1958 Austin A35

Registration: RWV 217
Chassis: A2S5HCS114369
Odometer: 114,280
Transmission: Manual
MOT: Exempt

• High-quality comprehensive restoration carried out in the early 2000s
• Remarkably well-preserved original seat upholstery
• Engine rebuilt at approximately 81,029 miles
• Driven approximately 180 miles from Cornwall to Manor Park South without issue

The Austin A35 arrived in 1956 as the development of the A30 and became one of the archetypal small British family cars of the period. Styled under Austin chief stylist Dick Burzi and built at Longbridge, it retained the wonderfully compact proportions of its predecessor while gaining the larger 948cc A-Series engine and a number of detail improvements. Austin was sufficiently proud of the new model's economy that an A35 was used for a contemporary RAC-observed economy run around Britain.

Every so often an example comes along which demonstrates just how charming these cars can be when properly restored and subsequently cherished, and this is quite possibly one of the finest A35s we have encountered.

Finished in its correct Island Blue, the car underwent a comprehensive restoration in the early 2000s, shortly after being acquired by its current keeper. The owner's accompanying handwritten history records that the work was entrusted to a restorer in Launceston, Cornwall, with remarkably little welding reportedly required. More than two decades later, the quality of that work is still readily apparent.

The bodywork presents superbly, with excellent panel fit and an exceptionally clean finish throughout. The Island Blue paint retains a deep gloss, while the contrasting cream steel wheels, chrome hubcaps and beautifully presented brightwork give the little Austin exactly the appearance it deserves. This is not simply an A35 which photographs well; viewed closely, it remains an exceptionally smart motor car.

Perhaps even more appealing is the interior. The seats are understood to be the car's original items, and their survival in such remarkable condition is a wonderful feature. The pale blue upholstery complements the exterior perfectly and is joined by a beautifully simple painted dashboard, original-style instrumentation and period controls. The headlining has been replaced due to age, but otherwise the cabin retains a wonderfully authentic character and presents exceptionally well.

The restoration was not limited to cosmetics. The owner's notes record that the engine was rebuilt at approximately 81,029 miles, at which time a good second-hand gearbox was fitted. The car was also upgraded during restoration with 8-inch Austin A40 front brakes, together with a stainless-steel-lined brake master cylinder and a stainless exhaust system.

More recent maintenance has continued. A new clutch was fitted at 106,044 miles, while new rear springs were installed at 113,709 miles after a broken leaf was discovered in one of the originals. A pair of new front tyres has also recently been fitted.

The best endorsement of its mechanical condition, however, came on the journey to Manor Park South. Rather than arriving on a trailer, the Austin was driven approximately 180 miles from Cornwall to our auction venue and completed the journey without missing a beat. With 114,280 miles now recorded, this is clearly an A35 that has been maintained to be driven and enjoyed rather than simply displayed.

Its history file adds considerably to the appeal. Included are period Austin publications covering the A30 and A35, including an Austin Motor Company workshop manual, running and maintenance instructions and a period parts list, alongside more recent Austin A30/A35 Owners' Club servicing information. The previous owner was also a long-standing member of the Austin A30/A35 Owners' Club and records that the car had been used for shows and treasured throughout his ownership.

There is one administrative curiosity worth explaining. The current V5C records no former keepers, while vehicle-history data appears to show the current keeper acquiring the car in 1958. This conflicts with the owner's own written account, which states that he acquired RWV 217 in approximately 2002 before having it restored. We therefore believe the 1958 keeper date shown electronically to be a historic record anomaly and make no claim that the car has had only one owner from new.

What can be said with considerably more confidence is that this is an extraordinarily attractive A35. Its combination of beautifully preserved original interior trim, high-quality older restoration, long-term enthusiast ownership, documented mechanical work and the fact that it has just completed a 180-mile journey to the sale make this a particularly compelling example.