040 Austin A30 Convertible (Prototype) (1951) ROB 430

Austin A30 Convertible (1952) Engine 803cc S4

Registration Number ROB 430 (Birmingham)

AUSTIN SET

www.flickr.com/photos/45676495@N05/sets/72157623759808208...

 

The A30 was introduced as a Saloon at the 1951 Earls Court (London) Motor Show. It heralded it was the first Austin to receive the new OHV engine that would become known as the BMC A series. It was also the first Austin of unitary construction.

 

This hand built Convertible was produced as a prototype in 1952 differing from the Saloon in having very deep sills to add rigidity and a much larger boot extending to the two seats. The side vents are a later addition and originate from an Austin A70. Normally it would have been broken up as was the policy for Austin prototypes of the time, however it was being used by Michael Edwards the son of BMC Director Joe Edwards who saved it. It was later bought by Tony Cummins in 1957 from a Bristol dealer with 25,000 on the clock, whoes daughter Sheila Cummins offered it for display at the Museum

 

The design never entered production.

 

Many thanks for a Marmalising

52,001,647 views

 

Shot 15.05.2016 at the Gaydon Motor Museum, Warwks REF 117-040

Done