1956 Austin A30
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The Appeal
Designed as a low-cost method of personal transportation for the masses, the Austin A30 was first introduced in 1951 in four-door saloon version, and cost £507 at the time of launch, under-cutting the competing Morris Minor by £62.
With a stressed monocoque construction, bodywork by T.K Garrett and a list of optional extras including a passenger-side wiper, heater and passenger sun visor, these A30s were later replaced by the A35 in 1956, but not before an incredible 223,264 were produced.
This particular 1956 example is a well-specified (relatively speaking, of course) two-door example, that remains unrestored and benefits from only two registered keepers on its logbook. Running and driving but with endless potential for restoration, competition conversion or as a fantastic weekend toy, this is an opportunity not to be missed, and one that likely won’t come around again for a very long time.
History/Paperwork
- V5, showing only one former registered keeper
- Local to the Trowbridge/Devizes area
- Recent oil and filter change
- Handbook/manual included
First registered in March 1956, this late-production A30 was well-specified at the time of purchase, featuring leatherette seats, a heater/cooler, two wipers and two sun-visors, the height of luxury for the cost-conscious 50’s car owner in England!
Having spent the vast majority of its life with its first keeper - a local lady in Trowbridge, Wiltshire - the car then passed into the ownership of a local Wiltshire garage for a number of years, though it was never registered in their name. It was then passed into the ownership of the garage owner’s grandson, who is the second registered owner in June 2001. Who now lives in Maidenhead.
During this period, the then-owners father carried out a raft of maintenance works, including the fitment of a new exhaust system, brake master cylinder, rear brake cylinder, new hoses, a new voltage regular, new gearbox seals and all oil/filters changed.
It was purchased current keeper - our vendor - as part of a private collection. The car has been unused and kept in storage. It has not been registered in the Vendors name thus keeping it at only two registered owners in 66 years.
Entirely unrestored - you can still see the spot/pinch welds around the rear axle - the vendors have simply serviced the vehicle, fitted new ignition leads, a new distributor and sent the carburettor away for an overhaul, and left everything else exactly as it sat when it arrived.
With its genuine age-related patina, undeniable charm and quirky proportions, this A30 is a true delight to behold, and is a sure-fire conversation starter wherever you go, making it the perfect ‘Sunday pub run’ car. Of course, you could also go down the competition route, with A30s having proven themselves to make excellent competition cars at various historic racing festivals, should that be more your cup of tea. Equally, a full concours-spec restoration could also be on the cards - the possibilities are seemingly endless.
The Interior
- Original condition throughout
- Heater and passenger sun visor
- New carpets fitted
Inside, the interior was enhanced by the first owner specifying a heater/cooler, second sun visor and red trim, choices that no doubt added a slight air of luxury to this no-frills motoring experience, though the manual slide up/down windows remain, adding a certain charm to this classic icon of mass transportation.
The good news is that, for its age, the interior is in remarkably good condition. Sure, the carpets have been replaced with new items, but otherwise the cabin remains as it was when purchased.
The seats are in very good condition for their age - so much so we actually asked the vendor if they’d been replaced - whilst the door cards are in a similarly strong condition.
Elsewhere, the only particularly discernible heavy wear within the cabin is located on the headliner, particularly on the rear C-pillar areas, though the liner is still impressively taught for its age.
The dashboard, steering wheel, shifter and pedals all wear a delightful commensurate age-related patina, and during our short drive all gauges appeared to work as they should do.
The Exterior
- Wonderful patina
- Never restored
On the outside, it’s nearly impossible to not be charmed by the A30’s quirky proportions, diminutive size and overall air of 50s style, even if it does look like it might topple over in high winds!
The Tweed Grey paintwork, bodywork and chrome are all un-restored and original to the best of the vendor’s knowledge, with the only replacement parts knowingly fitted to the vehicle being the windscreen rubbers, which were replaced prior to the current owner’s time with the vehicle.
Naturally, there are plenty of age-related marks to go along with the patina on the paintwork. We’ve spotted a few areas of cracking, along with a couple of very, very small areas of bubbling, but no signs of any accident or impact damage.
All of these marks - along with the pitting/patina on the chrome work - have been detailed in the gallery below.
All four wheels look to be in good condition, though no doubt a fresh set of tyres would be advisable on an age-related basis if you were to drive the vehicle.
The Mechanicals
- 800CC A-Series engine
- Four-speed transmission
- On the button!
Recently serviced and fitted with a new distributor and leads, the diminutive little A-Series engine at the heart of this A30 appears to be in rude health, firing up with ease and happily idling during our photo shoot, with the choke adjustment working as it should be, and minimal smoke noted even from a stone-cold start.
The transmission also appeared to shift well, though the clutch had a noticeable judder when engaging, likely simply due to its age and lack of use in recent years.
The vendor notes that the car is ‘remarkably solid’ and the photographs we’ve got from underneath the vehicle - included in the gallery below - would certainly appear to support this statement.
Registered correctly as a historic vehicle, this A30 is exempt from mandatory MoT testing, and as such no MoT certificate is provided with the vehicle.
Summary
Unrestored, unmolested and with a wonderful history, this is a near-unrepeatable opportunity to obtain a late-production, two-door A30 that has not been messed with, modified, cut up or restored.
A true gem for anyone looking for an original A30 with heaps of potential, or one that is simply ready to use and enjoy as it sits.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1956
- Make Austin
- Model A30
- Colour Grey
- Odometer 52,536 Miles
- Engine size 800
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Location Wiltshire
- Country United Kingdom
18
bids
- Mi•••• £4,800 12/08/22
- jo•••• £4,700 12/08/22
- Mi•••• £4,600 12/08/22
- Mi•••• £4,500 12/08/22
- jo•••• £4,400 12/08/22
- KE•••• £4,200 12/08/22
- jo•••• £4,100 12/08/22
- ha•••• £3,900 12/08/22
- jo•••• £3,800 12/08/22
- ka•••• £3,500 12/08/22
The Gallery
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