Austin A30 (1951-1956)

The charming Austin A30—a classic piece of automotive history! Let's delve into the quirks and foibles of this delightful little car.

1. **Engine Troubles**:
- **Seized Engines**: Your friend's A30 with a potentially seized engine is a common issue. Fear not! While it might feel like a Herculean task, there are options. Now, you mentioned having some 998 Mini engines lounging around in your garage. The good news is that fitting a Mini engine into the A30 gearbox is theoretically possible. However, there are a few hurdles to leap over:
- **Differences in Components**: The rear main bearing cap, oil pickup, and the tail of the inline crankshaft are different between the A30 and the Mini. Some machining would be needed to adapt the Mini crankshaft to fit.
- **Cost and Complexity**: Converting from an inline block to a transverse setup can be a major and expensive engineering endeavor. It might be more cost-effective to explore other options.
- **Alternative Engines**: If you're feeling adventurous, consider these alternatives:
- **Morris Minor 1000, A40, or A35 Engine**: These can be a relatively straightforward swap.
- **1275 Midget Engine**: A bit more power, and it should fit without too much fuss.
- **Datsun/Nissan 1200/120y Engine**: Surprisingly, these almost bolt straight in. Some folks have successfully done this swap.

2. **Other Common Issues**:
- **Blue Exhaust Smoke**: If your A30 puffs out blue smoke on startup and overrun, it's likely due to worn piston rings and bores.
- **Uneven Idle**: Carburetor issues or burnt valves can cause an uneven idle.
- **Electrical Gremlins**: Keep an eye out for corroded earth connections, hardened wiring looms, or DIY accessory installations. Those classic bullet connectors are a dead giveaway!
- **Wiring Simplicity**: Thankfully, the A30's wiring system is straightforward—no rocket science there.

3. **Historical Tidbit**:
- The Austin A30 was a quiet technical revolution when it hit the scene in 1951. Austin proudly claimed it as their first "chassisless" car. Lighter and more compact than its contemporaries, it sported a steering box and part-hydraulic, part-rod brakes. Initially, it came with an 803cc A-Series engine and four doors. A true "car of the people" in its day.
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Generations
Ah, the delightful Austin A30—a true gem from the annals of automotive history! Let's take a little journey through its generations:

1. **First Generation (1951–1956)**:
- The Austin A30 made its debut in 1951, strutting its stuff at the Earls Court Motor Show as the "New Austin Seven." It was Austin's answer to the Morris Minor, and it came with a price tag of £507 (which, in today's money, would be around £15,793.36). Talk about undercutting the competition by £62!
- This little charmer featured fully stressed monocoque chassis-less construction—a fancy way of saying it was lighter and stiffer than most cars of its time. Inside, you'd find individual seats up front and a bench at the rear, all covered in PVC (with the option of leather facings if you were feeling fancy).
- The original AS3 version had just one windscreen wiper (because who needs two, right?), a central combined stop/tail/numberplate lamp, and a sun visor for the driver only. Passenger-side wipers and sun visors were optional extras. Oh, and the fuel filler neck? It was mounted on the side. Economy was the name of the game!
- Initially, the A30 was available only as a 4-door saloon, but in late 1953, they added a 2-door variant. Then, in 1954, they went all out and introduced a van and a van-based "Countryman" estate. These later A30s had trapezoidal speedometers and dual brake/side lights. Quite the upgrade, I'd say!
- Fun fact: There was even a prototype Sports Tourer, but alas, it never made it into production. You can catch a glimpse of that rare bird at the British Motor Museum in Gaydon, UK.
- By the time the A30 gracefully bowed out in 1956, a total of 223,264 of these little darlings had been built¹.

2. **Successor (1956)**:
- The A30 passed the torch to its successor—the Austin A35. The A35 had a bit more oomph under the hood, thanks to its 948cc engine. Visually, it sported a painted grille and a significantly larger rear window. Those trafficators (old-school indicators that swung out from the B pillar) were still a thing, though!
- The A35, along with its larger-engined sibling, found its groove in 1950s saloon car racing. Even today, some of these classics make appearances in historic events, proving that they've still got it!

So, there you have it—the Austin A30's journey through time. From its monocoque construction to its quirky features, it left an indelible mark on motoring enthusiasts. If you ever spot one on the road, give it a friendly wave—it's a piece of automotive nostalgia!
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Body Styles
Let's explore the delightful body styles that adorned the Austin A30—a car that wore its vintage charm with pride:

1. **4-Door Saloon**:
- The original Austin A30 made its debut as a 4-door saloon. Picture it: a compact, unassuming silhouette with room for the whole family. It was the kind of car that knew how to blend in at the village fête while secretly harboring dreams of open roads.

