AUSTIN A40 FARINA

The Farina’s popularity in historic motor sport means that there’s a wealth of upgrade options

While the A40 Farina wasn’t an unusual sight in saloon car racing in its mid- Sixties heyday, few could have imagined back then it would have become one of the most popular vehicles in historic motor sport today. However, as one of the consistent top performers in the Goodwood Revival’s St Mary’s Trophy, as well as a whole host of other historic competitions, the A40 has developed an enviable tuning scene, with an embarrassment of parts and expertise.

In recent years, A40 owners have also benefitted from the creation of the HRDC Academy series, a one-marque racing championship for Austin A35s. As A35s are largely identical to A40 MkIs, and only differ in details to the MkII, this has created a set of standard tuning parts that A40 owners can pick out of catalogues straight off of the shelf. Whether it’s Academy-spec lever arm dampers, coil springs or lightweight alternators, an easy to navigate map of improvements has been laid out for the A40 modifier.

These modifications aren’t just for race cars, however – most Academy-spec mods are suitable for road cars – the exhausts, for example, are quiet enough for road use. More generally, the A40 Farina also benefits from the interchangeability of parts between 1960s BMC products. The 1275cc engine from a Morris Marina or MG Midget is the obvious option for increasing power. Even if engine tuning is desired, it’s best to start off with a 1275cc, because there really is no replacement for displacement, at least when it comes to two otherwise identical engines.

If you are building your A40 for motor sport, however, be sure to check what modifications you are allowed to make first. In pre-1960 competitions, for example, A40 MkIIs must back-date to the MkI’s lever arm dampers at the rear, which is the opposite of what a fast-road build would require.