WHAT TO LOOK FOR

PANEL PROBLEMS

The fight against corrosion is a continual struggle of A35 ownership, but unlike the Mini, panel availability is low. Doors are strictly second-hand, while wings (which love to melt away) are hard to source, making thorough repairs difficult – many A35s have plenty of patches of filler, therefore. Parts problems should also make you think carefully about items such as chrome trim and window rubbers. While trivial on many classics, you’ll be trawling through classifieds, online auctions and autojumbles to find the bits you need.

CHECK FOR ENGINE ISSUES

The 803cc engine leads a hard life and can require a rebuild after as few as 50,000 miles; thankfully 948cc engines are a much simpler prospect, being longer-lasting and benefitting from much greater parts availability thanks to its long usage in the Minor. Rattling timing chains, excessive oil leaks (very few are truly free of leaks) and rumbling bottom ends are signs of a need for a rebuild. Many have had their engines swapped out for 1098cc or 1275cc A-series engines, of course, which are almost universally appreciated as an upgrade.

IS THE SPEC CORRECT?

Anyone prepping an A30/A35 has the benefit of the prescribed spec list of the HRDC’s Academy Series. This one-model A30/A35 series is an entry-level historic series with competitors modifying their cars with identical components from a small list of suppliers. It’s a great starting point for how to prep your Austin and you’ll see many prepped A30/A35s listed as ‘Academy Cars’ – a good purchase, with much of the mystery of someone else’s build removed.