Austin A30 - 1956
I bought my !956 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 cyclinders and seals through the club and had most bits rechromed . I sprayed the car powder blue. 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 their A30s that they had owned. It seems to bring back good memories for them. 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 would like to own one as it is so different and gives them a sense of identity.
Some fact re: A30/35. Thought about in the 1940s - Appeared in the 1951 Earls Court Motor Show. - cost £504 -Also available were the van, estate, pick up and only one convertible made (I think). Pick ups are very rare. In 1959 the arrival of the new mini saw the end of the A30s. 222,823 A30s were built and 34% exported. About the same number of A35. Now about 5000 are registered with the DVLA. 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 1953-56: 160,000
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