1956, Austin A30 803cc, 2 door. Adorable and highly original

1956, Austin A30 803cc, 2 door. An adorable and highly original surviving example. Only one former owner.

Launched at the Earls Cout Motor show in 1951, the Austin A30 replaced the original Seven and was Longbridge’s competitor to the Cowley built, Morris Minor. The little A30 offered two innovative firsts, namely, the unitary construction body which was both lighter and stiffer than the Minor’s more traditional body structure and the 803cc A series engine, the engine family that would power BMC’s small cars for half a century.

5 years later, in 1956, the A35 replaced the A30, featuring the larger 948cc A- series engine, painted front grille and larger rear window. Saloon production ended in 1959 when the Mini arrived, reinventing the class. Interestingly, the van variant continued to be produced until 1968, competing with the Minor Van.

This endearing A30 was first sold on the 17th May, 1956 by Perivale Motors LTD, based in Greenford, Middlesex.

Supplied to its first owner, a senior employee of Hoover in Middlesex for the total sum of £578, the original invoice has been kept all these years with the vehicle. A Receipt confirming the final payment instalment also feature.

The documentation for the A30 is quite fascinating and includes a fuel ration booklet, dated circa 1957 during the Suez Crisis era. Additional documentation includes the original BMC sales catalogue, Austin Warranty certificate, signed and dated 18th May 1956, Austin A30 Seven running and maintenance Instruction booklet and the Smiths heater user manual. We understand that the now very rare, external sun-visor was fitted at some point in the cars early years and retains the Austin badge, being a lovely touch. Front and rear bumper over riders are also featured.

In 1985, following a move by the first owner to Bournemouth, the A30 was kept for another three years and a new home found with an A30/ 35 enthusiast residing in nearby Poole. Also, being a long-standing member of the Dorset A30/ 35 Club. The car is well known within the A30/ 35 Club scene, attending various group Rally events, extending to France with Townsend Thorsen ferry crossing documentation, quite something.

The second owner maintained and cherished the car, proudly informing us that no welding repairs had taken place, very rare on an A30, let alone a 70-year-old example.

The car presents exceptionally well, asides some minor wear commensurate with age. Overall, a truly honest survivor We have conducted a cursory service, including brake fluid replenishment, bleeding of the brakes, an oil and filter change, spark plug replacement, thermostat renewal and coolant change including antifreeze.

We have recently adopted a policy covering the original number plates with our own named plates, there have been a few cases where the unscrupulous have copied our pictures and falsely advertised. The original registration plate from first registration being 902 JMD remains with the car.

We hope the car will find another loving home where it will be further enjoyed and preserved by its new owner.