1954' Austin A30

Austin launched the A30 model at the 1951 Motor Show and it was direct competition for the Morris Minor. It was Austin’s first unitary construction body (Pressed steel structure - no separate body and chassis) and was, at the time very modern and particularly light, able to achieve economy of 42mpg, and a top speed of 67mph with a very high 4th gear. It was the first use of the state of the art ‘A Series engine’, which went on to power Minis, MG Midgets and Sprites, 1100s and Maestros well into the 1990s. In the first instance though the 803cc A30 produced 28bhp. It had modern independent front suspension and hydraulic front brakes. The first A30s were all four-door, but three doors like this one arrived in 1953. Designed to run on poor post war rationed fuel, the A30 was a great success, designed to compete with the Morris Minor, which it undercut by £62.
223, 264 units were sold before the uprated A35 took over with a more powerful 34hp engine making use of better fuel quality in 1956 and giving better performance. Outwardly it was possible to tell the newer A35 by the larger rear window, a painted grille with chrome surround and direction indicator lights replacing the semaphores in the B Post. Apart from the rear window nearly every difference was interchangeable. Our Austin A30, first registered on the 2nd September 1954 is a beautifully presented, restored example that boasts the later, more powerful A35 engine offering increased performance.
From the detailed history file spanning over 30 years, we can see the Austin was in fairly regular use in Glasgow from 1993 to 2004. Over the eleven year period the Austin covered 3000 miles. The Austin then spent from 2005 to 2008 off the road, and in late 2008 the Austin left Glasgow for Leeds. The Austin was then fully re-commissioned in a Leeds garage and in 2011 sold to the last owner in Lancashire. Its last owner of thirteen years continued to improve the Austin, spending over £3000 on various new parts, carpets and trim work. Between 2011 and 2024 the Austin has covered in the region of 2000 miles attending shows and local events. It has been regularly serviced with a detailed maintenance record. The Austin has had a new radiator, thermostat, new water pump and regular service items. CFL 937 arrives in lovely condition, the bodywork and paintwork are very sharp, the interior trim beautifully presented and on the road the A30 handles and performs superbly. This is a very well presented, attractive and nicely detailed example ideal for shows, events and regular use.