Austin A30 Two-door Saloon

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Launched in 1951 to compete with the rival Morris Minor, the A30 marked a radical departure for Austin, being their first model to feature a fully stressed monocoque that was much lighter and stiffer than a conventional ladder chassis.

Best of all, it was the first car to use the everlasting ‘A-Series’ overhead-valve 803cc engine which produced some 28bhp, sufficient for a top speed of 70mph and 42mpg economy.

The braking was a hybrid system, with fully hydraulic drum brakes up front and rod operated drums at the rear. Suspension was by way of independent coil springs at the front end and beam axle/semi-elliptic leaf springs at the back. Initially only available as a four-door saloon, a two-door version was launched in 1953 and estate and van options became available the following year. The two-door cost £475 at launch, some £30 less than the four-door.

The A30 remained in production until late 1956 when it was replaced by the A35, an almost identical model with the exception of a slightly larger 948cc engine producing 34bhp, a painted grille and a larger rear window.

This 1955 A30 two-door has had just three owners from new. Painted in Tweed Grey with a smart red interior, the headlining has been recently replaced bringing the interior up to scratch. Under the bonnet there is a trace of a Gold Seal sticker on the engine, indicating that it may have had a reconditioned unit at some time in the past. The engine has just had a full service, including plugs, leads, oils and filters, and the car sits on a set of recent tyres.

These usable classics have grown in popularity in the last few years, in part thanks to their giant-slaying performances at Goodwood and elewhere. This smart little A30 would also be eligible for the new A30/35 Academy race series organised by Julius Thurgood, or simply make the ideal British-built ‘picnic car’, being easy to keep and maintain and fun to drive. Its attractive Somerset number plate, VYA 281, remains transferable and doubtless has a value of its own (not that we condone this sort of thing at Brightwells, obviously).