A fully restored head turning, four door A30 in what’s believed to be (for a four door) a unique colourway
Benefitting from a bored out 998cc engine for added drivability
Complete with an extensive file of provenance providing paperwork
The Appeal
The A30, or “New Austin Seven” as it was known at launch, made its debut in 1951. Conceived as Austin’s answer to the all-conquering Morris Minor, it was welcomed as a surprisingly innovative car from a traditionally rather conservative motor manufacturer.
The “A” Series engine, which was introduced in the A30, was considered state-of-the-art in 1951. With the application of hindsight, the A-Series became a mainstay engine for BMC and British Leyland with a production span of over 50 years. The eager engine endowed the car with a good overall performance for the time. A top speed of 70mph was suggested by the factory, but never matched by contemporary road tests, together with a highly impressive 40+ mpg figure, which proved more realistic.
What is a tiny car by today’s standards with its quaint, “of-the-period” styling was considered quite the tour-de-force back in the 1950’s. As a result, the car performs in a surprisingly contemporary way even today and comes as a pleasant surprise to many new owners.
The charmingly spartan interior is essentially a 1955 time-capsule
Despite having enjoyed restoration it presents in an entirely period faithful specification
The seats are trimmed in black leather with contrasting red piping
They present in an excellent condition
The rear bench is trimmed identically and is equally well presented
The door cards are trimmed in black leatherette with chromed door furniture
The red carpets are edge-bound in black leatherette
The minimalistic dashboard is finished in body colour paint
The big central binnacle contains a multi-function single gauge
All other controls are clustered around this
A commodious storage shelf runs under the dash filling the width of the car
Charming period details remain such as the twin under-dash ashtrays and the Bakelite embossed gear knob
The twin-spoke Bakelite steering wheel appears original and in fine fettle
The headlining is tightly anchored and appears to be in unmarked condition
The charming interior of the A30 underscores the competence of its design. It’s tiny by today’s standards but exhibits excellent packaging with the interior managing to feel surprisingly roomy. The red carpets and body coloured dash help give the interior a cheery and vibrant ambiance despite the black seat upholstery.
The interior is a perfect antidote to the dark and screen laden interiors of some modern cars and helps give driver and passengers a real flavour of simpler times, and that’s no bad thing in our view.
The quality of the restoration is obvious from the exterior of the car
The very unusual red and white colourway really suits the character of this little car
The paintwork appears deep and lustrous throughout
The bright white of the roof is picked up again on the steel bumpers and wheels
The odd flash of chrome to some hinges, handles and the “A” bonnet ornament finish off the look
Panel gaps appear tight and symmetrical throughout
The steel wheels are finished with brightly chromed hub caps
The period-correct tyres are understood to be nearly new all round
The previous owner is understood to have had every panel wax-injected to aid longevity
The underside of the car is equally well presented underscoring the thoroughness of the restoration
A full Dinitrol treatment has been applied to the chassis and under-body
The bright red and white colourway of this A30 looks amazing. It is a rare, possibly unique, combination for a four door A30 and is almost guaranteed to turn heads and promote carpark comment and conversation.
The quality of the restoration is evident for all to see too. The panels are free from marks, dings or corrosion and the appearance of this diminutive classic truly belies the fact that it is getting on for 70 years old.a1xjQsJZHDY5cKucWUgBTq6pK2M3JsCgvj04zgT6.jpeg431.05 KB
The Mechanics
The A30 has received a number of useful but subtle mechanical upgrades to aid drivability
This includes an enlarged 998cc A series engine thanks to a bore and stroke increase
The engine was fully rebuilt in 2020 included conversion to unleaded fuel compatibility
The car also has electronic ignition fitted for enhanced reliability
The gearbox internals were upgraded during the restoration with later A35 components being fitted
A new distributor, coil and petrol tank have also been fitted
The car benefits from larger A40 brakes giving better retardation for modern conditions
Given the diligence of the mechanical restoration and upgrades undertaken it is perhaps no surprise that the current owner reports that the car runs and drives very well indeed. The perky A series engine helps give the car an eager personality and the well-chosen upgrades make this an eminently useable classic car.40TVWGmXXz7IgnVsGZwlyoIYCPX9VFu2uaLputOn.jpeg328.75 KB
Summary
The A30 proved a big success following its launch and almost 250,000 had been sold by the time the A35 arrived in 1956. Today the car’s appeal endures on many levels. Firstly, it is a highly endearing little car that is very easy to like with a cheeky and charming demeanour.
Much like the Morris Minor, the car’s big competitor at launch, the A30 represents a true practical classic and a great entrée into classic car ownership at modest cost. This example will tick every box for the A30 enthusiast too. It has been beautifully restored and is a real head-turner in its bright and distinctive colourway.
The well-chosen upgrades will help ensure the longevity of this little car as well as enhancing its driving experience in today’s more frenetic conditions. Bid today to avoid missing out on this charming slice of 1950’s motoring nostalgia.
Notice to bidders
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