Are you interested in the Austin A30/A35 models of the 1950s/60s?
If the answer is ‘yes’ you might enjoy this book too…
The Austin A30 (initially called the A30 ‘Seven’ to deliberately make connections with the highly succcessful pre-War Austin Sevens) was introduced in October 1951 and was the first all-new compact post-War Austin saloon, featuring a unitary construction body shell (the first Austin this constructed), independent front suspension and a new 803cc overhead valve engine. This was the forerunner to the long-running ‘A’ Series units used by Austin/Morris from 1956, and later by BL and Rover.
At the time it was a thoroughly modern design, and the A30, plus the 948cc A35 developed from it (and that arrived in 1956) provided many individuals and families with cost-effective, practical and reliable motoring. Indeed many are still used daily, seven decades down the line!
As well as two and four door saloon variants (built until 1959 when the Mini and the A40 Farina came along), commercial van versions continued until 1968 (with 1098cc or 848cc engines in later models). In addition, there were fully-trimmed ‘Countryman’ estate A30s and A35s, plus an A35 pick-up, built in very small numbers.
Any of these Austins can provide an enjoyable ownership experience, with a ‘fun’ factor out of all proportion to the compact size of the vehicles – although this is helpful for garaging/accommodating the cars. Once in sound condition they are easy to maintain, practical to operate and economical on fuel. Owners also find that these Austins attract genuine affection and interest wherever they are driven today.
The book:
Hardback, all-colour, 224 pages with 430 photographs. Please note that this is the original, and only edition; it’s not a new publication but is still available.
New, unused copies, each £23.95 plus £4.00 UK post and packing – BUT until Christmas 2020 available at a £5.00 per book discount (making £18.95 plus £4.00 UK post and packing) direct from the author via this website. For information on payment, and/or for postage costs to non-UK destinations, please e-mail info@wheels-alive.co.uk
Kim says:
“It took me six years to write this book and to publish it (in 2004); it was written from the heart and based on many years of first hand experience with these diminutive Austins.
I am delighted that it has widely been hailed as a ‘definitive’ work about the classic British Austin A30 and A35 cars and commercial versions, containing historical, technical and maintenance information, plus sections devoted to the sheer fun of owning these small but big-hearted, friendly Austins.
I know I am biased but reckon it makes an ideal present for someone else or to buy just for your own interest/enjoyment, whether you own an A30/A35, or have happy memories of the cars, or are just interested!
It has received a multitude of enthusiastic press reviews, and those who have already bought copies have spoken highly of it (feedback has been positive and heartening!).
Incidentally, I have received reports from many buyers that the book has encouraged them to dust off long-neglected project Austins, to get them back on the road…
The all-colour book was produced using very high quality ‘heavyweight’ materials.
It was also deliberately written, printed and published in England; indeed it was entirely ‘Made in England’, just like the cars to which it relates.
The contents include comprehensive information in separate chapters on:
- History, specifications and performance.
- Character, driving and practicality.
- Buying.
- Maintenance/looking after your vehicle.
- MoT Test.
- Rustproofing.
- Modifications.
- Enjoying/having fun with your Austin.
- Restoration stories to inspire.
There are also three ‘Appendix’ sections:
- Identify your car.
- Specialist suppliers.
- Contemporary rival models from other manufacturers.
I hope that buyers of this book will get as much enjoyment from it as I did writing it, and will help improve their ownership experience if they have an A30 or A35.”
