Back to back: Mini Estate or Vauxhall Estate?

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We quite like extremes, here at PostWarClassics, so when we pick out two classic cars from Brightwells massive Leominster sale tomorrow (full catalogue here), we looked at these two lovely estates, which are miles apart although not so much for their prizes. The 1967 Vauxhall Cresta is estimated at £3,500 - £4,500; the 1975 Mini Clubman Estate at £4,500 - £5,500. So which is the most desirable of the two?

The Mini, in cheerful ‘Citron’ is described by the seller as ‘If some cars can be described as sweeties then this one is a Sherbert Lemon.’ It is a one-owner car and according to Brightwells the Citron paint colour was chosen with a reason: ‘The vendor bought the car new and chose the colour – Citron - for a reason: she and her husband were keen hill walkers in Northumberland and the bright yellow meant that they would be able to find the car easily if the weather closed in. You could say it stands out in a cloud.’

You certainly would! It’s got under 56,000 miles on the clock and was resprayed once 15 years ago. The little estate comes with its original 998cc engine plus full service history and just three non-standard features: a brake servo, halogen headlights and a bonnet lock. Is there anyone who will not like this lovely little estate?

‘Little’ is certainly not the description that can be given to the almost 5 metres long Vauxhall in this article. It is lovely though, in blueish grey. It’s rare, too. According to the DVLA database there are just another four Crestas of the PB type on UK roads nowadays, which means the chances of parking it anywhere near a sister model are virtually extinct. These estate versions were built by Martin Walter of Dormobile-fame in very, very small numbers, and reputedly one went to Buckingham Palace causing some troubles. The car was ordered by Her Majesty the Queen in the dark Imperial Green always used by her for her personal vehicles. However, it was delivered in dark purple because the Queen and another customer had been mixed up in the factory: the rock band Queen…

This one has not such a distinguished history, but the total mileage of only 48,409 is certainly special and believed to be genuine, too. It needs some work, but blimey: when will you find another?

(Words editor, pictures Brightwells)

 

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