Highlights

Older restoration with lovely gentle patina
Reputedly spent over 20 years in a car museum
Previous keeper for 16 years
Said to have been garaged throughout its life
Regularly used by current keeper
until recently and now in regular use
Large history file
Recently serviced with new plugs and points

The Appeal

With its ‘ponton’ full body style, infused with flowing transatlantic themes, the separate chassis A40 Somerset was a thoroughly modern contender when it entered the hard-fought family market in 1952. Over its short two-year run, it was a massive success with over 175,000 finding buyers.

Today the rare survivors are a much-loved part of the classic scene. That’s because they are as rugged and reliable as they are usable and practical. This 1954 car has an interesting history that includes three decades in a Hertfordshire car museum. The previous keeper bought it in 2006 when the collection was sold, loving it so much that he held onto it for 16 years.

The car has clearly been repainted at some points and presents in dove grey with a blue leather cabin. There is patina inside and out, but we’re told that the car is solid. The current keeper uses it regularly and has recently serviced it, including new plugs and points. There is also a new battery.

If your classic tastes revolve around drives with family and friends, this nostalgic slice of 50s motoring perfectly fits the bill.

The vendor says:

“Folder full of service history. Engine starts and runs correctly with no known faults. Engine bay very clean. New battery fitted two months ago

“Driving the car is like going back in time. The four-speed column change gearbox works proficiently and is easy to use when you get accustomed to it.”

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Key Information

Mileage: 39,422 miles (believed correct by seller based on history, not warranted)
Country of registration: United Kingdom
Technical inspection status: MOT exempt
Technical specs: 1.2L 4cyl engine, 4spd column-change manual gearbox
Paperwork: folder of service history present, VIN number 870914

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The Detail

Engine starts and runs correctly with no known faults, according to the vendor
Engine bay described as very clean by the vendor
New battery fitted approximately two months ago
New plugs and points recently fitted
Four-speed column-change gearbox reported to work proficiently
Vendor states paintwork and bodywork are in very good condition
Buyers can check bodywork and paintwork condition in photos
Photos show some age to paintwork and bodywork and highlight key areas
Area of deterioration to nearside rear sill and damage to boot lid to note
Car repainted some years ago and now presents in dove grey
Chassis reported by the vendor to be in very good condition
Underside shows evidence of undersealing
All brightwork described as good by seller with some tarnish to note in photos
Blue leather interior seats show some creases but no tears we are told
Interior shows patina to seats and headlining but remains presentable
Cloth headlining is said to be original no rips or tears but slightly discoloured with age
Carpets described as serviceable but show age in photos
All instruments, lights, and trafficators are in working order we are told

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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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