Offered for just £10,000 this race-prepared HRDC Academy Series Austin A35 offers a competitive and affordable entry into historic motorsport.
Created as an affordable ‘Control Series’, the Historic Racing Drivers Club (HRDC) Academy Series aimed to open classic car racing to a wider audience, with a focus on friendly competition at a reasonable cost.
The ethos is thus:
‘Mechanically the A35 is tried and tested, simple yet effective. Properly thought through, a race version can not only be reliable, it will provide all the elements of ‘proper’ historic racing: Iconic looks, sideways handling and ‘seat of your pants’ thrills! Most importantly, the HRDC Academy specification has been specifically designed, not only to be reliable and competitive, but fundamentally – to be safe. This carefully thought through package therefore offers a rewarding, truly historic driving experience; but not at any cost.’
The build of this car is documented on the website of Moto-Build Racing where you can see the care and attention that went into it, at a cost of well over £30000. The base car was already competing as a road rally car, but was comprehensively renovated before being built to a very high standard ‘This is the best trimmed historic car on the grid!’
Having done a few Academy races, the drivers moved on to an A40 and this car became a gateway guardian at their engineering business, keeping an eye on comings and goings for several years. There will be an element of straightforward reconditioning required – fluid changing mainly – which will be an opportunity to get to know the car. Or you can hand that over to our race preparation specialists at Classic Car Story’s base at Thruxton Circuit, where we prepared the class winning A35 in the 2026 Castle Combe Classic. It is worth mentioning that the next custodian also has the option of taking advantage of our driver training programme to help get the best from the car.
Although currently in Academy specification, the car would be an excellent basis for a historic rally car or make a very sprightly road car. There is also the chance to upgrade it to ‘Speedwell’ spec, perhaps as owner experience grows to match the increased performance?
Vehicle Overview
- Model: 1958 Austin A35 Saloon (Academy Spec)
- Engine: Sealed 1,275cc A-Series engine built by Classic and Modern Engine Services (CMES) – engine number 5. Approx 90 BHP.
- Transmission: 4-speed manual gearbox
- Roll Cage: Specially designed 6 point bolt-in type with weld-in strengthening plates, by Caged Laser in Somerset.
- Dunlop R65 L-section tyres on minilite wheels
- Legality: Road-registered and road-legal with a simple change of tyres
- Current V5 present
Key Features & Specs
- Built strictly to Historic Racing Drivers Club (HRDC) Academy regulations with lightweight front wings and bonnet.
- Safety Equipment: MSUK-compliant roll cage. Fire extinguishing sustem, and Cobra race bucket seat with harness.
- Handling: Uprated suspension components and adjustable shock absorbers.
Racing Heritage
- Eligible for elite grids including the HRDC ‘Jack Sears Trophy’ and ‘Dunlop Allstars’.
- Renowned for door-to-door, highly charismatic racing at premier circuits like Goodwood and Silverstone.
- Inexpensive maintenance and a famously welcoming club paddock make this the ideal entry level vintage racer.
Notes from Classic Car Story:
This car is offered for sale by one of our storage customers and will be a private purchase between them and the purchaser. Classic Car Story have agreed to prepare the car for sale and handle some elements of the process such as answering queries and making the car available for viewing.
We have worked with the vendor to ensure that the vehicle is accurately represented and roadworthy. We recommend, welcome and encourage viewings. We have access to garage facilities for purchasers to inspect the car on a ramp, and can arrange for professional reports on condition if required.
The car can be kept with us at preferential rates.