TWO old rivals of the road will once again go head-to-head when they both go under the hammer in Somerset next month.

The classic executive cars - a Ford Zodiac and a Vauxhall Cresta PA - were up against each other when new, back in the early 1960s, are set to clash again looking for buyers in the Charterhouse specialist auction of classic and vintage cars on Tuesday, October 5, at the Haynes International Motor Museum.

“The executive car market is as competitive as it has ever been with many European manufacturers such as Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz all looking for a slice of our car market,” said Richard Bromell, from Charterhouse.

“However, back in the early 1960s it was a different picture with UK motor manufacturers such as Ford, Vauxhall and Jaguar dominating the market.”

The Ford Zodiac and Vauxhall Cresta PA in the Charterhouse sale were made a year apart, in 1960 and 1961 respectively.

They are both painted in two tone colours which were very popular at the time, are fitted with 6 cylinder engines, column gear changes, bench front seats and with plenty of chrome, all very rock’n’roll.

By modern standards, these 60s saloons might not look too executive.

Today you expect air conditioning, electric windows and alloy wheels all as standard on executive cars.

With the Vauxhall Cresta there is the original bill of sale which notes wing mirrors and driving lamps as optional extras bought when new.

Somerset County Gazette: UP FOR AUCTION: The 1961 Vauxhall Cresta PA, valued at £8,000-£10,000

Today, these early 1960s executive saloons are rare survivors.

Both the cars come to auction in restored conditions, although with Covid-19, neither have been used much over the past 18 months or so.

Both are estimated to sell for £8,000-£10,000 each when they go under the Charterhouse gavel at their auction.

Charterhouse are now accepting entries for their next auctions with classic and vintage cars at the Haynes International Motor Museum on October 5, as well as classic and vintage motorcycles, also at Haynes, on Thursday, October 14, pictures, books and sporting items on October 7 and Beswick, Doulton and other ceramics and antiques on October 8.

Richard Bromell and the team at Charterhouse can be contacted for advice and valuations or to a free home visit at The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, on 01935 812277, by email to info@charterhouse-auction.com or via www.charterhouse-auction.com.

Somerset County Gazette: UP FOR AUCTION: The 1960 Ford Zodiac, valued at £8,000-£10,000

Somerset County Gazette: UP FOR AUCTION: The 1960 Ford Zodiac, valued at £8,000-£10,000

Somerset County Gazette: UP FOR AUCTION: The 1960 Ford Zodiac, valued at £8,000-£10,000

Somerset County Gazette: UP FOR AUCTION: The 1961 Vauxhall Cresta PA, valued at £8,000-£10,000

Somerset County Gazette: UP FOR AUCTION: The 1961 Vauxhall Cresta PA, valued at £8,000-£10,000

Somerset County Gazette: UP FOR AUCTION: The 1961 Vauxhall Cresta PA, valued at £8,000-£10,000