In Brief:

• A charming example of an early Austin A40 Saloon
• Only three formed keepers recorded on the V5C
• Low recorded mileage of just 44,183
• Pleasing supporting file with owners club documentation
• An appealing and approachable post-war British classic

Auctioneer's Notes:

A charming early Austin A40 Farina Saloon with just three former keepers recorded on the V5C. The Vendor reports that the car drives very well, with all electrics working as they should. The current odometer reading of 44,183 miles is particularly interesting when viewed alongside the accompanying historic MOT records.

Maintenance & Condition:

The Vendor advises that the braking system has recently been renewed, with all new brakes fitted. The electrics are also reported to be fully operational, while the car is said to drive very well. A useful collection of invoices accompanies the vehicle, detailing various maintenance and repair work carried out over the years. Also included are a selection of workshop manuals and parts lists, providing useful technical reference for future ownership.

History:

The A40 is accompanied by a pleasing history file including its original Driver's Handbook, old registration documents, a collection of invoices and a number of historic MOT certificates. Of particular note is the recorded mileage. An MOT certificate from 1986 shows 43,204 miles, while the odometer currently displays 44,183 miles. On the basis of the available records, this suggests the Austin has covered fewer than 1,000 miles in approximately 40 years. Also included is a substantial collection of A40 Farina Club magazines and newsletters, adding further interest to an already appealing collection of period and ownership material. 

The Model:

Introduced in 1958, the Austin A40 Farina represented a significant change in direction for Austin, combining familiar British mechanical components with crisp Italian styling by Pinin Farina. Powered by Austin's 948cc A-Series four-cylinder engine and coupled to a four-speed manual gearbox, the A40 shared much of its proven mechanical architecture with the preceding A35. Its clean two-box styling was markedly more modern than many contemporary British small cars and helped establish a design direction that would become increasingly influential during the 1960s. The early Mk1 Saloon retained a conventional boot arrangement, while offering compact dimensions, straightforward engineering and economical motoring.

Sale Insight:

With only three former keepers, an attractive collection of period documentation and exceptionally limited recorded mileage over the last four decades, this 1959 A40 Farina offers plenty of appeal as an increasingly uncommon early example. The combination of recent brake work, functioning electrics, strong reported road manners and a useful history file should make it an appealing proposition for the enthusiast seeking an approachable post-war British classic.

Estimate:
£3,000 - £4,000