1953 Austin A30 first drive in at least a decade!

After a little over a year and a half of restoration, my little A30 was today ready for it's first test drive. I've no idea how long it's been since it last moved under it's own power but I believe it was well over ten years ago...at least!
It's the culmination of hours and hours of hard work and effort and I couldn't be happier with how today went. There are still some kinks to iron out and I sadly couldn't venture any further than the driveway as she's not insured yet but well on the way to being ready for the road soon!

[@CaptainMocktail]

Great work. Looking to get one of these. Looking forward to seeing it on the road

[@brianhepke7182]

Such a lovely little thing ❤.

[@foxstrangler]

When connecting the battery, always fit the earth strap last, that way you won't get an accidental short.

[@williamwilliamsharp]

I am aware, as there is literally nothing that draws power with the ignition off and I have fitted electronic ignition it's highly unlikely to cause any shorts but thank you for your input.

[@mervynsowman51]

The reason for earth first (when removing) and last (when refitting), is incase you touch something metal with the spanner when tightening. I think lead acid batteries give of hydrogen gas, which is explosive. Probably the reason why they tell you to connect the last jump lead 18 inch away from battery.

[@bekireynolds7315]

Well done

[@williamtaylor874]

good poring trick !

[@puntomk1uk64]

I've always liked the look of these cars, hopefully you'll get enjoy it soon after all your hard work 👍

[@williamwilliamsharp]

Thank you 😊 I hoping early next year she'll be ready to go

[@robertngreen6]

Wow! What a little beauty! Looks (and sounds) really nice!

[@williamwilliamsharp]

Thank you so much 😊

[@nickb5391]

Later AS3 with external boot hinges

[@nickb5391]

@0.43, it's recommended not to jack on the sills, use the rear axle or front suspension

[@williamwilliamsharp]

Then why is there a jacking point...on the sills...

[@nickb5391]

@@williamwilliamsharp because the factory fitted it on nearly 70 years ago, you do not know what the internal support is like inside

[@williamwilliamsharp]

Fair point. As it happens, I replaced both the inner and the outer sills with thick gauge steel when I fully restored the car, I also added box section and bracing internally so they are far stronger than factory issue

[@nickb5391]

@@williamwilliamsharp That's fair comment, it is commonly known & suggested in the owners club not to use the original jacking points & to use something much stronger but if you have heavily strenthened yours up that's fair enough

[@williamwilliamsharp]

@@nickb5391 yeah I wouldn't be using them if I didn't know it was all fresh steel in there 🤣

[@RobertSmith-jl4yw]

The instrument cluster is different to most other A30s and 35s I've seen. Was that a feature of the very early A30s? What year is the car? Thanks.

[@williamwilliamsharp]

She's a September 1953 car so an early spec As3

[@plunkervillerr1529]

Disappointing drive, you got it muddy so why not hit the road?

[@williamwilliamsharp]

Can't help but feel you have rather missed the point...also failed to read the description for the video, allow me to enlighten you! I couldn't 'hit the road ' as at present the car has no insurance. Also, when you fully restore a car as I have done, you seldom turn the key and drive off into the sun set... Wether it be two feet or twenty meters, a first drive is a victory.
Don't play down someone else's achievements and effort because it doesn't look exciting to you...to me, just seeing that car outside and running was the best thing in the world. Thanks for playing.