2. **2-Door Saloon**:
- In late 1953, the A30 decided it needed a bit more flair. So, it slipped into a sleeker outfit—a 2-door saloon. Suddenly, it was the cool kid on the block, winking at passersby as it zipped around town.

3. **2-Door Estate (Countryman)**:
- But wait, there's more! In 1954, the A30 donned its practical hat and introduced a 2-door estate version—the "Countryman." Imagine it: wood-panel accents, a bit of countryside charm, and just enough space for a picnic basket. Perfect for weekend getaways!

4. **2-Door Van**:
- Need to haul some cargo? Fear not! The A30 also came in a 2-door van variant. It wasn't the biggest load-lugger out there, but it had character. Businessmen favored it—lighter, stiffer, and ready for deliveries. Plus, it could probably fit a few crates of tea or a stack of cricket bats.

5. **Sports Tourer (Prototype)**:
- Now, here's a rare bird: the Sports Tourer prototype. It spread its wings briefly but never made it into full production. You can catch a glimpse of this elusive creature at the British Motor Museum in Gaydon, UK. Perhaps it's still dreaming of winding country lanes.

6. **Trafficators and Quirks**:
- Oh, and let's not forget the charming quirks: trafficators instead of modern indicators (they swung out from the B pillar like polite semaphore signals), a smaller rear window than its successor (the A35), and a knob-mounted wiper control on the dashboard. It's like the A30 whispered, "I'm classic, darling."

So, whether you're sipping tea in the 4-door saloon, loading up the Countryman for an adventure, or pretending to be a delivery driver in the van, the Austin A30 had a body style for every occasion.
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Trim Levels
Ah, the delightful Austin A30—truly a classic with character! Let's dive into the trim levels and upholstery options that adorned this charming little car:

1. **Original Trim Levels**:
- When the Austin A30 first graced the automotive stage in the early 1950s, it arrived with a handful of trim options. These were the days when cars had personalities, and their interiors reflected that.
- Here's a glimpse of the original trim levels:
- **Black/Green, Red, or Beige Trim**: Imagine cozy vinyl seats in shades of black, green, red, or beige. Each color brought its own flair to the cabin—a touch of sophistication, a dash of vibrancy, or perhaps a hint of understated elegance.
- **Tweed Grey/Red Trim**: A bit of texture and contrast—grey tweed paired with bold red accents. It's like sipping tea in a cozy English cottage while discussing cricket scores.
- **Chelsea Grey/Red or Green Trim**: Chelsea Grey—a color that whispers of rainy London streets. Add some red or green upholstery, and suddenly, you're navigating those streets in style.
- **Tintern Green/Green or Beige Trim**: Tintern Green—a shade inspired by lush countryside vistas. Pair it with green or beige, and you've got a cabin that feels like a tranquil escape.
- **Spruce Green/Green or Beige Trim**: Spruce Green—the color of ancient forests. Match it with green or beige, and suddenly your A30 becomes a woodland chariot.
- **Conway Blue/Blue or Beige Trim**: Conway Blue—a nod to coastal adventures. Blue or beige seats complete the picture—a seaside drive with the wind in your hair.

2. **Interior Reminiscences**:
- Now, let's step inside. The original Rexine leathercloth (fancy term, right?) graced the seats. But over time, vinyl took over. Leather? Well, that was a rare luxury, almost as elusive as finding a unicorn at a tea party.
- Picture yourself adjusting the sun visors (because even sun needs politeness), gripping the steering wheel, and feeling the road through the leaf-sprung suspension. The A30's interior was simple yet purposeful—a place where motoring dreams met reality.

3. **Trim Restoration**:
- If you're lucky enough to own an A30 today, trim restoration might be on your mind. Fear not! Specialists like Clayton’s A30 & A35 Spares offer vinyl seat cover kits, headlining, carpet sets, draught excluders, weather strips, and sun visors. They're like wizards who weave automotive magic.
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Engines
The heartbeat of the Austin A30—the engine! Let's pop the bonnet, and explore the powerplants that made this little charmer tick.

1. **The A-Series Engine**:
- The Austin A30 proudly strutted onto the scene in 1951, and at its core was the A-Series engine. This trusty powerplant wasn't just any run-of-the-mill motor; it was a small straight-4 marvel that left its mark on automotive history.
- **Specs**: The A-Series engine had an 803 cc (0.8 litre) capacity—a pocket-sized powerhouse. It featured overhead valves (OHV), a 4-cylinder layout, and 2 valves per cylinder. Not too shabby for its time!
- **Fuel Economy**: Now, here's the impressive part: On average, the A30 sipped fuel at a rate of 42 miles per gallon (that's under 7 litres per 100 km). Efficient little thing, wasn't it?
- **Top Speed**: When you really put your foot down, the A30 could hit a top speed of 70 mph (110 km/h). Not exactly a land-speed record breaker, but hey, it had character!

