1956 Rover - Austin A35 Van 1.0 petrol from UK and Ireland
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
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.
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.