Random # 262: Austin A40 Saloon

I'm beginning to wonder if I've unfairly judged the Austin marque, thinking of it as the stodgy, distinctly uncool cousin to many of the other mainstream British car manufacturers of its era like Triumph, British Ford, and even Morris with its sporty off-shoot, MG (Morris Garage). But is this fair?

Possibly not ... . Who did legendary English car designer Donald Healey team up with to produce his exquisite Austin Healey 100 - 3000 range? (The name rather gives this away!). Plus there's the Austin Healey Sprite, which happened to also be marketed by MG as their Midget in an early example of 'badge engineering.' Even MG's evergreen MGB is powered by an 1800 cc Austin B series motor, albeit with a five bearing crankshaft and a few other refinements.

A 'Big' Healey

A Mk I, or 'Frogeye,' Sprite

A couple of Sprites

The MG version - a Midget

An Austin A30

They're not unknown in the historic racing scene, either; there's the rather cool A30 shown above, as well as the bluish-grey version regularly and competitively campaigned in Targa Tasmania for many, many years (below). And let's not forget that Australia's favourite motor-sports legend, the remarkable Peter Brock, also got his start in a hotted-up A30!

One of Targa's most consistent competitors: another A30

So, it is with fresh eyes and a different perspective that I bring you today's car, what I believe to be an Austin A40. Maybe it's not as stodgy as I first thought?

U M P H

(uppermiddlepetrolhead.blogspot.com.au)

All iPhone images

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Random # 301: Nanna-Spec KE36 Corolla

Once upon a time - six or seven years ago, actually - there was a lovely pale yellow GC Galant station wagon getting around Hobart. It was totally nanna-spec; its paint was umarked, the chrome work and hubcaps were immaculate, and its very original interior was pristine. Then someone stuck feathers in its dashboard. Next, the windows were adorned with Tibetan prayer flags. And a hubcap went missing. And the the rear bumper was pushed in, mangling the bodywork behind it. And a mudguard got dented. And rust set in. I fear for this sweet, innocent KE36 Corolla. Somebody please save it before it's too late. Nanna needs you to do it. U M P H (uppermiddlepetrolhead.blogspot.com.au.) Photos by GlamRock.

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