Highlights

Older full body restoration and mechanical overhaul with photos
Retained by the restorer until 2023
Only four registered keepers with first one to 1992
Smart dove grey paintwork with sympathetically modified interior
Recaro front seats with harnesses and other rally-inspired features
Engine rebuilt to fast road specifications with Gold Seal 1,275cc unit
Ideal for historic rally or endurance events

The Appeal

Before the all-conquering Monte Minis there was the Steel Teddy Bear - Austin’s characterful A35, which competed in the 1958 and 1960 events.

Emma, as this little ‘58 A35 2dr is known, was restored in the early 90s as a loving tribute to those plucky rally entrants. That it presents today, with its popular Dove Grey paintwork, in quite remarkable condition is testament to the chap who restored it - he kept it until 2023 - and the current keeper. Before the restoration it had remained in the same family since new.

The car looks, on casual acquaintance, just like a regular A35 2dr. The auxiliary driving lights are a slight giveaway, but you need to open a door or bonnet to discover what is really going on. Beneath the bonnet is a 1,275cc Gold Seal engine built to fast road spec and mated to a Midget gearbox. Inside you’ll find comfy Recaro seats - originally from a Capri but retrimmed in red and black - plus rally features such as auxiliary dials, Sparco harnesses and a Halda Twinmaster trip meter.

This characterful little car would be perfect for historic rallying or endurance events. Alternatively, the light modifications - and those comfy seats - mean that it works equally well as a weekend touring car.

Whichever you choose, this evocative car is in great order and ready to use.

The vendor writes:

“This car would be ideal for anyone looking to take part in some historic type rally / endurance events, or just cruising around the lanes on a weekend.”

History and Paperwork

First registered 1st September 1958
Four registered keepers from new
Originally supplied new from Bannisters Garage Ltd in Chelmsford in August 1958
First owned by Mr. D. Macklesworth of Billericay, Essex
Remained in the Macklesworth family until October 1992
Sold to Mr. Donald Cannon, who undertook a full body restoration and mechanical overhaul
Full restoration photos on file
Sold by Mr. Cannon's family to the current custodian in 2023
Includes a period Halda trip meter with the original invoice on file
Factory handbook included
Still retains its original issue registration mark 8375 NO
The original bill of sale & BMIHT Certificate is included within the large extensive history file that accompanies the car

The Condition

Older restoration that has held up very well due to caring keepers
The body is very solid with no rot according to seller
Paintwork presents very well with no significant marks or damage
Due to the age of the restoration buyers should be realistic and check the photos
Bodywork is straight and well kept as shown including arches, sills and panel edges
There is a small dent to offside rear wing as shown
Sits on steel wheels finished in cream with Austin-branded chrome hub caps
Steel spare wheel in boot
Chromework is presentable across car with light tarnish to note
Standard exterior aesthetics with extra driving lights as shown
Lights and glass in good order with no functional issues reported
Largely standard structure with additional bulkhead strengthening to rear as shown
Underside reported to be in good order with no issues reported
Modified interior with rally features as shown
Rear seat has been removed
Red carpets to front of car which are in good order with only very light aging
Fitted with pair of Capri Recaro front seats retrimmed in red and black
Seats present well and show very little wear considering age
Equipped with a 4-point harness
Various auxiliary dials fitted below dashboard as shown
Original Austin heater is fitted
Fitted with sports-style Moto Lita leather-rimmed three spoke wheel
Dasbhboard and dials show some light aging as shown
Red door cards to match carpets
Headlining in good condition finished in cream as shown

The Mechanics

Engine rebuilt to fast road specifications using a Gold Seal 1,275cc unit
Twin SU carburettors
4spd manual Midget gearbox
Vendor advises that car sometimes jumps out of 1st gear
He advises that car is driveable but a gearbox rebuild may be required in future
Fitted with Midget rear axle
The car starts and runs well with a very sporty exhaust note according to seller
Described by seller as a nice, nippy driver
Rally-inspired features include a fuel cut off switch as shown
Except as detailed above we are not advised of any running or driving issues

BEFORE YOU BUY

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