1958 Austin A35 Four Door Saloon

The Baby Austin A30 was well received as a counter to the Morris 1000. The arrival of the A35 brought more power, a larger rear window, flashing indicators and an easy to operate remote-control gear change for the revised ratio box. Powered by a 948cc, A Series engine, the A35 could achieve just over 70mph and returned around 40miles per gallon. As if we needed to upset the Germans any more, three Austin A35s were driven flat out down the Autobahen, averaging  60mph for 2500 miles, much to the astonishment of the locals. Indeed, these little gems have found favour with the tuning firms, as can be evidenced by the intense competition versions circulating Goodwood Racing Circuit at classic events.

This 1958 example is a delight and has been much admired during its stay at DVCA. Originally registered in Shropshire, the little Austin moved to Mold and then to Sale in Cheshire, where its fourth keeper lavished a huge amount of time and money on the saloon. A thorough body restoration was carried out during that ownership, from around 2012 to 2015, including a respray. In 2020, electronic ignition was fitted and the underside had a stonechip underbody re-spray applied. It appears that the A35 has been well maintained both cosmetically and mechanically ever since and today, the engine bay is immaculate and the motor car runs and drives as one would expect, having covered just 2750 miles since 1984. The vendor describes the condition overall as good in all departments; the bodywork is very good and the interior is really lovely. The quarter light rubbers do need replacement apparently, but a spare set is included in the sale. It’s a perfect small family classic motor car.

The extensive history file includes numerous invoices dating from the early 1990s and MOT test certificates from 1984, 2011-17 and 2020, together with DVLA correspondence, keeper history, an original BMC A30 and A35 workshop manual, an original A35 driver’s manual, an original maintenance service voucher book, a Super Profile of the A30 and A35, Olyslager and Pitman’s books for the model, Austin A35 Club publications, the V5C registration certificate and others.

Auction Date: 9 March 2023