Description
This is probably one of the best looking Mk 1 A55 saloons left in regular use. I bought it locally in a private sale in 2022, but I have several classics and due to other commitments, I am only using any of them occasionally. All three are nice examples and so it is with some reluctance that I am now offering this one for sale. This is a very comfortable, presentable and pleasant driving car
The body is in Tweed Grey and old English White and is the rare 1957 pre Farina model, in deluxe version with leather upholstery, automatic overdrive and freewheel, heater, radio and a sliding steel sun roof. Mileage is 64700. The car was originally grey, but has subsequently been painted in two tone with a OEW roof, boot lid and side panels. Exactly when this was initially done is not clear, but obviously between 2011 and 2022. We had the roof and bootlid paintwork redone professionally when the windscreen and rear windows were removed to replace the screen rubbers in 2023.
The car has always been stored in a garage during my ownership and subject to dry weather use only (another reason why it hasn't been out much recently) .
Condition is very good, the car appears to have been restored around 16 years ago and we have a magazine article about it from 2011 in which the then owner has had a couple of areas revisited. Cills etc are all in good order and the car is generally very solid and straight.
Paintwork generally is very good and the car presents very nicely. It has had three GRP wings, properly professionally fitted, presumably when restored, and these are not evident unless you try to attach a magnet. Doors and bonnet/ boot all fit nicely. We have replaced the windscreen rubber seal which was badly cracked, and there was no corrosion revealed underneath. We have also had the rear bumper rechromed to get rid of some lifting of the original plating, but the front bumper is still in good condition, as are all the other chrome features, with just a little pitting on the bonnet mascot. The lightning flashes on the front wings have been replaced with n. o. s parts. A new radio aerial has been fitted. I haven't used the sliding roof, but it appears watertight and there is no rust evident.
Interior is very good with a nicely patinated set of blue leather seats, unmarked blue door cards and sun visors, with just a couple of minor stains on the otherwise tidy roof lining.
The car has a column change and is fitted with a period Ecko radio that works (eventually when the power pack has warmed up). Being a Deluxe it has a heater and effective vent controls and all windows and quarter lights are fully functional. Static seat belts have been fitted to the front seats and the car has obviously had new carpets fairly recently by a previous owner.
Mechanically the car starts and drives very well, the engine warms up nicely, and the gearchange is quite slick, with good synchromesh on the top three gears. The engine has had a conversion to an SU carburettor which improves cold starting and general responsiveness. We have also fitted a spin on oil filter conversion to simplify servicing. The car has also been fitted by a previous owner with electronic ignition and we fitted a new battery last year, plus a set of new tyres, the original set being rather old.
Oil pressure gauge shows 50 psi even after a 60 mile summer run and temperature gauge stays at a median level. New coolant/ antifreeze was installed in 2022.
Brakes are good, I drive mainly with the auto overdrive/ freewheel engaged, and this appears to work properly. It can be disengaged if so desired via a dashboard control. The original vacuum operated windscreen washers have been replaced with an electric pump.
Instruments work, apart from the fuel gauge which appears to be stuck on full. I suspect an electrical issue somewhere, since the sender appears in good order. There is an aftermarket oil pressure gauge fitted.
There is a little flaking underseal underneath, that probably the new owner would like to scrape off and reapply. We have soaked it in Bilt Hamber underbody wax since acquiring it, so no particular urgency for this.
The car comes with some spares, eg: a set of new brake shoes, and a few other items such as a spare rearlight lens, etc. Its tools are also present, apart from the original jack, a scissor type having been substituted at some point. There are also handbooks and an original BMC workshop manual. It is road tax and MOT free, having Historic Vehicle status.
Offers over the very reasonable asking price elsewhere in the ad are invited. I don't have to sell the car, so I will not be accepting any silly low offers. We have a fairly comprehensive history of where the car has been, through its original logbook and a sheaf of MOT test certificates. Its origins are in the North East where it was owned initially by a lady in Darlington and then a series of other owners in that region. In recent decades the MOT's and garage receipts suggest only a token mileage between tests and I am inclined to believe from the way that it drives and the generally low level of wear and tear on the interior, that the mileage of circa 65k is probably correct.
There are photographs of it online at various shows and an article in an old Practical Classics magazine about it, prior to its being treated to a two tone makeover.
This would be an ideal car for someone looking to get into Classic Motoring. It doesn't cost a fortune to either buy or run, parts are readily available and it is a good practical four door saloon, comfortable and an easy drive.
