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| Lot number | 45 |
|---|---|
| Hammer value | £9,790 |
| Description | Austin A35 Van |
| Registration | 593 PTF |
| Year | 1960 |
| Mileage | 10,083 (Indicated) |
| Colour | Cream |
| Engine size | 948 cc |
| Chassis No. | A-AV5/230481 |
| Engine No. | 229870 |
| Documents | Heritage certificate |
Rarely do we come across a car with this level of originality, especially one with as good a story too.
Supplied new by Cordingley & Sons Limited of Rossendale, Lancs in June 1960 to a Mr Alan Keyes - this A35 van was finished in County Cream with Cherry red interior and had the sole optional extra of a heater. This time-warp A35 van shows just 10,000 miles from new and still wears its original sign writing for A.N. Keyes Ltd Auto electricians of Rochdale Road, Manchester on the van.
A look in the back reveals Mr Keyes tools are still present. A letter on file from the grandson of Mr Keyes reveals the van was used as personal transport to and from work until an industrial accident lost Mr Keyes his leg and as a result, his ability to drive. The van was then put into storage at the family home where it remained for some 40 years, moth-balled until being passed onto the grandson of Mr Keyes by his widow.
The van starts, runs and drives and is in original order throughout. The hand written sign writing is in remarkable order as is the body and interior – a complete step back in time to another age.
The mileage has been verified by the family, as well as the garage that maintained the van in its early life- who still exist, Light Oaks Garage of Manchester. Although A.N Keyes auto electricians still trades today under new ownership, they were not interested in the van – there’s nowt queer as folk!
The documents include only the Heritage Certificate recently obtained for the vendor along with the aforementioned vehicle history letter from the family and some owner’s club bits. As there is no V5, this will need to be applied for and it’s unclear at the time of cataloguing if the registration pictured remains with the vehicle.
To find an A35 van as original as this is a rarity, to know the story behind it more thrilling still. We hope the van goes to a loving home that will ensure its survival and originality and as such preserve this little bit of British history.
