1956 Rover - Austin A35 Van 1.0 petrol

Summary:

First love

Faults:

Lots of things...

Handbrake assembly broke.

Cylinder head bypass hose split (very awkward to repair).

Heater matrix leaked.

Low oil pressure.

Stiff windows (they slid up and down - there was no handle or winder).

Lots of rust.

And much more that I cannot remember...

General Comments:

I bought the car in 1966 when it was about 10 years old. It had been a commercial van converted to passenger by adding a back seat and side windows (quite common on this model).

The faults listed were to be expected and not too big a problem - it was a good way to learn motor mechanics. These A35's had a narrow engine bonnet opening, so access was awkward, but the mechanical bits were easy enough to repair.

By modern standards the car was crude, but in its day it was a reasonable small car, and it was fine for its purpose - my first set of wheels and freedom.

Any survivors are now classic cars and cosseted in a way mine never was or ever had been during its life.!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 23rd January, 2003

4th Jun 2005, 10:58

They are lovely little vans Mine is as good today as when new 1965, Like most mechanical contrivances they respond to a little T.L.C.

9th Sep 2005, 08:12

Great little van, with a character of its own.

22nd Apr 2006, 04:59

I have just purchased my 1967 Van in very good original condition with only 29,000 miles on the clock and I am looking forward too many years of happy motoring.

I have been very pleasantly surprised at how easy it is to get all the spares for them.