Discussion
Hi
Looking to source the wisdom of PH.
Younger daughter is 14, a bit of a handful, not getting on too well with her mother and has something of a propensity to spend her time gaming with her friends &/or shopping & 'hanging out' rather than anything too purposeful.
She does quite like cars and - prompted by us seeing one recently - has become quite taken by the idea of an Austin A35 for us to go to events in and, maybe, tweak a little to use in low key competitions.
Although, in normal circumstances, I would consume my own vomit before parting with my hard-earned for a 'peanut', the game changes if it's something that Claphamette 2 becomes interested in.
My issue is that, when I started looking into it, I naively assumed that there would be a plentiful supply of the things. What I am finding is that 2 doors are very rare and that the few that are on the market are either sub £2k basket cases, tarted-up horrors that haven't seen the inside of an MOT bay for 10 years at £5k or full on Speedwell replicas at £20k +
Looking at E-bay, Car and Classic and the A35 owners club (which all seem to be rotted hulks that have been festering on drives for 30 years or Betty selling Sid's long-time pride and joy now that she's had to put Sid into a home)
Any smart ideas that I've missed for where to find a decent A35?
Looking to source the wisdom of PH.
Younger daughter is 14, a bit of a handful, not getting on too well with her mother and has something of a propensity to spend her time gaming with her friends &/or shopping & 'hanging out' rather than anything too purposeful.
She does quite like cars and - prompted by us seeing one recently - has become quite taken by the idea of an Austin A35 for us to go to events in and, maybe, tweak a little to use in low key competitions.
Although, in normal circumstances, I would consume my own vomit before parting with my hard-earned for a 'peanut', the game changes if it's something that Claphamette 2 becomes interested in.
My issue is that, when I started looking into it, I naively assumed that there would be a plentiful supply of the things. What I am finding is that 2 doors are very rare and that the few that are on the market are either sub £2k basket cases, tarted-up horrors that haven't seen the inside of an MOT bay for 10 years at £5k or full on Speedwell replicas at £20k +
Looking at E-bay, Car and Classic and the A35 owners club (which all seem to be rotted hulks that have been festering on drives for 30 years or Betty selling Sid's long-time pride and joy now that she's had to put Sid into a home)
Any smart ideas that I've missed for where to find a decent A35?
blue_haddock said:
I could put you in touch with a guy called Neil Evans who is the technical guy for the austin A30/35 club, he may know of any possibilities.
That would be awesome thanks - really appreciated!I am also learning that most A35 owners have a total aversion to London and the ones that are for sale are miles away
Chunkychucky said:
Turbobanana said:
Chunkychucky said:
Whilst i've got my anorak on, that picture was from one of the HRDC amalgamation races at Mallory Park, opening it up to all A35s built to HRDC regs - the cars at the front with body coloured roofs being the faster Speedwell-specification cars. Not surprised the values are rising tbf, even in the 22 years i've been following A35s racing i've seen countless cars rolled in to a ball or involved in a big one...
My bad, I didn't check, I just Googled "A35 Academy". 
I'm all for seeing some A35 pron posted on PH, fortunately not everyone is 'special' enough to simultaneously ruin their A35 and their bank balance like i've done... 
As another poster suggested, it may be worth considering something other than an A35 - they're cute, but it can be a slippery slope when you start modifying one.. in all honesty I still get a good laugh taking my dad's bog-standard car out and driving it on the doorhandles whilst just about managing 50mph, although the braking distances do take some getting used to!
- Lancia Fulvia rally replica
- Riley One-Point-Five in period saloon car racing spec
- Frog-eye Sprite in period club racing spec
All get a "Nah; I'd like an A35 please" response
Life has slightly got in the way and she has widened her interest to include Morris Minors and possibly Heralds.
Sadly, can't seem to generate any love for a Riley One-Point-Five.
Will probably start looking in earnest in a week or so when we've got some heavy work and social stuff out of the way
Sadly, can't seem to generate any love for a Riley One-Point-Five.
Will probably start looking in earnest in a week or so when we've got some heavy work and social stuff out of the way
hidetheelephants said:
Whichever she settles on it would be an idea to get her a test drive before you spend the money; old cars do not drive like modern ones, although the latter two won't be as much of a culture shock with rack and pinion steering.
She is only 14 so doesn't have much of a benchmarkAmbleton said:
There's an incredibly tidy looking (spruce?) green 2door A30 just been put up for sale on the A35 club FB page for 4250.
Yes, spotted that. Presumably it isn't the hardest thing in the world to set these up with 1275cc spridget running gear (engine and gearbox, back axle, front suspension, brakes etc)?Presumably it wouldn't involve too much butchering of the car that it couldn't be returned to original if so inclined?
Ambleton said:
Ad states it already has front disc brakes, which will be midget. They're an easy fit.
For rear brakes I'd be surprised if it hasn't been converted already but the standard axle housing can be fit with midget back plates and brakes to give hydraulic rear drums.
1275 engine and gearbox drop straight in.
Thanks Ambleton - you obviously know your onions on this. Any other recommended upgrades?For rear brakes I'd be surprised if it hasn't been converted already but the standard axle housing can be fit with midget back plates and brakes to give hydraulic rear drums.
1275 engine and gearbox drop straight in.
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