Beschreibung
SORRY NOW SOLD
Austin A35 Van (AV5) For Sale - Fantastic Mechanical Specification!
Advertised for sale on behalf of a private client, this gorgeous 1957 Austin A35 (AV5) van most recently used as a collection and delivery vehicle in and around Oxford always attracting positive attention. It has been sensibly upgraded to deal with modern traffic and has a current no-advisory MOT etc. Comprehensive history file and pictures from the 1970s and 1980s showing the excellent condition from back then and retaining that today but also with some important recent updates.
First Registered 11th October 1957 (there is a faint photocopy of the original log book and of course a current V5 with taxation class as Historic Vehicle which is ULEZ exempt and of course £0 road fund licence.
This van was built 3rd October 1957 and is still on the original registration mark TTM 553
British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate confirming chassis number AV5-LCS/ 70023 RHD UK market vehicle still in its original Tweed Grey paintwork with Cherry Red trim (all renewed, see pictures).
Like many AV5 vans, this example was converted to a Countryman style early in life with rear window and rear seat conversion. The rear seats fold flat to give back the van space as required.
The panels are all original and proper van type wings and quarter panels etc. Many rare to find period original features, particularly to the van, are still intact.
MOTs from 1987 through 1997 when the mileage was showing under 43, 000 which would be believable given the unusually fine and original condition. MOTs pick up again from 2012 still at 43K miles and most recently in August 2023. A brand new speedo and instrument cluster was fitted around 2016 and approximately 1, 500 miles have been covered since with total reliability.
Owned by current owners for two and a half years, the previous owner for over 9 years prior was a motor engineer specialising in Mini Cooper restoration and fitted a 1275cc Austin engine with twin SUs, electric fuel pump, and MG Midget front brakes and suspension, gearbox and running gear to a very high standard (see engine bay photograph). Also, replica 13" Minilite wheels on excellent Michelin Energy tyres.
The most recent owners carried on the good work, rebuilding the rear brakes, new trafficators (these still work but are supplemented with modern indicator lights front and rear on the same original centre control), new wiper arms and wipers, sensible useful wing mirrors, door seals.
Importantly, all fuel lines have been upgraded for E10 petrol though owners use ONLY V-Power or Esso E5 fuel.
Most recently earlier this year a full-service including plugs etc. was carried out, new belt, gearbox and diff oil replaced, brake fluid, clutch fluid, fitted Lumenition 123 Ignition with Bluetooth interface a WOSP Dynator (an alternator that looks like the original dynamo), new AGM battery, new HT leads, new sports coil.
This was a significant but worthwhile investment and the van runs just beautifully. The car starts on the button, stops well, no overheating, no oil or coolant or other leaks and obviously ignition and charging all faultless and not requiring adjustment. Fuel economy is also excellent.
The performance is exceptional and surprises many a modern vehicle whilst attracting positive attention everywhere. We would be surprised if there is a van/ countryman in the UK that runs better. No welding ever done or required (some flaking underseal and surface rust is apparent but there are no holes or rot). All original van body panels and doors etc. The original rear bumper is not great in terms of chrome and there are some odd spots on the paint and grommet holes from previous mirrors, fog lamps or badge bar fitting etc. (we have period pictures of the van with these, also confirming the Countryman conversion was done early). Overall great cosmetically, with some patina to the paint. The smokers hatch does not open and the driver window mechanism is a bit stiff. There is a heater fan and matrix which looks new but is not connected.
A very sad and reluctant sale but TTM 553 has performed van duty exceptionally well and it is time to move it on to its next phase of its working/ pleasure life. It would serve perfectly as a business promotional vehicle suitably sign-written, whether to show or use or both or indeed for personal pleasure given its original underpinnings and mechanical upgrades.
