From Dave S – It’s Dave from London here again. Following the Ford Zephyr a couple of weeks ago I managed to acquire another barn find (more a garage find in this case) in the shape of a 1961 Vauxhall Velox. It’s been off the road since 1973, has had 3 owners before me and shows 61,000 miles on the odometer. It’s the less flashy version of the Vauxhall Cresta, much as the Ford Zephyr was the cooler, more restrained cousin of the Ford Zodiac. These cars were renowned for their ability to rust, even before they were delivered to new owners, so to find one in such clean, solid and unmolested condition is a rarity these days. Indeed, we’ve taken to reimporting them from Australia and New Zealand now as most of the domestic stock is long gone. I’ve never seen one this colour before (Havana brown) but I quite like it in this single tone scheme. The plan is to recommission, not restore and just enjoy it. Hope you guys like it!
I like this! Dave from London is either very lucky or does a lot of legwork (probably both) to dredge up finds like this. Wouldn’t mind having it myself, though I’m guessing a right-hook column shift would take some getting used to….
The Vauxhall looks as if a battery charge, some air in the tires and a can of fuel would get it ready for use. No doubt it will take more, but the idea of having a time-warp toy like this to play with appeals to me immensely.
From what I’ve heard over the years, that nice, low number plate could more than pay for the car if he chose to sell it.
Thanks, everyone for your comments. I checked it through yesterday and founds lots of old receipts, paperwork, car park tickets etc from the mid 1960’s in an old AA handbook in the boot along with a bunch of old trim and chrome.
I’m not planning on selling quite yet – the fun is in the finding and fixing. Unless a silly offer comes along!
How lucky you are, what a great find provided it’s as good underneath as on top. I wish my Sunbeam Talbot 90 was half as good, I’ve let it stand too long in the garage whilst getting my own body sorted.
Very tidy indeed! Looks like it could be a nice daily driver with only minor attention. And new petrol. ;-)
Hi Dave!!! Wow!!! Thank you for posting these pictures!!! My car in High School was a ’61 Velox, dark blue with a 2 tone blue interior…. Always thought I would love to do another one of these, but as you say, they were so prone to severe rust issues. By grade 12, there was not much left of mine from the rusties. Mine was a 6 cyl., with a turbo hydramatic transmission. I loved the speedometer and the gas filler on these cars. I did not have a horn ring on my car… interesting!
I am now retired and do a LOT of restoration work on cars, as well as hosting Canada’s largest charity car show, the Atlantic Nationals. Would love to see more pictures!! Great stuff!! Best wishes with the car!!
I had a Cresta, which I destroyed in speedway racing. Back then it was just another old car to thrash. One I regret destroying.
hi i like it is it for sale
Nice find, Dave S!
Dave, thanks for sharing your acquisitions of cars that we wouldn’t normally get to experience. You are fortunate indeed to possess such vehicles and I wish you many years of enjoyment with each of them.
I love it!! It is sooo early sixties.
Thanks again for all your comments. I managed to catch a quick bit of footage as the car was unloaded this week. It felt a bit like Christmas had come early.
Wow. With all that kit you could rent it out to a BBC production company. :)
Brilliant find Dave. I love this and look forward to seeing your pictures in future. Good luck ! I am only in Petts Wood, near Bromley South London so look forward to seeing your Velox at car shows in the future.
It looks like it hasn’t travelled far in its life as that plate was first registered in the Chelmsford area of Essex.-Buff logbook and fuel ration coupons and it liiks like it was a company car for an insurance rep judging by the general accident book.
Good on ya!
Great research.
Interesting car. I knew the chap that parked this in the garage in 1973.
nice photos dave but you have sold it to me .alan from brighton,its having re-spray,an recommission