Highlights
- Extensively modified for motorsport over 50 years
- 1430cc race engine producing 115bhp at the rear wheels
- Progressively modified and improved since 1980s
- Upgraded with 5-speed gearbox and hydraulic handbrake
- Rebuilt front suspension and rear axle
- Competition history in time trials and tarmac rallies
- Only four registered keepers from new
The Appeal
One of the joys of motoring is that enthusiasts develop cars in directions their designers never intended. Few cars prove that point better than the humble Austin A40 Farina. Crisply styled by Pininfarina as a family shopping trolley, it has since found glory as a star of race and rally tracks.
This 1960 A40 began its life as a regular example until the second keeper got hold of it in the 1980s and began evolving it into the rally car you see today. The current keeper knew of the car seven years before buying it in 2021, whereupon he continued the development work began all those years ago. Alongside competing it in various time trials and events he fitted a 1,430cc engine and 5spd gearbox to make it quicker and more competitive. Considering its exceptionally light weight, he has certainly achieved that. Over the last couple of years he has used the car for pleasure rather than competition.
This is a working rally car so anyone expecting a concours example will be disappointed. We think its all the better for its war paint and signs of use inside and out. Despite those track-inflicted scuffs, it is said to be solid which you can check in the photos.
With its elevated specification and the A40’s renowned giant-killing instincts, this looks a hugely entertaining addition to any enthusiast driver’s collection.
The vendor says:
“It's a little rocketship to drive. It make 115bhp at the rear wheels in a car that weighs about 500-600kg.”
History and Paperwork
- Originally sold in Ireland in 1960 we are told
- First registered 2nd September 1960
- DVLA records four registered keeper
- Current keeper since February 2021
- Second keeper bought the car in early 1980s
- He modified it for time trials and tarmac rallies
- Car competed throughout the 1990s and early 2000s
- Changed hands around 2014
- At this point the original 998cc engine was replaced with a 1098cc unit
- Current keeper fitted a 1430cc race engine, 5-sp gearbox and hydraulic handbrake
- Has been used in competition events until 2024
- Then used for pleasure driving in 2024 and 2025
- Little history as all maintenance has been performed by the various owners
- DVLA records car as 998cc which the buyer may wish to update
The Condition
- Black paintwork and white roof in fair condition for a vehicle of this type
- Vendor states that the paintwork is original
- Exterior shows ‘competition patina’ including scratches, chips and dents
- Bodywork is generally presentable with some age to note to panels
- Has never been restored we are told
- Sits on white painted steel wheels
- Interior has been stripped out for competition use
- Interior features Corbeau racing seats with Sabelt harnesses and a roll cage
- All interior components are functional despite their utilitarian appearance
- Wiring requires attention and tidying up according to the vendor
The Mechanics
- 1,430cc race specification engine
- 5-speed manual transmission
- Produces approximately 115bhp at the rear wheels
- Upgraded front brakes with 4-pot aluminium callipers and larger discs
- Rebuilt front suspension, including shock absorbers, kingpins and wheel bearings
- Rear axle recently completely rebuilt with 3.55 ratio final drive
- Engine and gearbox work well we are told
- Approximately 500-600kg in weight
- Fitted with a hydraulic handbrake for competition use
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