Austin A35 Van (1956-68)

Overview: The **Austin A35 Van**, produced between **1956 and 1968**, was a significant model for Austin because it became a **reliable workhorse** for small businesses and tradespeople across the UK. It was a direct successor to the Austin A30 and was designed to be **durable, versatile, and easy to maintain**—qualities that made it a popular choice for commercial use.

Key Significance:

- **Extended Production Life**: While the A35 saloon was replaced by the A40 Farina in 1959, the **van version continued production until 1968**, proving its lasting appeal.

- **Practicality & Payload**: It offered the **same payload capacity as the Morris Minor van** but was **easier to service** than a light commercial Mini.

- **Cultural Impact**: The A35 Van appeared in films like *Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit* and *The Deadly Bees*, cementing its place in British pop culture.

- **Performance & Engineering**: It was known for its **thrilling driving experience**, despite being a commercial vehicle, and was praised for its **workhorse capabilities**.

The A35 Van was a **sturdy, dependable vehicle** that helped Austin maintain a strong presence in the light commercial vehicle market. 

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COMMON FAULTS

Please Note: Common Faults in Regularly Used Vehicles vs. Low-Mileage Stored Vehicles that have been used consistently over many years, accumulating approximately 10,000–12,000 miles annually, are more prone to common faults due to regular wear and tear. These issues typically arise from the natural aging of components subjected to frequent use, such as engine parts, suspension systems, brakes, and tires. In contrast, vehicles with low mileage that have been stored or preserved are likely to experience different types of issues. These vehicles are often better maintained to ensure their longevity and may avoid some of the typical wear-and-tear problems seen in regularly driven cars. However, they can still face unique challenges such as degradation of rubber seals, corrosion from prolonged inactivity, or fuel system issues caused by old or stagnant fuel.

The Austin A35 Van, produced from 1956 to 1968, was a durable and versatile workhorse. However, like any classic vehicle, it had its share of common issues:

1. Corrosion: One of the most common problems with the A35, regardless of the variant (saloon, van, pick-up, or Countryman), was corrosion. These vehicles were susceptible to rust in various areas due to their age and exposure to the elements.

2. Brakes and Tyres: If you intended to use the A35 Van in modern traffic, the brakes and tyres needed upgrading. The original setup might not have been sufficient for today’s road conditions.

Despite these challenges, the A35 Van remained a reliable and enduring classic, showcasing its workhorse capabilities.

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Generations

The Austin A35 had two main versions:

1. The initial model, introduced in 1956, replaced the highly successful Austin A30. It featured a larger rear window aperture and a painted front grille with a chrome horse-shoe surround.

2. The second version, based on the A95 Westminster, came out in 1957. It continued production until 1968 and included variants like the two-door saloon, estate, and van.

Body Styles

The Austin A35 was available in several body styles:

1. Two-door saloon

2. Four-door saloon

3. Countryman estate

4. Van

5. Pickup (A35 only).

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Production Total: 280,897 

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Price New: The **Austin A35 Van**, introduced in **1956**, was an affordable and practical light commercial vehicle. At the time, its **new price in the UK** was approximately **£475 to £500**, depending on the specific model and optional extras.

This made it a competitive choice for **small businesses, tradespeople, and delivery services**, offering reliability and efficiency at a reasonable cost.

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Main Rivals (Price): In **1956**, the **Austin A35 Van** faced competition from several other small commercial vehicles in the UK. Here are some of its main rivals and their approximate new prices at the time:

- **Morris Minor Van** – Around **£450-£500**, offering similar practicality and reliability.

- **Ford Thames 300E** – Priced at approximately **£500-£550**, known for its durability and Ford’s strong dealer network.

- **Standard 8/10 Van** – Costing around **£400-£450**, providing a budget-friendly alternative.

- **Bedford CA Van** – A larger option, priced at **£600-£700**, aimed at businesses needing more cargo space.

The **Austin A35 Van** was competitively priced at **£475-£500**, making it an attractive choice for small businesses and tradespeople looking for an economical and dependable workhorse.

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Engine/s

The **Austin A35 van (1956-68)** was fitted with **two versions of the A-Series inline-four engine** during its production run:

- **948cc A-Series engine** (1956-62) – This was the same engine used in the A35 saloon, producing **34 bhp**.

- **1098cc A-Series engine** (1962-68) – Introduced later in production, this version provided **57 bhp**, offering improved performance.

Both engines were **overhead valve (OHV) designs**, known for their **reliability and efficiency**. The A35 van retained the **four-speed manual gearbox**, with synchromesh on the upper three ratios.

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Performance

The **Austin A35 van (1956-68)** offered modest performance, typical of small commercial vehicles of its era. Here are some key figures:

- **Top speed:** Around **71 mph (115 km/h)**

- **0-60 mph acceleration:** Approximately **30.1 seconds**

- **Fuel consumption:** About **41.5 mpg (Imperial)**

- **Engine options:** 

  - **948cc A-Series inline-four** (early models) producing **35 bhp**

  - **1098cc A-Series inline-four** (later models) producing **57 bhp**

The A35 van was **not built for speed**, but its **lightweight construction and reliable engine** made it a practical choice for small businesses and deliveries. It was known for its **durability and ease of maintenance**, which contributed to its long production run.

