1970 AUSTIN 1300

ENGINE 1275cc/4-cyl/ohv POWER 58bhp@5250rpm TORQUE 69lb ft@32500rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 80mph 0-60MPH 16sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 30-40mpg TRANSMISSION FWD, four-speed auto MOT 12 months on sale ODOMETER 49,151 miles

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

The four-pot starts and idles cleanly. The automatic gearbox selects gears cleanly without any lurching despite revving a bit on the choke's fast idle. The engine pulls strongly and seems perfectly smooth. There are no untoward noises from the engine or exhaust and it's quickly up to a respectable road speed. The brakes feel a touch spongy – notwithstanding a lack of engine braking in the auto contributing to the feel of a harder application – but the steering is light with no pull under braking and smooth from lock to lock. The renowned Hydrolastic ride comfort is very much in evidence.

BODYWORK CHECK

The wheel arch lips are smooth, solid, filler-free and obviously well cared-for since replacement wings were fitted a while back. The vendor had not prepared (or even driven) the car at the time of our visit so its ‘as-is’ condition is a joy to behold. The grey paint is excellent, likewise the freshly painted black wheels and

EXTERIOR

Great paint, no rust, good chrome

INTERIOR

Original with period radio and unmarked trim

MECHANICALS

Willing engine, smooth auto 'box

re-chromed hub caps. The rest of the chrome is blemish- and chip-free, as are the nose, bonnet and windscreen. All of the window rubbers are good, shut lines are tight and all the lamp lenses in good order. There’s plenty of tread left on the tyres.

HOW’S THE INTERIOR?

The unmarked two-tone blue trim complements the exterior colour well. The fascia is like new with a period-correct radio and only slight patina to the column stalk and rocker switches. There is no sign of sun damage to the upper dashboard, the headlining is good and the carpets have been protected by over mats. There are no squeaks or rattles when on the move and all of the catches and window winders feel tight and true.

UNDER THE BONNET

It's in superb condition and everything is either original or correctly replaced. The radiator is good, the fragile cowl intact, the hoses for coolant and more importantly Hydrolastic suspension are sound and the brake reservoir and metal pipes good. There's new sealant on the rocker box and the engine looks dry, as does the torque converter housing and suspension unit tops. The ignition system looks good, too. It's clearly done low annual mileage and been serviced to schedule.

THE CCW VIEW

This car would make an ideal first classic, It's in terrific rustfree condition and there are spares and specialists aplenty. The automatic transmission makes it easy to drive for somebody used to modern cars, the engine is willing with enough pace for modern traffic and it will be cheap to run in terms of fuel, servicing and tyres. The price looks like a bit of a bargain, too. Ian Shaw