From what I’ve observed, the sweet spot for the importation of British economy cars was 1958/1959, just before the American auto companies introduced much larger compacts of their own. Perhaps that’s how this left-hand-drive Austin A35 ended up in Nevada City, California. Although I am personally on “Team Morris Minor” when it comes to BMC compacts, it’s impossible to not be wooed by this adorable Austin. Although it is patently unsuited to our high-speed thoroughfares, this A35 has some worthwhile upgrades for improved all-round performance. Being advertised on craigslist and sold on consignment at a collector car dealership, it could be yours for $10,900. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Dylan for sending it our way!
The little A35 was preceded by the very similar A30, which was introduced for 1951. The A35 received some driveline upgrades that made it more roadable, including a larger 948cc four producing 34 horsepower (up from…28). Combined with a taller 4.55:1 axle ratio (down from 4.875:1), top speed rose 10 miles per hour to 72. You can see why someone along the way made some modifications to our featured A35, including a Mini intake manifold and “bigger carburetor.” It also has tubular A-arms and disc brakes up front, in addition to some wider tires for better cornering. Sure, it’s not going to throw you back in your seat, but it’s probably a blast to drive. I’ve watched videos of hopped-up A35s racing at the Goodwood Revival, and it’s amazing how well they stick to corners.
The interior is tall but narrow, much like the exterior, and the dashboard reflects a traditional BMC value: symmetry. In order to sell cars with the steering wheel on either side, it simply makes sense to design it that way. With plenty of storage in the dash and a floor shift for the upgraded four-speed transmission, this looks like a fun but cozy place to spend some time. Most of the time this goes without saying, but this A35 has the optional heater for a little extra comfort during those chillier months.
The trunk even has room for a suitcase or two, and you can see how solid the car is based on the trunk floor and wheelwells alone. So how can you tell the difference between an A30 and an A35? The inside of the grille is painted on the A35 and the rear window is a bit larger. There are probably other minor tells; perhaps a reader can fill us in by leaving a comment.
By the time this Austin made its way to our western shore, it was getting a little long in the tooth, and was replaced by the Mini soon afterward (although truck and van models soldiered on for a while). Everyone knows a Mini by sight, but you’re bound to be fielding dozens of questions wherever you go if you buy this little Austin. If you’re an extrovert and an Anglophile, it’s hard to beat.
Better the 2 door with it’s longer doors. A mate’s inlaws had the 4door version. I’m 5’11 and struggled to get in to it.
The Datsun 1200 engine & five speed are a popular Morris Minor swap, I can’t see why it wouldn’t work here.
You could make quite a sleeper.
Thanks for not disappointing. There always has to be someone who wants to swap out the engine in any car on here that isn’t a muscle car….. and plenty of those, too.
What can a Datsun 1200 motor do that a BMC ‘ A’ series can’t?
Plenty of go-faster stuff and spares for the ‘ A’ series!
Or a 1275 with a Rivergate 5 Spd. I think I’d just enjoy it as is maybe with a slightly taller final drive in order to achieve highway speeds (for short periods-no long range cruiser this!).
You said it before I read your post! I did a 1275 with a Rivergate/Datsun 5 speed in my Bugeye and put a 3.7 rear from a later model Midget. Much higher cruising limit!
This car is very ‘Fiat 600ish!’ However I would rather have one of these due to a more simplified drivetrain. The Fiats had an integrated charging system built into the motor with a large armature which were difficult to repair over here as the parts were not plentiful. The Brit parts are easier to come by even though they are getting tougher to find in these days!
All the 600s I’ve owned– one 633cc plus three 767cc “D” models– or seen have a bona fide generator located between the crankcase and the water pump with two belts, crank to generator, generator to water pump/fan.
The 600 was technically Model 100 and the 850 was a rebodied 600 which carried the same model nomenclature but different bodywork in addition to many mechanical upgrades.
Great, bulletproof designs and a joy to drive. Flat out all day long and never popped a piston through the head!
I have one of these A35’s, a 1957 RHD, and they really are fun to drive because they involve you. When you are coming up on a hill, you need to get up a pretty good head of steam, though the 948cc does provide pretty good torque. Mine has the factory drums all around, non-assisted, so when that light turns yellow, a split-second decision is in order. Do I attempt to lay into those drum brakes and halt it before the intersection, or do I give it the gas and hope I get through? And the turn signal switch is a lever on top of the center dash, non-canceling, but does have a flashing light for a reminder. It really does take you back to the olden days of motoring when YOU drove the car, not the other way round.
Hope this one finds a good home, looks to be in great shape, and a fair price.
LouA, my sentiments exactly! I used to enjoy driving, now I just steer it around. Some drivers don’t even have to steer.
I hear you, Garry. Do they even have to learn how to parallel-park anymore? Now you just touch a screen, and the car does it for you!
This one looks like a nice car. very clean. I agree, a fair price but limited demand might make it a tough sell.
I once had a very original A35 and found it surprisingly nice to drive. Good handling and quite peppy for the time. As long as it’s only used for in-town and back roads driving it’s perfectly fine without modifications.
The main issue I had was with the weird rear brakes, it’s using a single hydraulic cylinder mounted roughly under the front seats and then mechanical brakes from there. I designed and made an own replacement brake cylinder but it was difficult to get the two rear wheels to brake evenly. Perhaps the linkages were getting a bit worn?
As for recognizing the A35, I would suggest looking for the turn signals. The A30 has only trafficators in the B pillars.
I had one of these as my first car when 17 and living in the UK I’m 71 now but it was a good car robust and easy to work on. I rebuilt the engine and took my test in it. As others have said it was not built for speed without doing a major upgrade to the engine and drive. But in the late 50s speed was not the same as now.
You easily picture Wallace and Grommit driving through town.
If W&G weren’t so very British, I’d say a 1956 Oldsmobile would suit them better, their mouths already resemble its grille.
was replaced by the Pinin Farina designed A40. They are also seen on the Goodwood racing videos
In the early 70’s, I worked for a dealership in New England that had sold virtually every marque that was manufactured in Europe, from the late 40’s on. At one point they emptied their parts department shelves of all the parts for obsolete cars and I acquired as much as I could. I had (primarily) engine parts for the A30/A35/A40/A50 & A90, also Rover, Triumph, some early Porsche, Mercedes and Renault and a lot of ALFA. Some years later, I sold everything except the ALFA stuff to a fellow in Vermont. Everything I had is gone now.
These are fun little cars but strictly bare bones that would make a Morris Minor seem fancy by comparison. In addition to the manual turn signals the Austin has an open bin for a glove compartment and no window cranks. The door windows have a tab affixed to the upper part of the window which you grip to move the window up and down.