From the sensibly sized station wagon department comes this 1956 Austin Countryman Estate. Kevin Kay picked up the A30 a little over a month ago from eBay and Santa Cruz by way of New Zealand. The Austin was in more or less drivable condition, so Kevin lettered up the sides of the panels with the intention of motoring about in the Austin for entertainment and promotional purposes. The Austin is seen here in downtown Monterey on its maiden voyage under new ownership.
The Estate was purchased already equipped with a 948cc engine out of an Austin A35. This powertrain upgrade bumped up the output to a furious 43 horsepower! Kevin plans on swapping in some disc brakes from a Sprite along with a set of side-draft SU carburetors, so that he and the wagon can motor about with authoritative economy around town and at upcoming events. When he’s not driving the Austin, Kevin spends his days restoring the likes of Aston Martin DB3S race cars for the sort of auction that was occurring in close proximity to where he parked the Countryman after a round trip to Laguna Seca to take in the Monterey Historics. Kevin reports the Countryman performed admirably in its economy and thrift.
“I can’t even buy a set of wheels for the stuff we work on around here for what I paid for that car”, said Kevin.
Brian DR1665 says
That’s sharp! (And talk about your dream job, eh? Aston Martin restorations? I’d be in heaven!)