Car & Classic Dealer

Martin Howey Classics

Thirsk Yorkshire

1958 AUSTIN A55 CAMBRIDGE - RARE MODEL, 2 OWNERS IN 60 YEARS SOLD

HERE is my 1958 Austin A55 Cambridge in absolutely outstanding condition throughout! In many ways, this particular BMC offering became the 1950s "lost model". Launched in early 1957, it had been discontinued by December 1958 thanks to the company's burning desire to get an early handle on sixties-style motoring. Hence the arrival at the time of the Farina model. That was launched as the Austin A55 Cambridge Mark II, so making this beautiful creation - retrospectively - the Mark 1. As much as I admired those early high rear fin Farinas as a young child, as a car-mad kid I always thought that this Cambridge was ditched way too early. It had not long replaced the A50 with its ageing "cows hips" low slung back end. And its arrival on the motoring scene was greeted with much aplomb as I have recalled by reading a February 27, 1957 edition of The Motor magazine!

Just take a look at the design. Those swooping lines and the abundance of chrome work. This was British car design and manufacture at its best. Even though hindsight may well be a wonderful thing, the model was so short-lived because the powers that were at the time deemed the "look" to be too old fashioned! Still, if we were not driven by retro, we would not even be writing or reading such classic car adverts. So there you have it. Possibly some may have thought the A55 Cambridge to be a somewhat staple diet of the British motor scene when there were far more lavish - and expensive - makes out there such as Jaguar, Rover, Riley, Alvis and MG. Yes, we still made classy cars in those days. Well, maybe. But this was an economical and affordable mid-range family classic and oh boy did it look the part!

This delightful old girl has had just 2 OWNERS IN ITS 60-YEAR-HISTORY. And, as if by perfect symmetry, each of them kept her for 30 years!

This is what highly original classics are all about. Not taken down to the bare bone and rebuilt. And, no doubt, because quite simply it was never needed. A rock solid example, great underneath and a super and responsive driver fitted with the rare factory option of floor change as opposed to the standard column shift. There's a few minor and inevitable imperfections here and there but nothing of any real consequence in my opinion. I will point out two things which drew my attention as I always like to describe my antique vehicles as comprehensively as possible. There is a scratch on the nearside rear door beneath the chrome line which would be the easiest of fixes should you feel the need and the two front seat bases sag somewhat (I know that's the case in many classics!) and would probably benefit from some fresh foam rubber after 60 years! The carpets are the originals and therefore showing their age. Shabby-chic Isn't that the modern day terminology? The red leather itself, by the way, is just lovely and nicely worn. You would not re-upholster. Comes complete with original starting handle that you actually need to gain access to the spare wheel housed beneath the boot floor.

As I mention earlier, the A55 Mark 1 is a mega rare sight now, even on showgrounds. So go on. Treat yourself to this true 1950s sleek and stylish saloon.

Original registration too plus stacks of old MoTs showing less than 10, 000 miles covered in the past 30 years (half the car's lifetime) and so I would expect the mileage of 88, 000 to be correct.

Remember that these old girls are motoring antiques. Practically every one of them will have been subjected to work at some time in their long lives and they are bound to need more love and attention in the future. Context is all with classic cars. Please do not run your finger over them and compare them to your wife's new Chelsea tractor!

I accept all major debit/ credit cards and can also assist with delivery and so please ask for a quote. Thanks, Martin the details below).

This advert has now been removed through sale or otherwise.
Please see the list below for similar live adverts.

Similar Adverts

Austin 7 RTC Built on a Ruby Chassis. The 2 Bearing with HC cylinder head, Phoenix splash crankshaft, Single SU Carb, 12 volt electrics with new Battery. Gearbox Andy Bird CR.Braking system Semi Girling, 4 New 17 inch Tyres with Black powder coated Wheels. Body finished in Mid Blue, Cycle wings. Interior Black out of ...

68
28 Mar 2024
Tyne and Wear

1931 Austin 12/4 Heavy Burnham Saloon Starts and runs very well. 12V electrics with coil conversion. Drives very nicely. Good tyres all round. No frost damage. Paintwork is clean and tidy but far from immaculate. Interior is in good order with no rips or tears. Some history and paperwork, ...

10,000
27 Mar 2024
Surrey
Private
19
Picture of 1939 Austin 18 Norfolk - For Sale

From time to time a car comes along that is truly unique. In the history file for FXD 177 is a copy of Motor Magazine for the week ending Christmas day 1965. Along with classified ads for new ‘Sunbeam Tigers for immediate delivery' and a 1965 E'Type Jaguar roadster with just 7,300 miles at a modest £1845 is a six page ...

