The Austin A35 was affectionately dubbed the “Steel Teddy Bear” by Classic Car Weekly , and this example has certainly been coddled and cherished, remaining with the same owner for the last 25 years. The A35 has bloodlines inherited from the A-Series engine that triumphed at the Monte Carlo Rally three times, and is the predecessor to the legendary Mini, offering performance that belies its modest appearance.

This delightful Austin is accompanied by its British number plates that date back to 1957, and is finished in its factory color scheme of Tweed Grey over a red interior, with a single respray documented in 1980. Other than new paint, water pump, tires, wheel cylinders, and brake lines, this Austin appears superbly original. As testimony to its stalwart performance, this A35 was used by owner Barrie “Whizzo” Williams, the celebrated Mini rally driver of the 1960s, in many vintage events, such as Goodwood Revivals, the Parliamentary Classic Car Run, and the Lombard “Golden Fifty” Rally. He described the car as exhibiting “deceptive briskness,” “spirited cornering,” and “robust engineering” in the February 2002 issue of Practical Classics magazine.

Accompanied by a tome of documentation including rally certificates, historical tax discs and MOT reports, a slew of service receipts, and the original registration booklet dating to 1957, this A35 presents an opportunity to acquire a pint-sized icon of British mid-century automotive history with long-term celebrity ownership.