Highlights
- A fully restored four door A30
- Upgraded 998cc engine for added drivability
- Extensive history file
The Appeal
What is a tiny car by today’s standards with its quaint styling was considered quite the tour-de-force back in the 1950s. As a result, the car performs in a surprisingly contemporary way even today and comes as a pleasant surprise to many new owners.
This particular example benefits from an upgraded engine to 998cc specification, stronger gearbox internals and larger brakes. All of this means that this is a very capable car, comfortable in modern traffic.
Having undergone a full restoration, including a respray and retrim, this A30 is ready to be shown off by its next owner.
The History and Paperwork
- Registered new in September 1955
- Full restoration in 2015
- Bare metal respray
- A full engine rebuild in 2020
- An extensive history file
- Photographic record of the restoration
- MOT and Road Tax exempt
- MOT valid until September 2022
The Interior
- Fully retrimmed during restoration
- Seats trimmed in black leather with red piping
- Quirky offside handbrake and centrally mounted indicator switch
The charming interior of the A30 underscores the competence of its design. It’s tiny by today’s standards but is a masterclass in efficient packaging, with the interior managing to feel surprisingly roomy. The red carpets and body-coloured dashboard help give the interior a cheery and vibrant ambiance.
The interior helps give driver and passengers a real flavour of simpler times, and that’s no bad thing in our view. The big central binnacle contains a multi-function single gauge, Charming period details remain such as the twin under-dash ashtrays and the Bakelite embossed gear knob.
Above, the headlining is tightly anchored and appears to be in unmarked condition. And the boot is equally clean and tidy, with its spare wheel securely mounted to one side.
The Exterior
- Resprayed in red with white roof
- Dinitrol treatment to underside and chassis
- All fittings in excellent condition
Its bright red paintwork, with its contrasting white roof, suits this little A30 perfectly. It appears deep and lustrous throughout and has clearly been well executed.
The quality of the restoration is evident for all to see too. The panels are free from marks, dings or corrosion and the appearance of this diminutive classic truly belies the fact that it is getting on for 70 years old.
The steel wheels are finished with brightly chromed hub caps and the tyres are understood to be nearly new all round
It is understood that the previous owner had every panel wax-injected to aid longevity, with a full Dinitrol treatment applied to the chassis and under-body
Overall, the quality of the restoration is obvious from the exterior of the car
The Mechanics
- Enlarged 998cc A-series engine
- Full engine rebuild
- Upgraded gearbox internals
- Larger brakes, as fitted to the later Austin A40
When this A30’s engine rebuild was underway, it reportedly had its cylinders bored out, as well as a later crankshaft fitted, to increase its capacity to 998cc. The car also has electronic ignition and a new distributor and coil fitted for enhanced reliability. A new petrol tank was also fitted.
The gearbox has received upgraded internal components, a common upgrade, and larger drum brakes have also wisely been fitted.
Given the diligence of the mechanical restoration and upgrades undertaken it is perhaps no surprise that the current owner reports that the car runs and drives very well indeed. The perky A series engine helps give the car an eager personality and the well-chosen upgrades make this an eminently usable classic car.
Summary
The A30 represents a true practical classic and a great entry into classic car ownership at modest cost. This example will tick every box for the A30 enthusiast too. It has been beautifully restored and is a real head-turner in this bright and distinctive colour combination.
The well-chosen upgrades will help ensure the longevity of this little car as well as enhancing its driving experience in today’s traffic. So don’t miss this opportunity to acquire this recently restored example of an A30
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