Austin a35 Van
First registered in 1967, our Austin A35 van underwent a comprehensive restoration over some 3 years by RH Classics of Melton Mowbray, and was clearly a labour of love from the start.
The restoration was more than skin deep and the result is an absolute wolf in sheep's clothing, having benefited from more than £10k invested over and above the structural repair costs to create a superb driving example; think of it as a Cooper S van.
Finished in Almond Green with contrasting Old English White roof, our A35 has been painstaking detailed to evoke a period racing support vehicle in tribute to Leicestershire based racer 'Bob' Gerard; Complete with hand painted ‘Castrol’ decals to the side panels, the van looks like it’s just driven right out of the Goodwood paddock 55 years ago.
Since the restoration, the van has been used sparingly and presents beautifully, though with the odd small stone chip here and there; we'd describe it as being in 'driver immaculate' condition, rather than a trailer queen.
Significant time and attention has been devoted to preserve an outwardly standard appearance; so no wide wheels, big tyres or period inappropriate seats here, which only adds to the surprise on the faces of other drivers left in the rear view mirror, – it's the ultimate Q car and great fun to drive, having been set up carefully for spirited road use.
Fitted with a 1275 Midget engine, bored to + 0060” oversize, lightened and balanced con rods, crank, flywheel and clutch. High compression pistons, roller rockers, gas flowed cylinder head, all mated to a rebuilt and strengthened gearbox, with a long ratio differential, making it ideal for distance cruising. Finally, a front disk brake conversion, which is essential given its forward propulsion!
Fitted with a rear seat, full headlining, sound proofing, flip top ventilation, and with a period roof rack and a towbar, it’s the ideal promotional vehicle, so expect to see this icon of classic motoring at events and shows throughout the country.
