Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[Rick]

Think its time that some under-rated but worthy old cars get a mention. The world is awash with MGBs, TRs, Spitfires and so on (not that they're bad or anything, just popular and receiving lots of coverage), so lets plug some cars that we think are overlooked by most classic car fans. Other candidates might include the Renault 4, Austin 1100, 60s Japanese cars, Volvo 140s, Hillman Minx 'arrow' type, to name just a few.

I'll nominate the A40 Farina, which first came out in 1958. Based on A35 running gear, but clothed in more modern Pininfarina bodywork, it was quite a departure for the previously-predictable BMC company.

It is much rarer than the A30 and A35, and offers lots more interior space, underbonnet access, yet still benefits from brilliant mechanical parts supply. Interior trim and body parts are harder to find, but not impossible by any means. Nick, from the A40 club, sent me this pic a little while back of his pair of A40s:



I still own a Mk1, although it now needs lots of tlc to put it back on the road. A40s are fast disappearing from our roads, with ebay often advertising ropey examples only just hanging on to existence. It won't be long before A40s, especially in good order with their original registration number in place, become a seriously rare sight. Mk1s are there already, and Mk2s won't be far behind.

Perhaps the most useful variant is the Countryman, with its split rear hatch arrangement, offering good access into the roomy rear load area, with the back seat folded down.

Lets see more Mk1/Mk2 A40s, thats what I say!!

and if anyone can find me a new driver side wing (steel) for a Mk1, I'd be quite happy about it

anyone else like A40 Farinas??

If you'd like to nominate a forgotten classic, by all means start a thread on it!

Rick
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[Rick]

And in case you've forgotten what an A40 Farina looks like here's a magazine cover from 1963, featuring the 1098cc Mk2 variant..



Rick
_________________
Rick - Admin
Home:https://www.oldclassiccar.co.uk
Videos:https://www.youtube.com/user/oldclassiccarRJ/videos
OCC & classic car merchandise (Austin, Ford ++):
https://www.redbubble.com/people/OldClassicCar/shop

[dpr]

One of these was my first car.

Bought it for £70 sold it for £90.
So also the only car I.ve made a profit on.

[moggiedriver]

The A40 Farina is a wonderful car.
It was the first car I remember my late father owning.
The registration was 847 SPA and it was a 1960 mk1 saloon in Tartan Red with a black roof.