Highlights

Superb road-race Austin A35
All running gear completely updated/replaced
Shell stripped and acid dipped
Race spec 1293cc A series with Weber 45
Rebuilt gearbox, with LSD and uprated halfshafts
Finished in Porsche GT Silver with new red interior
Many Academy race series parts
All new electrics including new loom and fuseboard

The Appeal

To post-war suburban families, it was a reliable run around. To F1 hero James Hunt, it was much more. He famously cited the A35 as one of his most exhilarating drives because it demands total driver intuition and mechanical sympathy.

This rather fabulous little 1959 A35 takes that idea and runs with it. The vendor acquired it in 2012 and arranged its extensive restoration in 2015. That work included fitting a fully built 1,293 cc engine. It features MED components, including roller rockers, steel pushrods, a lightened, balanced flywheel, and a complete clutch assembly. The car features a big-valve race-spec head built by A C Dodd. For those not in the know, Dodd is a well-respected classic car engine tuner and the undisputed authority on the A Series. Other features include a mapped, distributorless ignition and a computer-controlled electric water pump and fan.

As the photos show, the car looks as good as it goes. The paint is Porsche GT Silver, while inside, there is a gorgeous red interior cabin with front buckets. It’s a sign of the level of detail that the standard oval dial housing now features a bespoke digital readout. The front screen is heated. To maximise the capability, the bodywork features lightweight fibreglass wings, boot and bonnet.

The car has covered just 1,000 miles since completion, with careful dry storage between outings. This car has to be one of the most exciting road-going A35s you can buy. One not to miss.

The vendor says:

“It is a gorgeous road going racer that gets more attention than my Porsche GT3.

"It is a fully built 1293cc race engine using mostly MED parts with a full race big valve AC Dodd head and Webber 45. The car was completely stripped, and the shell was acid-dipped before being prepped and painted in Porsche GT Silver, with a new fibreglass wing, boot, and bonnet from the Academy race cars. Wherever possible, we used brand-new components, including all of the suspension and brakes (MG Midget-based), with Academy race-spec springs, dampers, anti-roll bar, and panhard rod. The interior was also completely retrimmed, starting with Dynamat noise insulation, then new headlining, carpets, doorcards and all seats retrimmed. A new wiring harness was fitted with an ECU controlling ignition and an electronic controller for the electric fan and water pump. These are complemented by a programmable digital dashboard complete with sequential shift lights. We built this car to be a road-going race car and the best A35 we could manage. It has been the subject of several magazine articles. It is never used in the rain."

Key Information

Mileage: 1,000 miles indicated since restoration (odometer replaced; vendor estimates actual mileage is approximately 70,000 miles)
Country of registration: United Kingdom
Technical inspection status: MOT exempt
Technical specs: 1,293cc inline four-cylinder, four-speed manual
Paperwork: Private registration plate included in the sale

The Detail

Originally sourced from Ireland and acquired by seller in 2012
Dry stored since the 2015 restoration we are told
Engine rebuilt with all MED components including roller rockers, steel pushrods, and lightened balanced flywheel
Shell stripped and acid dipped
Rebuilt gearbox, with LSD and uprated half shafts
Mapped, distributorless ignition fitted
Many Academy race series parts
Computer-controlled electric water pump and fan fitted
Vendor states the underside presents very well, with all-new suspension and brakes
Lightweight fibre-glass wings, boot and bonnet fitted
Neatly detailed exterior including bonnet and boot straps and vented bonnet
Retrimmed red interior, including seats, headlining, door cards and carpet
Appealing 2+2 interior with roll cage and front bucket seats
Dynamat noise suppression sheets fitted to doors, roof and floors
Digital dashboard and heated front screen fitted
Minilite-style grey anodised alloys with polished rims
Quality Yokohama tyres fitted
Private registration plate included in the sale

BEFORE YOU BUY

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