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Recorded in UK 2025

As of **2025**, there are approximately **1,284 Austin A35 vehicles** still on the road in the UK, with an additional **746 registered as SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification)**. This means a total of **2,030 Austin A35s** are recorded in the UK.

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Target Age Group: The **Austin A35 Van**, introduced in **1956**, was primarily aimed at **small business owners, tradespeople, and delivery drivers** who needed a **compact, reliable, and economical** commercial vehicle. It was designed as a **workhorse** for those in industries such as **retail, farming, and local deliveries**, offering practicality and affordability.

While there wasn’t a strict age group defined for its target market, it was generally purchased by **working professionals in their 20s to 50s**, particularly those looking for a **cost-effective and durable** van for their business needs.

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Spares

If you’re looking for Austin A35 spare parts in the UK and Ireland, here are a couple of options:

1. Claytons Austin A30 and A35 Parts: They offer a wide range of spares stocked with fast dispatch for your Austin A30 and A35. You can find various parts for these classic cars on their website.

2. MEV Spares: While they specialize in clutch, brakes, hydraulics, engine, gearbox, driveline, exhaust, ignition, electrics, lights, switches, petrol, fuel, carbs, rubber parts, windscreen, body seals, and suspension, they also supply parts for Austin A30 and A35 models.

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Specialists

**NORTHERN IRELAND AUSTIN SPECIALIST LIST**

Austin specialist mechanics in County Antrim, Northern Ireland:

1. McMillan Specialist Cars: They offer a wide range of services including maintenance, repairs, and full restorations. They are located at Unit 10, Plasketts Close, Kilbegs Road, Antrim BT41 4NN. You can contact them at 028 9335 49111.

2. Nufinish: With over 18 years of experience, they handle smart cosmetic and light damage repairs. They are located at Unit 24, Antrim Business Park, Randalstown Road, Antrim BT41 4LH. Their contact number is 028 9446 60142.

3. D S Autos: This garage specialises in all makes and models of car repairs, including servicing, diagnostics, and more. They are based at 67 Church St, Antrim BT41 4BE. You can reach them at 028 9446 66623.

Austin Specialists in County Armagh Northern Ireland

Here are a few options for Austin specialist mechanics in County Armagh, Northern Ireland:

1. McMullan Auto Services: They offer a range of services including car servicing, maintenance, diagnostics, and repairs. They are located at 85A Fergort Rd, Armagh BT60 3DN. You can contact them at 028 3753 17661.

2. Elite Motor Performance: This garage provides various auto repair services and is based in Armagh2.

3. Pittstop: Another option in Armagh, offering comprehensive garage services2.

If you need more details or have specific requirements, feel free to let me know!

Austin Specialist in County Down Northern Ireland

John Chatham Cars

• Location: Wellinghouse Farm, Moorhouse Lane, Hallen, Bristol BS10 7RT

• Services: Specializes in restoring, treating, and maintaining Austin Healeys and other classic British sports cars from the '50s, '60s, and '70s. They offer classic car restoration, servicing, and race preparation.

• Contact: You can reach them at 0117 950 1836. More information is available on their website.

Merlin Classic Cars

• Location: The Ropery, Unit 1C Redmoor Lane, Stockport SK22 3JL

• Services: Renowned for their restoration, maintenance, race preparation, and sales of all Austin Healey marques. They have over 30 years of experience in restoring classic and vintage vehicles.

• Contact: You can contact them at 01663 746499. More details can be found on their website.

Austin mechanic specialist in County Fermanagh Northern Ireland

1. Lochside Garages: While they are primarily Vauxhall dealers, they offer comprehensive servicing and repairs for various car brands. They are located at 22 Tempo Road, Enniskillen BT74 6HR. You can contact them at 028 6632 4366.

2. Enniskillen Motor Services: They provide a range of vehicle services, including diagnostics, repairs, and maintenance. They are based in Enniskillen.

3. Austin mechanic specialist in County Londonderry Northern Ireland

Austin specialist mechanics in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland:

1. Lloyd Cooke Motors Ltd: They provide expert vehicle maintenance and car bodywork repairs. Located at 53 Lismacarol Road, Londonderry BT47 3LZ. You can contact them at 028 7130 2100.

2. S M C Motors: Offering a range of garage services throughout County Londonderry.

3. Satnams Garage: Another reliable option for various auto repair services in Londonderry.

Austin specialist mechanics in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland:

1. KG Truck & Plant: Based in Dungannon, they offer mobile mechanics for plant machinery and hydraulic repairs. They provide 24/7 on-site services and have over 20 years of experience. You can contact them at 07771 904 505.

2. NR Trucks Ltd: Located at 70 Armagh Road, Dungannon, they offer a range of services for commercial vehicles. You can reach them at 028 8778 9775.

3. Tyrone Diesel Systems: Specialising in the testing and repair of diesel fuel systems, they are the only fully authorised Bosch Diesel Centre in Northern Ireland. They are based in Omagh

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