VALUES

A presentable MoT’d saloon can be picked up for around £1000, although cars in show condition will be worth more. Oddly, the commercial variants (van and pick-up) seem to command more money, perhaps because of their promotional value. As a guide, expect to pay peanuts for a ropey saloon - start your offer at £100, rising to £1500 for a nice example which needs nothing more than tinkering to enjoy. Expect to pay up to £4000 for a really nice example, but don’t overlook the cost of professional bodywork repairs if you can’t do your own welding. Paying more for a sound example may well prove to be cheaper in the long term.

ENGINE & GEARBOX

• The 948cc A-Series in the A35 is much  tougher than its smaller 803cc brother in  the A30. Well maintained engines can  pass 100,000 miles easily
• Hard-driven cars which have been pounded at high revs on the motorway can start to knock from the bottom end
  Smoke under acceleration can indicate piston ring or bore wear
• Differentials can whine when they’re worn

STEERING, SUSPENSION, BRAKES

• Front suspension needs regular greasing to avoid play in the king pins and bushes. Excessive play is an MoT failure and repair is a specialist job
• Ride should be comfortable – if it’s not then the lever-arm dampers may be past it. An ideal excuse for a telescopic conversion
• Brake rebuilds can be expensive if new wheel cylinders are required but stainless liners can be fitted to worn cylinders

To read the complete Buyer's Checklist feature buy the Spring 2011 issue of Classic Car Mart, plus check out our A35 modification feature right here.