1957 Austin A35 Countryman

Description

• UNSOLD  at auction December 2022
• Five year restoration
• Beautifully restored
• Spotless interior
• Impeccable mechanicals
• A genuine AP5 model A35

This is a show stopping, head turning classic, fully restored to a high standard and ready to go.

A long time before the Mini was a twinkle in Issigonis’s mind, Austin had produced a small family car that captured the hearts of the British motoring public. The A30.

That love quickly transferred to the later and updated A35. The affection moved into top gear when Austin produced probably the first people carrier; the Austin A35 Countryman.

The Countryman was built in small numbers compared to its siblings. It is reported that only 20 A35 Countryman models remain worldwide!

Mechanicals

The engine has been checked, externally refreshed and refitted. A new clutch was installed before being mated to the gearbox.

A new updated wiring loom was fitted. This allowed for additions such as an alternator. A Smiths heater box was fitted, with the correct valve, cables and ducting. A new water pump was added and of course drive belt. This A35 Countryman retains the original Zenith carb.

The petrol tank, radiator and other ancillaries were removed, checked, cleaned and painted before being re-installed.

The exhaust system and mountings have been replaced with new-old-stock (NOS) parts.

The brakes have been uprated with what is a correct period modification by installing the later and more powerful A40 type. The hydraulic system uses silicone brake fluid.

The headlamps are pre-focus bulb type units and chrome side-lights. Flashing indicators are fitted and work in tandem with the original trafficators.

Outside.

The exterior pretty much speaks for itself. Our vendor Andrew has shared a few headlines, but if there is anything we haven’t been able to cover in a short article, please do let us know and we’ll find the answer.

• Registered December 1957
• Five year restoration period
• Fully stripped to a rolling shell
• A number of new body panels were fitted
• Including both rear side/quarter panels
• Front wings/doors removed and repaired as part of the resto
• Exterior brightwork has been replaced with NOS
• Windscreen, rear door and window rubbers are NOS

The exterior sun visor, we understand, is uber rare being distinguished by having three alloy strips.

The sliding windows, which are unique only to the A35 Countryman, are fully operational and what a treat they are. The quarter lights on both front windows, are all in working order, providing “traditional” air conditioning.

Inside

The story continues

• Great condition throughout
• Original instruments
• Fantastic upholstery

Climb in and you are met with an interior in exceptional condition.

The interior door cards are covered in good quality black vinyl mounted on 3mm hardboard. The carpet is new, along with the gear lever gaiter. The front windows operate has they should without fuss.

The driver’s seat tilts and slide. The passenger seat tilts as it should but is fixed. If the new owner wanted to move it, we’re told it is a two minute job.

The rear seat base can come out very easily to allow the back-rest to fold flat and allow a lovely load space. The rear area is carpeted. Below the load space the spare wheel is housed.

As you’ll see for yourself from our Image Gallery, the whole interior is a sheer delight.

Bottom line

It is hard not to get carried away with this Austin A35 Countryman. But like us, we suspect you will be. What’s not to love? It’s fully restored, extraordinarily rare and of course, utterly charming.

What a rare opportunity this is to own a genuinely very rare, absolutely spot-on piece of motoring history.

We are delighted to have the pleasure of marketing such a one-off, special classic.  We’re confident the winning bidder will be delighted to be the new proud owner too.