customers the option of genuine leather or nylon seats combined with carpeting and flashy trim.
Versions prior to 1960 had three-piece rear windows, also used on 1957 Oldsmobile and Buick cars. They come with a 2.2-liter six-cylinder engine and a fully synchronized three-speed gearbox. Cars made after 1960 have a 2.6 liter engine.
A three-speed manual transmission was standard. What made them attractive in the local market were the Hydramatic transmission options and power front disc brakes. In short, the Velox and Cresta occupied the marketing space above the Holden Special until the Premier was released in 1962.
Parts for these vehicles are easy to obtain, mainly from the UK and New Zealand where there are websites and parts dealers dedicated to PA models. Prices vary depending on the condition of the cars, but no one should pay more than $10,000 for one, and reasonable examples can be found for around $5,000.
However, the lower the price, the greater the likelihood of rust. PA Vauxhall cars have a lot of nooks and crannies where water and dirt get in. Meanwhile, if you want a classic Ford and don't want to spend big, consider the Mark II Cortina. The second incarnation of the popular Cortina was released in Australia in 1967 and was produced until 1972.
These peppy four-cylinder cars are gaining popularity because they are well built, parts are plentiful, and the cost of buying and owning one is affordable for those who want to get into the classic car scene without spending a lot of money.
For about $3,000 you get a high-end Cortina 440 (it's a four-door). A two-door 240 goes for the same money. Cars requiring a little rust and paint repair can be found for around $1,500. The Hunter British Ford Group is one of many growing groups dealing with Cortinas and other British-made Ford vehicles.
