Highlights

Superb road-race Austin A35
All running gear completely updated/replaced
Shell stripped and acid dipped
Race spec 1293cc A series with Weber 45
Rebuilt gearbox, with LSD and uprated halfshafts
Finished in Porsche GT Silver with new red interior
Many Academy race series parts
All new electrics including new loom and fuseboard

The Appeal

To post-war suburban families, it was a reliable run around. To F1 hero James Hunt, it was much more. He famously cited the A35 as one of his most exhilarating drives because it demands total driver intuition and mechanical sympathy.

This rather fabulous little 1959 A35 takes that idea and runs with it. The vendor acquired it in 2012 and arranged its extensive restoration in 2015. That work included fitting a fully built 1,293 cc engine. It features MED components, including roller rockers, steel pushrods, a lightened, balanced flywheel, and a complete clutch assembly. The car features a big-valve race-spec head built by A C Dodd. For those not in the know, Dodd is a well-respected classic car engine tuner and the undisputed authority on the A Series. Other features include a mapped, distributorless ignition and a computer-controlled electric water pump and fan.

As the photos show, the car looks as good as it goes. The paint is Porsche GT Silver, while inside, there is a gorgeous red interior cabin with front buckets. It’s a sign of the level of detail that the standard oval dial housing now features a bespoke digital readout. The front screen is heated. To maximise the capability, the bodywork features lightweight fibreglass wings, boot and bonnet.

The car has covered just 1,000 miles since completion, with careful dry storage between outings. This car has to be one of the most exciting road-going A35s you can buy. One not to miss.

The vendor says:

“It is a gorgeous road going racer that gets more attention than my Porsche GT3.

"It is a fully built 1293cc race engine using mostly MED parts with a full race big valve AC Dodd head and Webber 45. The car was completely stripped, and the shell was acid-dipped before being prepped and painted in Porsche GT Silver, with a new fibreglass wing, boot, and bonnet from the Academy race cars. Wherever possible, we used brand-new components, including all of the suspension and brakes (MG Midget-based), with Academy race-spec springs, dampers, anti-roll bar, and panhard rod. The interior was also completely retrimmed, starting with Dynamat noise insulation, then new headlining, carpets, doorcards and all seats retrimmed. A new wiring harness was fitted with an ECU controlling ignition and an electronic controller for the electric fan and water pump. These are complemented by a programmable digital dashboard complete with sequential shift lights. We built this car to be a road-going race car and the best A35 we could manage. It has been the subject of several magazine articles. It is never used in the rain."

Key Information

Mileage: 1,000 miles indicated since restoration (odometer replaced; vendor estimates actual mileage is approximately 70,000 miles)
Country of registration: United Kingdom
Technical inspection status: MOT exempt
Technical specs: 1,293cc inline four-cylinder, four-speed manual
Paperwork: Private registration plate included in the sale

The Detail

Originally sourced from Ireland and acquired by seller in 2012
Dry stored since the 2015 restoration we are told
Engine rebuilt with all MED components including roller rockers, steel pushrods, and lightened balanced flywheel
Shell stripped and acid dipped
Rebuilt gearbox, with LSD and uprated half shafts
Mapped, distributorless ignition fitted
Many Academy race series parts
Computer-controlled electric water pump and fan fitted
Vendor states the underside presents very well, with all-new suspension and brakes
Lightweight fibre-glass wings, boot and bonnet fitted
Neatly detailed exterior including bonnet and boot straps and vented bonnet
Retrimmed red interior, including seats, headlining, door cards and carpet
Appealing 2+2 interior with roll cage and front bucket seats
Dynamat noise suppression sheets fitted to doors, roof and floors
Digital dashboard and heated front screen fitted
Minilite-style grey anodised alloys with polished rims
Quality Yokohama tyres fitted
Private registration plate included in the sale

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ 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..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.

✓ Unless stated otherwise, you must assume that any cherished, personalised, or heritage vehicle registration is not included in the sale of a vehicle.

Comments

maurill••••

14 hours ago

I have a few more questions if you don't mind: 1) DVLA shows the MOT as expired, with the last MOT in 2016, but technically it should have been MOT exempt by then. Is the car currently MOT exempt or does it not quality due to the extent of the modifications from its original spec? 2) I've noticed the car was up for auction here before. Are you the original seller (i.e. it didn't meet the auction reserve) or did you buy the car and decided to part with it? If the later, why? 3) Do you have any documentation, photos, receipts, from when the restoration was done? When did the original conversion happen?

fsmlitt••••

Seller

Yes I chose the spec of every single element and detail. We bought the best components we could and whenever possible brought brand new. the detail that went into the built are ridiculous.

1 day ago

Hi. What's the age on the Yokohamas? Are they road legal or track only?