1958 Austin A35 C’man
ENGINE 948cc/4-cyl/OHV POWER 34bhp@4750rpm TORQUE 50Ib ft@2000rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 71mph 0-60MPH 26.7sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 28-34mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, four-speed manual MoT 12 months from sale ODOMETER 41,018 miles
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
This Austin appears to be mechanically sound and the engine starts and idles extremely well. The A-series engine is peppy, free-revving and pulls well without overheating or being overly noisy. It handles positively in the corners and holds the road well. It doesn’t feel loose but the ride is still comfortable and the car is a joy to drive in town and out on the open road. The steering is well weighted and responsive, and has no unnecessary movement, and the vehicle tracks in a straight line. The brakes require a little effort but they do work when called upon and the car stops with no squeal, judder or pulling to either side. The gearbox and clutch feel strong and all four gears engage smoothly without any crunching or whining.
BODYWORK CHECK
The car underwent a comprehensive restoration process in 2016/2017, which included a bare metal respray, and it looks simply stunning. The paint is immaculate and there are no blemishes or rust spots to be found anywhere. The rear side windows have been replaced with bodycoloured panels to give the appearance of an A35 van, but the original windows will be supplied with the car, so it would be possible to re-instate them. The underside of the car looks factory-fresh and the sills and wheelarches are in excellent condition. The contrasting white steel wheels look great and the chrome hubcaps are bright and untarnished, along with the rest of the chrome work. The tyres – Aoteli P307s – have plenty of tread and show even wear.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
The colour-matched dashboard is as well fi nished as the exterior and the simple controls – including the semaphorestyle indicators – all work as intended. The two-spoke steering wheel is undamaged and a battery cut-off switch has been fi tted for safety. The whole interior is dry and the fresh black carpets are unworn. Even the pedal rubbers have hardly been used. The simple vinyl door cards look great and the white-piped black vinyl seats are fl awless. The headlining is well fi tted, intact, clean and does not suffer from any sagging.
UNDER THE BONNET
This is an original Countryman as denoted by the correct chassis number as well as the rear seat and lack of a roof vent. Cosmetically the engine bay is exceptionally tidy and the motor does not appear to leak or emit any smoke. All ancillaries appear factory-fresh and the engine looks great in its coat of green paint.
THE CCW VIEW
Fully restored, mechanically sorted, ready to drive and with a folder full of supporting documentation dating back to 1961, this well-priced little Austin ticks an awful lot of important boxes.