King's Lynn: Austin A30 for sale in classic car auction

A grandmother, daughter and granddaughter all drove the 1954 Austin A30, which cost around £550 when new.

But the 800cc family runabout was laid up in favour of a new-fangled Renault after a holiday in France, Spain and Portugal in 1974.

And while its un-named owners meant to restore it, they never quite got around to it.

The Austin A30, with maps and paperwork from its final trip still on the front passenger seat (Image: Anglia Car Auctions)

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They left it languishing in a barn, with maps and paperwork from its final journey still strewn across the front passenger seat. 

Now the car, whose bodywork has seen better days, is being sold in a classics sale at Anglia Car Auctions, in King's Lynn, which takes place over the weekend.

"Marriage, life and a Renault 4 got in the way of its resurrection," the auctioneer's website says.

"Although nobody had the heart to part with the A30 and there was a plan to restore it at some point."

The Austin A30 which has spent almost 50 years in a barn (Image: Anglia Car Auctions)

It has 61,271 miles on the clock but is described as a non-runner.

Back in its day, the Austin was described as state of the art and could reach speeds nudging 70mph with "spirited driving", and accelerate from 0 - 60mph in 42 seconds according to a test by Motor magazine.

A radio could also be added as an optional extra for £43 and a heater for £9.

No reserve or expected price for the car is given.

The Austin A30 which is coming up for auction (Image: Anglia Car Auctions)

But enthusiasts' websites say parts are still readily available, while restored versions can fetch £10,000 or more.

If the A30 doesn't float your boat, the sale also includes a 1960 Austin A40 (expected to fetch £2,500 - £3,500), a 1960 Austin Healey Sprite (£10,000 - £12,000) and a 1988 Austin Metro (£2,000 - £3,000).