My first car Austin A40 – 6480 FD

My first car when I was a lad, Was an Austin A40 from my mom and dad. Older than me the car was my joy, Driving around my dream from a boy.

To get the car started you needed the choke, Adding more fuel to the carb at a stroke. 6480 FD was the reg on the plate, But I simply called my A40 “mate”.

The gearing was odd no synchro in first, The drum from the road noise your ears it could burst. But that car was great – one I will never forget, Not having it now is my only regret.

It had a black roof and a green teal body, Despite its old age the paintwork not shoddy. I fitted a radio to play my fave tunes, The dress of the day Oxford bags or some loons.

Throughout the late ’70s I drove that great car, Mostly around Walsall – we did not go far. To the “Tech” every day a trip I did go, Giving a lift to my mom and a neighbour named Flo.

Every week I would wash my little mate, T-cut and polish until it looked great. Messing around with the Series A plant, Hoping a tweak then more power the engine would grant.

If ever the engine really felt bad, I would solicit some help from my dear old dad. A motor mechanic and teacher was he, Free advice to all he would give willingly.

The car took me on trips all over the place, It always behaved well and I drove with good grace. To the Brummies to see some speedway – the track now One Stop, The team were so good everyone they would whop.

I wish that I still had 6480 – my first little car, It is the one that my memory remembers by far. Maybe it is because it behaved well in the cold. Or is it because things seem better as I simply get old!