1958 Austin A35

Highlights 

• Monte Carlo Rally tribute

• Huge history file with thousands spent

• Race built A-Series engine

• Rally-spec interior

• Ready to compete in historic motorsport events

Overview

When we think of rally cars or hill climb weapons our thoughts, admittedly, don't necessarily arrive at the Austin A35. Historically a rather mundane, albeit inherently charming small family car from the '50s, the A35 has more of a Sunday drive kind of vibe. It's normally the type of classic that's more suited to pootling to the seaside on a sunny weekend rather than thrashing up Shelsley Walsh or banging gears around Goodwood.

But we would be completely wrong to dismiss the cute little Austin as merely a plaything for the more advanced in years amongst us. Dead wrong. You see the A35 has a bit of a split personality. On the one hand, yes, it's a plodding, characterful stalwart of the classic British scene but it's also perfect for turning into a race car. It always has been.

You see, back in the '50s the A35 was incredibly popular among paddock dwellers, partaking, amongst other events, in numerous production saloon car competitions. Nowadays, thanks to events like Goodwood Revival and the Silverstone Festival, not to mention the A35 Academy race series, the A35 has seen a resurgence as a track-going pocket rocket.

Lightweight and well balanced the A35 actually lends itself rather well to clipping apexes and the eminent tune-ability of its A-series four-cylinder engines unlocks a whole load of potential. The sight of a lowered A35 on wide wheels with racing decals plastered over it will never fail to bring a smile to the face of petrolheads the world over.

Here we have a cracking little 1958 Austin A35 for your bidding pleasure. Fully kitted out in race spec, this particular car has had around £22,000 spent on it to transform it into a Monte Carlo rally tribute, according to the vendor, and comes with a tome of history and supporting documentation.

The great thing here though is that the restoration has been sympathetically carried out and the car retains its original charm. It hasn't been modified to within an inch of its life, making it unrecognisable as a classic Austin. No, this A35 has been lovingly moulded and tuned as a rally-spec example with the vendor stating that the car has been properly set up, starts, stops and goes like the clappers and sounds fab too. We don't know about you but we're sold.

History and documentation

• 1958 model year

• V5C present and correct

• First registered 1 Sep 1958

• Three former keepers

• Previous owner kept the car for over 30 years

• Two keys

• Original log book

• Owner's workshop manual

• British Motor Industry Heritage Trust certificate

• Two large files of history plus old MOT certificates

• Rebuilt to rally spec in the 1990s

• Bills and photos of the rebuild included

• Engine refreshed in 2000

• HPI clear

• Tax and MOT exempt

Interior

• The interior is in great condition overall and has been refitted to “rally spec”

• Light patina to some of the exposed metal

• Seats are in excellent condition

• Full harnesses for both driver and passenger

• Moto-Lita steering wheel is wearing well

• The door cards and carpets appear to be in decent shape

• Halda Twinmaster rally timer

• The boot area is clean and tidy and the car comes with a full size spare wheel and tyre

• The engine bay is well presented and everything appears to be in good order

Exterior

• The bodywork is straight and appears to be rust-free

• The paint is in good condition overall with only some slight crazing and fading to note in places

• The vendor states that there is a tiny ding on the offside rear wing

• The chromework is generally good but does carry some light patina in places

• All shut lines appear straight

• The glasswork is all good and free from damage although some of the rubber seals have begun to crack on the corners in places

• The 13” steel wheels with chrome hub caps present well and seem to be free from damage but the paint is beginning to flake here and there

• Tyres are all Pirelli P1000 models appear to be in good condition and free from cracks

• The vendor informs us that the underside is in good condition and free from obvious corrosion

Mechanical

• 1098cc race built four-cylinder A-Series engine, estimated to be good for at least 80bhp

• Twin SU carburettors

• Battery cut off switch

• Thousands spent

• Sprite four-speed manual gearbox and differential 

• Rear-wheel drive

• The car comes with a small box of assorted spare parts

• The vendor tells us that the car has been properly set up

• According to the vendor the only mechanical issue to report is that it occasionally jumps out of first gear

Summary

With a huge amount of history, invoices and receipts covering most of the car's life, it's easy to see just how much time, money and effort has been lavished on this A35 to bring it to the specification and condition it currently enjoys. It's not concours by any means but that's really not the point here. This is a solid, well-set up, usable classic rally car that's just as comfortable popping to the shops as it is taking on an historic motorsport event, which is exactly what you should be doing with it. 

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located in Harrow, London.