Description
Hi, here I have for sale my Austin A30 with a difference. Many sharp eyed among you will look at the photos and say “that’s not an A30 it’s an A35!” But you’d be wrong!
It has been verified by the Owners club as a rare (probably unique) surviving example of a “factory replacement body shell”. Back in the day it was possible to order a replacement body shell and apparently was done so by insurance companies to repair a damaged car rather than write it off! When the A35 was launched in September 1956 production of the A30 obviously stopped. According to the factory issued workshop bulletins issued to all BMC dealers and garages, it stated that “as production of the A30 had ceased replacement A30 shells will now be an A35 shell that has been modified to accept A30 mechanicals” As a result replacement A30 shells then looked like A35’s but had the floor pan the same as an A30 to accept the earlier long stick gearbox. This however was a genuine factory product. The main differences between A30 and A35 bodies are the the floor pans due to the gearbox/ gearstick length and position, size of rear window, factory flashing indicators on A35 with rear wing modifications to accommodate the extra lamps, and the difference in front gutters (A30 has a gutter over the front screen and none down the screen pillars where as the A35 is the other way round). The A30 also had a chrome grille with no surround and the A35 has a painted grille with a chrome horseshoe surround. There are other subtle differences too but these are the main easily recognisable ones.
I’ve owned this car over five years. Attended the A30/ A35 owners club National rally with it in 2023 at Beverley. She drives lovely has a lovely original patina and very solid and presentable both inside and out. Following the 2023 National where its provenance was confirmed it featured in an article in the owners club magazine. At the rally it was confirmed that the side glass was dated 1955 in line with its date of registration and that the rear glass was dated 1958 suggesting that this is when the shell replacement was carried out when the car was less than three years old.
The car starts and drives nicely but still having its original 803cc engine is not super quick but enjoyable on B roads. The car is by no means councorse but nice and genuine and presentable both on and off the show field.
My asking price reflects that of similar nice examples of A30/ A35’s though this has the advantage of being something quite unique as the owners club were aware that such replacement shells were made they were unaware of any survivors till this one turned up.
Also, the number plate is transferable and valued at £4, 250 in its own right (though it would be a shame to remove it from the car!)
The only reason for selling is because the car doesn’t get used enough as I have a van now (like the one my dad had when I was a kid) and tend to use that more.
Viewing and sensible questions are welcome. I’d rather talk to you on the phone than through a message but happy to help. Please don’t make any offers until you have seen the car and spoken to me.
Thanks for looking.
