Austin A35 - A Compact Car

While it was in the long-term owner ship of the Hewitt family, this Austin A35 gained some period Alexander tuning components that son John found at an auto jumble. He fitted the uprated cylinder head and manifold, plus a pair of SU HS1 carburettors, to a car that his mother subsequently used as her daily driver. Unfortunately, the history file is a little thin, but it does include the original buff logbook and some old MoTs.

Austin A35

The Austin has had a re-spray in the original shade of Speedwell Blue within the past 18 months – there is a small area of overspray on the nearside quarter light frame. New window rubbers were fitted all round at the same time, but the original chrome was reused - a nice touch because it is patinated rather than tired, and sits well with the paint. The bodywork is straight and solid, with no signs of corrosion. Healthy 145/80 R13 tires are fitted, and the spare looks new.

Inside, modern bucket seats have been fitted and they look a little out of place. The rest of the interior is original - the headlining is sound, plus the carpets and door cards are good. Under the bonnet, the A-series shows no signs of leaks and the fluids are all as you would expect, but the engine bay would benefit from some general tidying. The power plant starts readily, idling quietly and sweetly, but with no gauges to give an idea of oil pressure and water temperature.

Austin A35’s interior

The A35 was suffering from a misfire on the day that we tested the car. It cleared at higher revs, however. The gear change is good and the brakes (from an MG Midget) much more effective than the standard anchors.

A minor irritation is that the steering wheel isn't fitted squarely but, on a miserable January day, the heater and wipers functioned correctly. The car will be sold with a new MoT, although it no longer needs one.