To keep Austin, formerly a big player in the commercial vehicle market, ticking over after production of the A35 van came to an end in 1968, fellow BMC member Morris’ light vans were badged as Austins for a short time.
Here we have a well restored example, presented in lovely condition inside and out. It would make a great promotional tool for your business and would look amazing if sign written. With a plywood-lined load bay, this van has been restored faithfully to its original specification and could still be used as it was intended when new.
A look inside shows that this van has been sympathetically restored in such a way that acknowledges its history as a commercial vehicle. The basic black vinyl seats suit its utilitarian nature and have likely been recovered or replaced quite recently as they are in really fine condition without any tears, damage or excessive wear we could discern.
The carpeting has been replaced and the overmats have contrasting blue piping which hints at the exterior colour.
The dashboard is finished in body colour, as it should be, and the two cubbys / glove boxes are clean and well lined. The two-spoke steering wheel is in really nice shape with a smattering of patina. The headlining in the cab presents well and is well supported. In the rear, the load area is lined in plywood which appears in very good condition. The ply provides extra protection from heavy loads and also helps a little with sound deadening.cEDVRlKrhynB1vl7L9Hafl5vvZmNVpEADyDYkSLI.jpeg2.25 MB
The Exterior
Blue paintwork
Looks to be very smart underneath
Restored to a very good standard
On the outside, this van is presented in lovely condition and looks really handsome in its blue paintwork. We think it would respond well to signwriting which would make it a smart addition to any business.
The vendor informs us that the paint finish is very fine and we weren't able to detect any evidence of prior accident damage or any notable blemishes to the paint finish. We understand that this van has been restored to a high standard and it has evidently been looked after carefully since. The bodywork appears really straight and we couldn’t see any corrosion in the usual trouble spots.
Underneath, the chassis elements you can see look to be in good order, with no corrosion to be seen. The white wheels look really smart and are shod with Michelin X tyres which the vendor reports are in very good condition.
The brightwork appears to be in lovely shape and we’re informed that there is no damage or pitting on any of the chrome.
Mechanically, we are informed this Austin is in fine fettle - starting, running and driving exactly as it should with no untoward smoke or leaks to report.
The Austin light commercials were assigned 6 and 8 CWT specification (denoting their load capacity). These were distinguished by their tyres and springs and as this example has been restored, we are unsure of this van’s current specification.
We understand this Austin changes gear well and brakes strongly and in a straight line.
With good parts availability afforded by this vehicle’s Morris underpinnings, this Austin commercial will be simple to maintain and a joy to use.
Presented in lovely condition, this van has great potential as a promotional tool or simply a wonderfully usable classic.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
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