Austin A30 and A35 1951-1968
PRODUCTION HISTORY
October 1951: New Austin Seven launched at Earl’s Court Motor Show.
May 1952: Production of the four-door 803cc A30 commences.
1952: From chassis number 1019 axle ratio raised
October 1953: The two-door appears. Effective boot space on all cars is increased by repositioning the spare wheel, moving the filler pipe for the fuel tank from the right hand rear wing to the back panel and replacing internal cantilevers with external hinges. Seats. Door panels and dash updated. A full width parcel shelf fitted.
1954: Final drive ratio raised to 4,875:1 from chassis number 43898 (4dr) to 43849 (2dr).
August 1954: Van launched.
September1954: A30 Countryman launched. May 1955: Tubeless tyres become standard.
June 1955: Hide seats available as an option (standard seats were leathercloth).
September 1955: Zenith 26JS carburettor replaced by 26VME type (with separate float chamber) to improve hot starting, from chassis number 139139.
January 1956: Cylinder head modified and shorter exhaust valve guides fitted to prolong life of valves when using leaded fuel.
September 1956: A new 948cc engine was fitted, with a compression ratio of 8.3:1. The A30 now sold as the A35. New gearbox fitted with a remote control, short lever gear change, more evenly spaced ratios and smoother change. The rear window is enlarged, trafficators are replaced by flashing light indicators. Rain channels altered to run down the front of the front door pillars rather than across the top of the windscreen. The A30’s chrome grille is replaced by a painted panel with a thick chrome surround. De Luxe versions have over-riders, opening side rear windows (2dr) and twin ashtrays. Optional extras include a passenger’s sun visor, a radio and a heater-demister unit.
A35 Pick-up introduced.
November 1957: Pick-up production ceases.
August1959: Saloon production ceases.
February and March 1962: MkII A35 Van and Countryman introduced, still using 948cc engine.
September 1962: Countryman production ceases. MkIII Van introduced with 6cwt payload and 1098cc version of the A-series engine. It offered 45bhp, a stronger gearbox and SU HS2 carburettors. The compression ratio was 7.5:1, and the final drive ratio 4.22:1.
September 1964: 848cc version of the van offered using the Mini engine, mounted conventionally and allied to the 1098cc van gearbox.
May 1966: Production of the 1098cc van ceases.
February 1968: 848cc van production ends.
In all, 223,263 A30s were produced and 354,607 A35s. That is a grand total of 577,870 units and includes about 35,000 CKD (Completely Knocked Down) units, i.e. cars exported as kits to be assembled abroad.
In 2015 (?) a new classic motor racing series was introduced for these dinky saloons. The cars are restored and fitted with some standardised modern components. It is a great example of close racing, as the driver can make all the difference.