1957 AUSTIN A35 VAN Registration: FCC 328                  ...

Hammer

£9,500

1957 AUSTIN A35 VAN

Registration: FCC 328                  
Chassis Number: TBA
Recorded Mileage: c.49,750 miles

- Coachwork by Fisher and Ludlow
- In current ownership since 2015
- Restored by Bristol specialist Spencer Lane Jones

Introduced in 1956, the A35 replaced the highly successful Austin A30. The name reflected the larger and more powerful 34hp A-Series engine enabling a slightly higher top speed and better acceleration, relatively speaking. Similar in appearance to the A30 except for a larger rear window aperture and a painted front grill with chrome horse-shoe surround, it had 13” wheels and was offered as a two or four door saloon, ‘Countryman’ estate and van. The A35 was successfully raced at the time and can still be seen today at historic race meetings.

This charming A35 van was purchased from a retired carpenter in 2015, who had used the van for his business for many years. The A35 was roadworthy and used regularly but beginning to look a little tired in places. As our vendor was at the time the Managing Director of Bristol cars specialist Spencer Lane Jones of Warminster, it was decided to bring the van in house for restoration.

The van was stripped to a shell, which was repaired where required, reassembled and repainted to its original shade of green. The van was then reassembled following a full audit and repair of the mechanical components, including a complete new braking system. The van was liveried in vinyl as a SL-J Ltd. service van, and when completed used lightly for local jobs and promotional purposes. Since completion the A35 remains in excellent cosmetic, structural and driving condition. Whilst the interior is original and in good order, the headlining is sagging a little and the driver’s seat could possibly benefit a little attention. The van has been serviced and is ready to use, we are pleased to read it was fitted with a replacement head gasket in 2017, and recently five new tyres.

This delightful van starts, runs and drives very nicely, and we are sure will be a great proposition for a small business or classic commercial enthusiast. The A35 is offered with a photographic record of the restoration, and a new V5C will be applied for on behalf of the next owner.