1957 Austin A35 Speedwell

• Built in consultation with Rae Davis and a Mclaren F1 Engineer, with unique spring rates, camber etc
• Impressive specification, powered by a Classic and Modern built all steel A series producing 131bhp 
• Presents in fabulous condition and ready to be enjoyed by its next owner

Speedwell had its origins in a London coffee shop, where racing enthusiasts John Sprinzel, Len Adams and George Hulbert regularly met, discussing all things automotive. At one such meeting in 1957, Sprinzel was complaining about the cylinder head of his racing Austin A35; Hulbert offered to modify it for better performance. The trio entered competitions under the name “Team Speedwell” which was not only the local telephone exchange – in the days before numbers took over – but also the trade name of the decal printing business where Sprinzel worked. Following a victory at the famous Goodwood Circuit and several telephone calls asking how people could get their Austins to go as quickly as theirs, the decision was made to set up their own tuning house, Speedwell. 

Adams acted as salesman, Hulbert was development engineer and Sprinzel looked after the administration and publicity. Not long afterwards, Graham Hill – who at the time was Colin Chapman’s engine manager at Lotus – came to see if they had any vacancies. He was determined to become a full-time race car driver, and as long as Chapman held him in such regard as an engines man, there was no way he would employ Graham to drive, so he became Speedwell’s first workshop foreman. As workshop foreman, Hill found himself bolting the latest tuning products onto the firm’s cars and together with Sprinzel raced Speedwell modified A35s and Austin Healey Sprites to numerous victories, bringing much publicity to the firm.

The Speedwell A35’s all featured modified cylinder heads, an increased compression ratio, balanced crankshafts, lightened flywheels, uprated suspension, wider tracks, special anti-roll bars and more. These charming little cars have become incredibly popular in recent years. Known for their great handling and agility, they became fan-favourites at high-profile events; notably the Goodwood Revival Meeting.

This particular A35 Speedwell offered today was built under the instruction of Rae Davis in 2010. The build, by Andy Young and under the guidance of a well-renowned McLaren F1 engineer aimed to maximise performance. ‘FAS 329’ features a 1923cc Classic and Modern built all steel A series producing 131bhp on twin SU carburettors. The engine features a tubular exhaust manifold with custom exhaust, competition alternator, lightweight high-torque starter motor, oil cooler and remote filter.

Bodywork wise, the car was acid-dipped, lightened and strengthened and features steel front wings, doors, bonnet and boot lid to comply with FIA regulations. The car was painted in Old English White with Iris Blue roof. The car is fitted with a 6 point roll cage with bulkhead cross brake, door and harness bars, as well as recessed inner wings to improve airflow to the carburettors. The rear wings are widened to accommodate the wider rear track.

In addition, the car features a straight-cut four speed gearbox with 4.5 ratio LSD and EN40 Steel halfshafts. Also featured is a sintered competition ultra-lightweight clutch and flywheel, with uprated propshaft.

To be expected from a competitively-built car, much of the suspension componentry was supplied by Rae Davis, including front anti-roll bar and mounting, rear axle A-frame and adjustable front and rear lever arm dampers. ‘FAS 329’ features unique front and rear spring rates and camber developed with the F1 Engineer, front damper double mounting arm, and is polybushed throughout. As well as this, alloy front hubs, braided hoses, Hawk front pads and competition rear shoes.

‘FAS 329’ also features a heated front screen, perspex windows, floor mounted adjustable pedal box with integral cylinders and remote reservoirs, lightweight race battery, 40lt alloy fuel tank and electric pump, fuel pressure regulator with braided hoses throughout. Stack Gauges, a bespoke wiring loom, Cobra race seat and more.

Upon completion, the car was subject to a number of test days, including at Goodwood, but the owner decided to undertake another A35 project. The car was subsequently purchased by the current owner in 2021 with the view to racing with his son. Having been used on a further number of test days, ‘FAS 329 is offered once more due to a change of direction, the car has received new harnesses, new brake fluid, engine oil and filter, diff oil, recent gearbox oil and brake cylinders ready for its new owner and presents in remarkable condition. 

Included with the vehicle are four additional wheels, a small box of gaskets and sundry spares, passenger seat and out of date harness. Also included is a small history file containing some correspondence between owners, an invoice for the acid-dipping, dyno printouts with specifications and the current V5C document. 

Overall, an excellent opportunity to acquire an extremely well-developed and well specified A35 Speedwell at a competitive price, and a charming choice for any of the variety of series the car is eligible for.