1959 AUSTIN A 35
Nick looks back at his best – and worst – classic buys. This week he recalls a 1959 Austin A35 swapsie that ended up departing the UK for a new life in Holland
WHY DID YOU WANT ONE?
I had loved Austin A35s ever since I
rst saw one as a tiny child which, I recall, had a piece of iron bedstead serving as a rear bumper. At the other end of the scale an elderly spinster neighbour had an immaculate Island Blue example that seemed to appear once a year, but she let me sit in it once.
I still have a photo of myself outside Brighton Pavilion in 1976 posing with a parked A35, with the Georgian masterpiece ignored in the background. Scaled-down, friendly, chubby Austin looks, wonderful engine sound and so many nice little touches, not least the ‘Flying A’ Austin badge on the bonnet, was a heady mixture likely to have an eect on the hormones of any teenage boy. Twenty years on I nally managed to acquire an example from friend and fellow CCW regular, Russ Smith, thanks to an elaborate swapsie. Austin A35 heaven, at last, and it had been a long time coming.
WAS IT A JOY OR A NIGHTMARE TO LIVE WITH?
I had jealously guarded Popular Classics magazine’s by then sold project example by the time YSK 506 arrived, so was fully aware of the joys of A35 stewardship. Only joys of course.
Thankfully Russ had overhauled the brakes, which, despite the hydraulic/ rod set-up, worked well. The Austin's previous owners had looked after it well though the garage it regularly went to for servicing had obviously been unaware that the steering box might appreciate a drop of oil occasionally. Nothing wrong with a bouncy ride – it keeps you awake – and throwing an A35 around twisting bends Mini-style was something that you’d only try once. Respecting its limits meant that this was a car in which you could actually face a longer journey, provided there weren’t too many motorways – you can expect to get 40mpg out of one. The car never let me down once during my year’s ownership – trips included an expedition to a place near Skegness for some replacement front seats.
WHAT’S YOUR ABIDING MEMORY OF IT?
How the car arrived was rather bizarre. Let me explain. I bought a Vauxhall Victor FE from a local garage for £99, which was part-exchanged for an Opel Manta, swapped for a pristine Vanden Plas (not an Allegro) 1500, sold with a Wolseley 1500 in part-exchange that Russ offered to exchange for the A35… phew. Both cars were a little on the tatty side and had lost their original numbers, the A35 having been 1969 RE. I did enjoy that YSK 506 even had some body and paint work carried out. Not being ungrateful, after such a long wait for an A35, I really wanted one that was in nice original order, in a bright colour, with an original registration and possibly a four-door. So, this is what I decided to do. The A35 was advertised and went to a very nice mad Dutch couple. I've never heard of it since and I never did get that car despite my A35 urges having never really diminished.
WHAT ARE YOUR TOP TIPS FOR BUYING ONE?
Austin A35s are solidly built, hence their survival in reasonable numbers. Rust is still a major problem and there’s a long checklist. Sills, A-posts, front and rear ©oorpans, door bottoms, front wings – where they meet the sills – and between the front valance and headlamps are all notorious rot spots. You’ll also need to scrutinise the boot ©oor and area around the spring hangers. The Austin A30/A35 Owners’ Club – which you must join – says that some repair panels are not of the greatest quality so you’re better o repairing an original item if possible. The BMC A-series engine is a rugged old thing but isn't immune to wear, though parts availability is still good. The original hydraulic/rod brake system works ne but must be properly maintained and adjusted for it to do so. Look out for worn kingpins and cracked rear springs, too.