FUTURE IS BRIGHT FOR J40 PEDAL CARS
Burlen Ltd, known around the globe as manufacturers of carburettors from Amal, SU and Zenith, has bought the Austin J40 pedal car spares business from industry expert and engineer Roy Halford. Burlen can now supply from stock a range of J40 pedal car parts and spares, manufactured in-house using traditional and modern manufacturing methods to ensure exceptional quality and fitment.
Now famous for the children’s Settrington Cup at Goodwood Revival, the J40 pedal car was originally made by the Austin Motor Company in South Wales at a specially constructed factory opened in 1949 under the name of the Austin Junior Car Factory – see our feature in the March issue for the full story.
A total of 32,098 Austin J40 pedal cars were made before production ceased in September 1971, with cars being shipped around the world. Today the J40 pedal cars are as sought after as a full-sized classic car, with restoration ready examples continuing to be discovered in sheds around the world and now fetching thousands of pounds. Concours examples, as seen on the grid at Goodwood Revival, can fetch much more.
Prior to Burlen acquiring the business, Roy Halford had supplied J40 parts and spares for almost 40 years, a business he started in 1983 after purchasing a J40 for his children only to discover a lack of spare parts availability. Roy said: 'It has taken a long time to find the right company to take over the business, as it was vital to ensure continuous manufacturing, quality production, good customer service and an understanding of the importance of the J40. Burlen are best placed to develop the business for another generation.'
Demand for parts and spares comes from around the globe, with an appetite for personalisation as well as restoration and general upkeep. Burlen can supply a full range of spares and parts and has plans to extend the range in the future. A new development for the J40 business is the ability to browse and purchase parts and spares online at www.j40motorco.
com. Online customers can also view a selection of high-resolution images of each product and take advantage of a dedicated customer services team.