2. **Monocoque Magic**:
- But wait, there's more! The A30 wasn't just about the engine; it flaunted a fully stressed monocoque chassis-less construction. Translation: It was lighter and stiffer than most of its contemporaries. Imagine the A30 flexing its metaphorical muscles at other cars during parking lot parties.
- **Inside the Cabin**: Step inside, and you'd find individual seats up front (because sharing is overrated) and a bench at the rear. The seats were covered in PVC, with an option for leather facings—if you fancied a touch of posh.
- **Economy Moves**: The original AS3 version had a single windscreen wiper (because who needs symmetry?), a central combined stop/tail/numberplate lamp, and a sun visor for the driver only. Passenger-side wipers and sun visors? Optional extras, my friend. And that side-mounted fuel filler neck? Oh-so-economical!

3. **Generations of Charm**:
- The A30 came in both 4-door and 2-door variants. Later, they even rolled out a van and a van-based "Countryman" estate. Imagine the A30 van delivering parcels with a dignified nod to passersby.
- Fun fact: There was a prototype Sports Tourer, but alas, it never made it into production. You can spot that rare bird at the British Motor Museum in Gaydon, UK.

So, next time you see an A30 chugging along, give it a nod—it's carrying decades of motoring memories.
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Spares

1. **Claytons Austin A30 and A35 Parts**:
- If nostalgia had a physical address, it might just be Clayton's A30 & A35 Spares. Located in the South of England (specifically East Sussex), they're like the custodians of A30 and A35 magic. The name "Clayton's" pays homage to Peter Clayton, who once chauffeured lucky kids to school in his Westminster Green A30 van. Now, they're all about supplying parts for these classic Austins. Fast dispatch, personal service, and memories galore—what more could you ask for?
- You can explore their offerings on their website: [Claytons Austin A30 and A35 parts](https://www.austina30a35parts.co.uk/).

2. **ANG Classic Car Parts**:
- ANG Classic Car Parts takes pride in providing high-quality new and used parts for classic cars. Lucky for you, they've got a soft spot for A30s, A35s, and even A40s. So, if you're on the hunt for that elusive widget or a dash of vintage charm, give them a visit.
- Check out their A30 and A35 section here: [AUSTIN A30, A35, A40 - ANG Classic Car Parts](https://www.angclassiccarparts.co.uk/products/austin-morris-bmc/austin-a30-a35-a40).

3. **MEV Spares**:
- MEV Spares—a supplier of Austin A30 & A35 Parts. They've got your clutch, brakes, hydraulics, engine bits, exhaust, ignition, rubber seals, and more covered. It's like a treasure trove for vintage car enthusiasts.
- Explore their A30 and A35 offerings: [Austin A30 & A35 Parts - MEV Spares](https://www.mevspares.co.uk/Austin-A30-and-A35-Parts/).
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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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Racing
The charming Austin A30, with its vintage flair and endearing quirks, didn't just putter around town—it also had its moments on the racetrack. Let's rev up the engine and explore its racing adventures:

1. **Tulip Rally Triumph**:
- In 1956, the Austin A30 achieved something remarkable: It won the Tulip Rally outright. Picture it—a plucky little car darting through winding European roads, taking on the competition with gusto. It might not have been the fastest, but it had heart.

2. **Saloon Car Racing**:
- The A30, along with its larger-engined sibling (the A35), found its groove in 1950s saloon car racing. These weren't high-octane Formula 1 races; they were battles of endurance, skill, and determination. Some intrepid drivers campaigned A35s, pushing them to their limits on the track.
- Imagine John Sprinzel behind the wheel, navigating tight corners, jostling for position, and thrilling the crowds. The A30 might not have been a thoroughbred racer, but it held its own.

3. **Long-Distance Records at Montlhéry**:
- But wait, there's more! In 1957, an A35 (close cousin to the A30) set a bevy of long-distance class speed records at the Montlhéry circuit in France. It was like the little car whispered, "Hey, watch this!" as it circled the track, defying expectations.

4. **Academy Race Series**:
- The A30 even had its moment in the Academy race series. These were no-holds-barred battles where enthusiasts pushed their A30s to the limit. Imagine a grid full of these diminutive racers—each one with its own story, battle scars, and dreams of victory.

5. **Goodwood and Birkett**:
- Goodwood, that hallowed ground for motorsport enthusiasts, saw the A30 in action. It danced through the corners, tires gripping the asphalt, leaving a trail of nostalgia in its wake.
- And let's not forget the Birkett Relay Race, where the A30 showcased its mettle. It might not have been the fastest lap, but it was a lap filled with passion and history.