It is evident at every classic show: the boundless enthusiasm for our old cars brings like-minded people together. The hobby gets a boost through contact with other enthusiasts who mutually strengthen the hobby. And…talking to others, you learn something from it. We contacted Erik-Jan, owner of the Austin A35 in this article, who was not only able to tell the history of this beautiful descendant of a disappeared English brand, but also gave an overview of the predecessor of the classic mini.
Care and dedication
Erik-Jan: “This Austin A35 was brought into good condition through a complete body-off restoration by an enthusiast who owned several Austins. It is a neat, well restored car. With a scratch on the bumper and some barely visible rust, and perhaps some small things. And that shows the life of the Englishman, and that is also his charm.
The owner died, after which the collection was offered for sale by his son after a few years. My father became the buyer in 2012. And then registered the car in my name in 2014. The car is used very little and that is also the reason that I would like to transfer the Austin A35 to a new owner. The ultimate goal is of course to drive it, that is ultimately what it was made for.”
Speedwell Blue
This Austin A35 is from 1957 and the color is original, the 747 kg car with the A series 948 cc block has been used in many variants in various cars. (The Morris Minor and Austin-Healey Sprite are good examples.)
Overview of the development of the Austin A35
Development of the Austin A30-A35 began after World War II. The new Austin should compete with the immensely popular Morris Minor, especially in the English market. (This was then still produced by the independent Morris, which, as experts know, was later taken over by Austin.) In the mid-50s, Austin decided that the car was in need of modernization and was replaced by the Austin A35. Basically the same car with a larger rear window and an engine upgrade to 948 cc, while it was available in two versions (2- and 4-door), the latter rolled off the production line in 1959.
Addition to the Austin A35
The first was a Pickup (1956/1957), only 475 produced, not a success at the time, but now the most sought after Austin A35 in classic circles. Then came the Countryman (van with side windows and 4 seats), the third version was the Austin A35 VAN. This involved approximately 577.000 cars in all variants. Fortunately, there is also an active club in the Netherlands for the A-series that can provide fun meetings and of course the necessary parts to maintain the driving heritage (www.austinclub.nl).
Homage to Austin
This article with an overview of the history, together with this classic, is a tribute to Austin. A nostalgically colored memory of a time gone by forever. At the classic car show in Eelde, where we found this Austin A35, there was a special atmosphere where many enthusiasts could once again enjoy the nostalgic children of steel. Just get a special feeling about the story behind this classic Austin and its development in times long past. Just like Erik-Jan, we are attracted to it like a wasp to sweets. The question now is: Who will give this beautiful Austin A35 a new future?
Where is the car for sale?
If you send a message to redactie@amklassiek.nl, we will forward your data to the owner.
My parents had a brown A60 station in the 35s. We often went with this to visit family. Because there were 5 of us in it, I remember that 2 extra windows were made by my father in the back. I myself have a 50 Audi 1975 ls as a classic car, color Lofoten green.
A really nice, sweet car. The engine block is more than very well known of course. That has proven its worth for a long time. I think the color of the car is 'less'. That's personal taste. But otherwise a really unique car. Nice!!
Great car, a thing of the past but nice as a time capsule.
What a very nice car! Nicely restored copy too. An Austin A35 is on my list if I can redeem one of my two half New Year's Eve tickets.
They have made an indelible impression on all the Goodwood Revivals I have been to. Those little ones who bravely fought a tough battle with Jaguars MK2, using souped-up 1275cc engines and a chassis with a striking number of Austin Healey Sprite elements.
If I ever buy one, I'm afraid it would immediately be heavily technically modified.
Oh well, we have a list like that too. Maybe it helps that we also participate in the lottery, of course. In any case, good luck and a good 2024.