‘There is no reason you can't 'daily' a classic’
1959 Austin A35 Luke Godfrey, Litchfield
How does an 18-year-old come to be driving an Austin A35?
'When I started driving, I wanted something different. I’ve always been around cars, my dad having build a couple of kit cars and so car shows have been a staple for years.
I was looking for a first car and had room for only one car. Therefore, I had to choose between a modern and a classic. For me there was only ever really one option. I chose the A35 after seeing one at a show and loving everything about it.
I joined the owners club and started watching the adverts for A30/35s for sale. What I liked about the A35 was the simplicity of the engine and the availability of parts. It is a car I can work on myself and add my own modifications to. There really is no reason why you can’t daily a classic – so I do!'
What do you make of the owners club and scene, then?
'The Austin A30/A35 Owners Club has been very helpful over the three years I’ve had the car. It is a very friendly group of people that is always willing to give advice when it's needed. The club has a great spares team – it offers the parts that are unavailable elsewhere.'
Do you cover many miles in it?
'I’ve done around 4000 miles so far this year including two trips to Dorset and various classic car shows all over the country. I also use it for my short commute every day, formerly to sixth form, but now to my apprenticeship. It’s a great car to drive.'
Do I spy a couple of modifications?
'Yes. I’ve made a few subtle tweaks to make it easier to use on a daily basis. These include a high level brake light as well as LED brake lights hidden within the rear reflectors.
It’s also got hazard warning lights, uprated headlights, better wipers. Spotlights, inertia reel seat belts and a rear screen demister. I’ve also fitted a gauge pod as supplied to the A35 academy race cars, which sits neatly above the steering wheel and incorporates an oil pressure, water temperature and amps gauge as well as switches for the spot lights, radio and hazards. I’ve also fitted a set of MG Midget disc brakes in place of the original seven-inch drums.'
Do you have a long-term plan for the car?
'The paint is starting to crack in a few places, so I would like to fully respray it eventually, then drop in a 1275cc A-series engine in place of the 948 in there at the moment. It’s definitely a keeper, though – that stuff can all be done in time.'
‘I've made a few subtle tweaks with regular use in mind’