26 Mar 2024
Yorkshire
Premium Dealer (see stock)

Super rare Countryman that has had a restoration in the 1990s then tucked away. Recently recommissioned and current MOT on the vehicle. Currently owned and a popular exhibit in the Moray Motor Museum . Seriously unique and prospective buyers will not be disappointed<br><br>

1,500
2 Mar 2024
Scotland
Private
1
Picture of 1927 Austin 12/4 Windsor - For Sale

Arriving soon at the Garage   1927 Austin 12/4 Windsor One of the most successful cars in the 12hp category, the Austin 12/4 was noted for its robust character and reliably.   Today, the Austin 12/4 is one of the most regularly seen and most recognised Vintage cars, due to the good survival rate - testimony ...

26 Mar 2024
Hampshire
Premium Dealer (see stock)

Excellent fully restored car with upgrades and conversion to Cooper S MK2 styling. Brand new £8000 engine fitted in 2023 and just run in Engine The engine was rebuilt in 2023 by Andy Davies from ML Motorsport with engineering by AC Dodd. It’s now a 1330cc, with a custom fast road AC Dodd ACD-RS cam, 1 3/4” SU ...

45,000
26 Mar 2024
Kent
Private

Austin a40 race car 1960 registered car Full race 1098 cc engine ( 92hp at the wheels) Twin hs4 su carburetors with short inlet trumpets Maniflow tubular manifold New all steel build ( 2022) to comply with hscc/ Hrdc / St Mary's trophy / swinging sixties Brand new gearbox ( A40 club) Plate Limited slip differential ...

66,000
24 Mar 2024
Buckinghamshire
Private

For Sale Very Original Austin 7 Ruby, having covered only 76,410 miles from new. Much of the paintwork on the body is the original including the coach lining, the wings have been repainted, along with the wheels, the tyres have covered less than 500 miles, the rubber covers on the running boards are the original. The interior ...

76,410
17 Mar 2024
Nottinghamshire
Private

1959 Austin Healey Frogeye Sprite in Leaf Green restored in the early 2000s and fitted with a 1275cc engine with tubular exhaust manifold and full stainless steel exhaust. This car is a LHD conversion which remarkably has stayed rot free and the keen eye can see the originality of the floor panels. Subject of a bare metal ...

9,005
7 Mar 2024
Sussex
Private

Hi, we are Classic Mini specialists Paul Higgs Cars based in New Milton in Hampshire. We specialise in all things Classic Mini and always have a large selection available at sensible prices. We pride ourselves on offering a friendly environment with objective advice with the occasional cup of tea! We have many years of ...

43,900
25 Mar 2024
Hampshire
Verified Dealer (see stock)

Austin 14/6 Goodwood This old car is in great condition thanks to a total but sympathetic restoration in or around 1988, it has large barn doors so it would be an ideal for a wedding car business. The first MOT in the history file is from May 2001 and the mileage was recorded as 00001. The paintwork is beautiful ...

1,980
18 Mar 2024
Somerset
Private

Austin 7 Bantam 1937 2 seater coupe LHD. Coachwork in Black over Yellow ,Black leather trim. Total restoration by David Royle of Staindrop over 25 years ago never use or driven been in dry storage. 12 volt electrics 3 speed American gearbox. Will need battery and general go through to get it running again. Price £165

500
25 Mar 2024
Tyne and Wear

AUSTIN COOPER ‘S’ MK 1 1293cc Ex Cooper Car Company Team Car 4420 PF Collectors/investment grade with complete history file and confirmed provenance. Accurate, exacting, detailed and meticulous recommissioning undertaken by one of the foremost mini specialists, (established 1978 and twice Benson & Hedges Concours ...

17,240
18 Feb 2024
Staffordshire
Private

Austin Seven Ruby De-luxe Saloon. One of the first Rubies with. believed 3 owners found in Scotland and been off the road. The car finished in Black which has polished up quite well, mostly original Green interior with new headlining, working Sunroof. The engine 2 Bearingwith HC cylinder head. Fit with new 6 volt Battery, ...

6,591
24 Mar 2024
Tyne and Wear

This 1926 Austin 7 Chummy tourer has a lovely patina and character. Structurally the car is good, though the paintwork could be improved. The upholstery is fine and it has a hood, sidescreens and tonneau which are very effective. Mechanically the car drives and stops well and the engine appears to be strong and the drive ...

24 Mar 2024
Lincolnshire