Some cars can accumulate significant mileage without turning a wheel. This 1954 Austin A30 is one such vehicle. It started life plying the roads of New Zealand before departing the Land of the Long White Cloud to find its way to its current location in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It is ready for another journey and adventure as it heads to a new home. The seller listed the Austin here on Craigslist for $5,500 OBO. They may even entertain trades on this gem.

It is unclear when or why this Austin made its way onto US soil, but the accumulated dust suggests it has lain idle for a while. Hiding below the dust is a coat of Ocean Blue paint. The photo quality makes it impossible to be sure, but this might be original. The panels show no apparent bumps or bruises and no noticeable rust. If an in-person inspection confirms this, the new owner may find a restoration unnecessary. Treating this classic to a wash and polish would be interesting because it might spring a surprise as a tidy survivor. If so, returning it to a presentable state may only require a few days of toil in a home workshop. The same appears true of the trim and glass, with no significant flaws or problems.

It is unfortunate the seller supplies no engine photos because a single shot might answer a few questions. This Austin rolled off the line powered the 803cc version of the company’s A-Series OHV four-cylinder engine. It sent 28hp to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. British cars from this era were renowned for featuring low curb weights, and the A30 was no exception. Its little four shifted 1,554 lbs, allowing the Austin to cover the ¼-mile in 24.2 seconds. If the stretch of road was long enough and the driver kept the pedal to the metal, a top speed of 70mph was there for the taking. However, that adventure took 45 seconds from standstill under ideal conditions, with the A30 much happier cruising at 45-50mph. It could be largely academic because the original motor is a distant memory. The seller states the engine bay now houses a 1,098cc four, but its origin is unknown. These engines saw service in many Austin and Morris models, including the Austin A40 Farina, the MG Midget, and the Morris Minor. Depending on the source, the driver may have twice the engine power of the original under their right foot. The seller says the engine runs, but it may not be roadworthy if this beauty has sat for a while. The simplicity of these cars means that returning it to active service may not be complicated or expensive if that proves the case.

The seller supplies a single interior shot which tells us little beyond the fact the seats once received new covers. The fit isn’t great, and there are visible seam separations. However, several British companies supply replacements and will ship internationally, making sourcing a complete set for around $700 plus freight a viable option. There is little to learn beyond that, although it is worth considering that some potential buyers may find the prospect of slipping behind the wheel of a right-hand-drive vehicle daunting. They shouldn’t because, speaking from experience, adapting to this is surprisingly easy. It feels odd at first, but it soon becomes second nature.

There is something undeniably cool about British classics like this 1954 Austin A30. They don’t try to be something they aren’t. Companies built these cars as basic family transport, foregoing luxury for practicality and affordability. This one shows promise as a restoration project, and its lack of apparent rust should make the process straightforward. However, a wash and polish may reveal that it presents acceptably as a survivor, which might be a more appropriate option. Whatever path the new owner chooses, there’s little chance they will park beside an identical example at a Cars & Coffee. Is that thought enough to tempt you to pursue it further?