Description
This is absolutely charming. The subject of an older restoration and repaint, this very rare Austin commercial presented in Dark Red with Grey Trim is as stunning as it is useful. Previously liveried up and in use by a transport company in Bury St. Edmonds, the van drives as good as it looks with recent work to clutch, electrics and braking system. With a file of history going back to the late 1990`s, a full set of manuals and Heritage Certificate, this is superb opportunity to acquire a well-sorted example of a sought-after and not often seen British workhorse.
From 1954 to 1973, the Austin Motor Company produced a series of medium-sized cars until the badging of Austin Cambridge and sold under the designations of A40, A50, A55 and A60 as the range evolved. Up until the introduction of the A55 in 1957, the model was only available as a 4-door saloon but the new model offered two new variants, a 2-door van and 2-door pickup. Known by their “Half Ton” moniker, these medium-weight commercials featured the same 1498cc engine seen in the saloon producing 47BHP linked to a 4-speed column-shift gearbox with full synchromesh on all but bottom gear. With Girling hydraulic brakes, independent front suspension and unitary all-steel bodywork, the van offered 110 cubic feet of loadspace with a body floor of just over 6`6” in length. A re-styled front end and more chrome followed from 1962 with the larger 1622cc engine fitted from September 1963 onwards. Sadly, many of both the van and pickup variants produced had a hard life and it is understood that little over 40 remain today making them a very rare sight at shows or Club rallies.
Our van was despatched from the factory on the 23rd February 1961 and first registered in Weybridge, Surrey on 1st March. Benefitting from the optional heater, we know very little of it`s early life but by the late 1990`s was residing in Burnley before moving to Solihull in 1999. Shortly after this we are informed that the Austin was fully restored only to move to Belfast in around 2010. A regular sight on the Northern Ireland show circuit, the van was sold in 2013 to a transport company in Bury St. Edmonds and was consequently liveried in their company style, being used in action as service vehicle but also shown at local steam fairs and commercial vehicle rallies. In 2017, the transport company ceased trading and a large Dispersal Sale in the September saw the van sold to a collector in Aylesbury. Various work was undertaken during this period to include a complete brake overhaul, replacement clutch slave cylinder and some minor welding and once again the vehicle was shown across Buckinghamshire. In 2023, it was advertised for sale again and purchased by an elderly enthusiast in Littlehampton who had recalled his own father having the very same model from new. After some minor bodywork including repairs to both sills and some appropriate paintwork, our new keeper deliberately “went through” the van undertaking any necessary mechanical or electrical work deemed necessary. Brakes were overhauled again with new shoes on the rear, the clutch benefitted from a new master cylinder and rear hub bearings and fuse box replaced. After 2 years of enjoyment, the van was considered perhaps a little too large for his needs and ability and a deal was agreed involving a superb Mini van that we had in stock. Since acquiring the Austin we have done little but polish it and take it to a local show.
The photographs hopefully tell the story. The van is typical of an older restoration and repaint that has benefitted from very light use since and constant further fettling. Panel-work and paintwork are both excellent with mainly new chrome-work, freshly repainted steel wheels and superb trim. The interior is likewise very good and largely original and benefits from retrofitted inertia seatbelts. Turn the key, pull the starter and the 1498cc 4-pot fires immediately into life sounding sweet and purposeful. Select 1st on the column-mounted gearchange and the van pulls away spritely with easy and very positive changes coming up through 2nd, 3rd and top. Now cruising happily at 40-45MPH, the Austin is genuinely great fun to drive with balanced handling and excellent brakes encouraging the driver to keep pushing that little bit harder. On a bright Friday afternoon, I took the van for an extended test drive across the West Dorset Downs and it performed impeccably. Classic commercials of this type are very rewarding vehicles to own both in terms of the practicality they afford but the Club scene that embraces them. They also make for excellent advertising when liveried up.
Our van comes with a comprehensive file of bills and receipts going back to the late 1990`s, a Heritage Certificate, original Sales Brochure, Service Book, Driver`s Handbook, Workshop Manual, two Service Parts Lists, a number of old MoT Certificates from 2009-2019 and a current V5C. Being registered Historic, it is naturally both road-tax and MoT exempt.
A rather fabulous and well-sorted example of a rare British commercial.
Shore Classics is based on the West Dorset coast within easy proximity of both Weymouth and the County town of Dorchester. As classic and vintage dealers, we offer full brokerage facilities. So if you require some help and guidance with selling your classic car or motorcycle, just give us a call today.
