The Austin A30.
A slice of familiar British motoring history features on this page, in the cuddly form of BMC's Austin A30. Look closely at the first photograph, and it becomes clear that this is quite a rare version of the Austin A30, and unlike the majority of A30s that have somehow survived to the present day. The car shown below is an AS3, the model code for the very earliest A30s, and were the first car to be powered by the A-Series engine, then sporting 803 cubic centimetres. They differ from later cars in a number of ways - most obvious being the fuel filler cap mounted in the rear wing area (later A30s have their filler cap in the rear panel), and just visible, a different style of hubcap when compared to the later A30, and replacement A35.
|
|
Not visible in this photo, but the front chrome grille is slightly smaller on the AS3, with a separate winged badge mounted above the grille, just below the bonnet opening. Inside, the trim is different from later versions, and one's progress is monitored via a circular speedometer, rather than the squarer unit fitted later on. The car shown below is not 100% standard, as someone has fitted flashing direction indicators - the A30 came with just the pop-up semaphore variety as standard. Chrome wing mirrors, mounted just behind the Lucas sidelights, have also been fitted. More information on the A30 can be seen on this A30 website.
|
|
A later example of an A30.
Next, a front-end shot of a light coloured Austin A30 (AS4), loaded with passengers and parked at the side of a road. Note the lack of flashing indicators - A30s were equipped with the "pop up" Lucas trafficators, or semaphore indicators, from start to finish. Only the updated A35 would feature flashing indicators as factory fitment. This example has extra wing mirrors fitted, plus an AA badge and early style of RAC badge too. Note the sit-up-and-beg Ford Popular in the background, and a couple of cyclists wobbling down the centre of the road.
|
|
A rolled A30.
The next Austin A30 photo shows a black two door saloon, looking a little worse for wear having rolled over and landed in a field. Bits of Austin are scattered around the scenery (note the battery sat in the grass to the left), and the door has also parted company with the rest of the car. A30s and A35s were quite prone to rolling over due to their narrow track, this being a classic example of the trait!
|
|
|
If you're an A30/A35 fan, this free PC screensaver might be of interest, the Austin A30 parts page could also be handy if you're restoring one of these little 1950s Austins.
|
|
Return to the old transport photos - Page 5.
|
