Highlights

Only two registered keepers from new
Restored and serviced by the current keeper since 2010
Original BMC authentic Dove Grey and Cherry Red colour scheme
Recent new clutch, water pump, serviced, engine mounts and hoses
Highly presented and factory-correct early A35
Original registration plate with valuation for £8,000
A beautiful example of these usable and characterful classics

The Appeal

If you’re in the market for a 50s British classic with provenance, then we think you’re unlikely to do better than this remarkable A35. It has had just two registered keepers from new, comes with a huge file of history and has been meticulously restored to factory-correct specification by the current keeper since 2010.

Sitting prettily in appropriate BMC authentic Dove Grey - it began its life in Perthshire - with a smart Cherry Red leather interior, this is a really lovely little car. It is a great mix of restored - the bodywork has had a glass-out respray - and original, with those smart leather seats betraying just the slightest hint of their 68 years. Elements of the interior have been carefully restored, like the carpets and headlining, and outside it sits on safe radials instead of wayward crossplys, but these updates blend in nicely.

The first keeper acquired the car in February 1957 before passing it to a relative 50 years later, although the change of keeper was not registered. The vendor acquired it in 2010 and has continuously improved this character car. Alongside structural and cosmetic improvements, recent work has included a new clutch, water pump, engine hoses and mounts, plus overhauling the brakes and electrics.

The icing of on the cake of this great car - and a sign of its originality - is that distinctive dateless plate. It has been with the car since new, and the vendor tells us that it is valued at £8,000.

This unassuming British classic has bags of class and character. It is very usable and a chance to benefit from and build on the vendor’s hard work. One not to miss.

The vendor says:

“This beautiful Austin A35 from 1957 is presented in immaculate condition in its authentic colour with original red leather interior and new carpeting. It really is in fantastic condition, having been exceptionally well maintained and gently restored (where that's been necessary) to a standard not commonly seen. This is the best example to become available in recent years. It’s notable that the car has its original number plate which has a Heritage Certificate valuation of £8000.

“I love everything about it, its condition now is as it left the factory in 1957.”

History and Paperwork

First registered 16th February 1957
Two registered from new
Current keeper since May 2010
Sold new by Valentines Garage, Perth, Perthshire, Scotland
First keeper lived locally and kept the car for 50 years until his passing
Car was inherited by his nephew’s son
Then acquired by the current keeper
Stored in a dry, lockfast garage since acquisition
British Motor Industry Heritage Trust included as shown
Large history file of maintenance as shown with highlights since 2010 below
Original number plate with a Heritage Certificate valuation of £8,000
Some spares included as shown
MOT and tax exempt by age
Last MOT expired May 2013 showing 84,225 miles with no advisories
Now showing 84,710 miles
Serviced and maintained by the current keeper; there are no records for labour or repairs, but they are summarised below

Summary of maintenance and improvements since 2010:

Bodywork:

Both sills replaced and other remedial work
No Chassis work required
Floor is as new
Windows removed and car resprayed inside and outside
Underneath is hand painted
Windows refitted with new rubbers after new roof cloth and carpets fitted
Seats and door cards as new with re-cushioned fronts
All 4 door hinges re-bushed
Door seals replaced to match interior
Wheels refurbished and repainted
Five matching new radial tyres fitted

Mechanicals and Running Gear:

Gold Seal engine fitted by original owner
Recent new clutch
All hoses and engine mountings and service

BRAKES

Master cylinder re-sleeved and rear cylinder overhauled
Other brake work as required
Both rear springs and bushes renewed
Front suspension all checked and repaired as necessary
New battery
Dynamo and regulator
New Headlamp bowls and replaced sealed beams
All tail lamps and flasher lights fitted with new seals
Heater trunking replaced
New wiper blades

The Condition

Beautifully presented car in correct BMC authentic Dove Grey with Cherry Red leather
Restored by current keeper since 2010 and remains in very good order
Little used since completion with less than 500 miles covered according to MOT records
Cleverly blends originality with structural and cosmetic improvements
Summary of work detailed above and shown in photos
Overall bodywork presents well with good quality respray
Bodywork shows straight lines with generally good panel fit as shown
Paintwork shows few indications of use as car has been little used since completion
Sills replaced during restoration but underside reported to be all original
Underside hand painted and presents very well in photos
Sits on refurbished wheels with matching spare and matching radial tyres
Exterior fittings including glasswork, seals, chrome and trim all very well kept
New headlight bowls and sealed beams and new seals for rear lights and indicators
There is some light age to certain exterior components as suits the car’s originality
Windows refitted with new rubbers
Very smart interior that blends original features with retrimmed items
Cherry Red leather seats have original coverings
New roof cloth and carpets fitted including boot area
Seats and door cards appear in smart condition with re-cushioned fronts
All four door hinges re-bushed and door seals replaced
Interior switchgear and dials in good order and reported to be fully working
Vendor tells us that ‘everything works’
Well-detailed interior with two-spoke factory wheel and leather-wrapped rim

The Mechanics

Gold Seal 948cc engine fitted by the original keeper
4spd manual gearbox
Extensive list of maintenance work detailed above and summarised below
Serviced and maintained by current keeper
Recent service prior to sale
Water pump replaced in April 2025 with other items as shown
Clutch replaced in May 2024
New hoses, and engine mountings fitted at around the same time
Suspension overhauled including new springs and bushes
New battery, dynamo, and regulator installed
No reported running or driving issues
Despite very sparing use since last MOT car has been carefully maintained

BEFORE YOU BUY
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✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
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