1954 Austin A30 – UK Barn Finds (Elton & Claire)
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Some classics spend a lifetime on the road—this one spent 52 years in a Norfolk shed.
This 1954 Austin A30 had been languishing in a barn since 1971.
Last used on a family holiday through Europe, this Baby Austin, aka The Peanut, was parked-up in a shed over 50-years ago and didn't see daylight again until 2023. The car still bears mementos of that trip, such as stickers of some of the places visited.
‘The Peanut’ was purchased by Claire and Elton of UK Barn Finds, who set about unpicking its history, giving it a much-needed clean and then getting it running and driving for a series of YouTube videos.
The aim was to use the original parts, right down to the plugs and points, after freeing up the seized engine. Even the tyres (what’s left of them!) are the ones that came with the car and still held air...just!
What happens next remains uncertain. The couple feel that it is more appealing to car fans in its current state, as it's still very much a time capsule. Just check out those pop-riveted body repairs. You wouldn't get that on a restored car!
The A30 was produced from 1952 until 1956, after a successful launch at the Earls Court Motor Show, where it was billed as the ‘New Austin Seven’ and competition for the Morris Minor.
The car, along with the larger-engine (and hence faster) A35, was quite successful in 1950s saloon car racing, and some still appear in historic motorsport events such as Silverstone Festival and Goodwood Revival.
