AUSTIN A35 HRDC ACADEMY GOODWOOD RACE CAR

This is surely one of the best examples of the HRDC ACADEMY cars to run with the HRDC. Built professionally, regardless of cost and kept up in pristine order by its owner who is happy to admit he suffers from OCD, this is truly what can be described as a 'Turn-Key' racer!
The HRDC ACADEMY concept was devised by Julius Thurgood (Race Director of the Historic Racing Drivers Club) to create an accessible route into proper historic racing. With many other makes and models of cars now demanding a build budget of £100K+ to get on track, the concept of converting the highly accessible Austin A35 into a proper historic racing car was quickly snapped up by would-be competitors who wanted to get into the world of historic racing without breaking the bank.
The take-up of this concept was so immediate that the event planners at the Goodwood Revival saw a great opportunity to stage an all-Academy race at their 2016 event where the owners of these plucky little racers were paired up with VIP drivers from the pinnacle of motorsport.

Subsequently the organisers of the Silverstone Classic had the same idea, and these cars were once again shared by their owners with VIP drivers in a thrilling feature race at this awesome event.

The car on offer has been driven by the following VIP drivers:

• Rupert Keegan: Ex-F1 driver
• Ant Anstead: TV’s Wheeler Dealers and Master Mechanic
• Chris Rea: Musician
• Lord March: Goodwood
• Andrew Jordan: 2013 BTCC Champion
• Maria Costello MBE: TT bike racer

In recent years, this car has been prepared and maintained by Westbourne Motorsport, the leading historic race preparation team who look after a fleet of these great little cars.

Still eligible for HRDC events, this fabulous little Academy car is ready for HRDC ‘Jack Sears Trophy’ and the HRDC ‘Dunlop Allstars’ series – both offering tremendous historic racing with like-minded competitors at affordable entry fees.

It is worth noting that these Academy cars are road legal with just a change of tyres and are also eligible for Hillclimb and Sprint meetings.

Available for viewing in Hickstead, West Sussex by appointment.