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Austin A30 1956

I bought my 1956 4 door A30 in I985. It lay in a barn for 9 years;  the body was in sound condition although I expected many of the components to be seized including the engine. I had a spare engine and acquired wheel cylinders and seals through the club and had most parts re-chromed. I sprayed the car powder blue, and the interior is original. Mainly used in the Spring and Autumn months when the weather allows, the older generation love to see the car and talk about the A30/35s they had owned. It seems to bring back good memories for them, and I enjoy driving it and watching the response from passers by as they smile and point. Even the youngsters like the car and if they could, they would like to own one as it is so different and gives them a sense of identity.

Some A30/35 facts: Originally considered in the 1940s, they first appeared at the 1951 Earls Court Motor Show at a cost of £504.

 

Also available were the van, estate, pick-up and only one convertible made (I believe); the pick-ups being very rare. Around 34% were exported. 1959 saw the arrival of the Mini and the end of the A30s. 

There is a local club and we meet on the 1st Mon. of each month at 7-30 at the Old Oak, Arlington. Mike Rosner.

Engine

4 Cylinders in line

Bore: 58mm, Stroke: 76mm

Displacement: 803cc

Valvegear: o.h.v push rods & rockers

Compression ratio: 9:1

Carburettors: Zenith 26VME or 26JS or a single SU Type HS2

Power output: 30bhp at

4,800 rpm

 

Transmission

Clutch: Borg and Beck 61/4in

single dry plate

Gearbox: 4 speed with direct drive

in top, synchromesh on 3 upper ratios

Propellar Shaft: tubular, needle roller bearing universal joints

Performance

Maximum speed: 63 mph

Acceleration: 0-50 mph 23.2secs

 

Wheels

Pressed steel disc, 5.20 x 13in crossply

 

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 6ft 7in

Track - front: 3ft 9in

Track - rear: 3ft 9in

Overall length: 11ft 6in

Overall width: 4ft 6in

Overall height: 4ft 8in

Ground clearance: 61/2in

Turning circle: 32ft

Kerb weight: 15cwt

Tank capacity: 6 gallons

Overall fuel consumption: 35mpg

Construction

Unitary, all steel body

 

Steering

Worm & peg

2.3 turns lock to lock

 

Brakes

Lockheed hydraulic,

7in drums all round

 

Suspension

Front: Independent, coil springs with wishbones, and lever arm hydaulic shock absorbers

Rear: Live axle with semi-elliptic, leaf springs and lever arm shock absorbers

 

Production

A30 Saloon 1952-56: 223,264

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