1949 Austin A40 traveller test drive! We get a new hauler for the General Store!

In today’s episode I have a van arrive with the mystery vehicle inside! I’ve been waiting for some time for this to show up and today’s the day I get to check it over and take it for a test drive! Follow along on today’s episode as we test out a classic ride and add another car to our fleet of oddballs :-) and… Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button and follow us on Instagram@curiosityincyeg

[@DiDinz11]

That brought back memories for me. When I was a child before I was 10 my parents worked at the factory that made the Austin of England and the A or sigb on the front bonnet. They used to bring back bags of them home straight off the press and we used to sit at night clearing all the Excess aluminium around the words and make them smooth ready for going onto the car. We work for many hours doing this as a family and every time I see an old Austin I think of all memories. Of course we were too young really to have a blade in our hands to do it but we did we did it. It paid extra money for our parents they worked all day in the factory and then we all sat all evening doing that work. I remember them cars very well. Oh yes I am 73 years old. 😊

[@donnab8010]

DIDI - what a precious memory to share with us. Thanks

[@rossmacintosh5652]

Didi maybe Alex's van is one of the ones you helped finish on your kitchen table! How cool is that? 😎

[@DiDinz11]

@@rossmacintosh5652 That was my thoughts exactly :-)

[@patricialynnmoore]

DiDi, How splendid!! Thank you for sharing your family memory with all of us. I was thinking that as a child, the evening family work wouldn't be much fun. But how beautiful your family story, your story, has come to all of us because you participated with the evening work. I'm certain that the bits you worked on as a child are a part of Alex's Austin A40 Van. Many blessings! 🙏

[@jackieoman6695]

Wow ! I got goosebumps when i read your story !! So awesome!! 💓

[@NitrousDiecast]

The former owner was so meticulous in leaving the post it notes and the extra parts, you can tell he loved the car. Your logo on the car would look great!

[@lukegervais6257]

Melissa: does it run? Good I won't have to push it. -Stephanie

[@CuriosityIncorporated]

She’s helped before :)

[@richardcovello5367]

Not yet!

[@BruceInFlorida]

So... does this mean Melissa gets the Cadillac, now ? ( or the ambulance )

[@raynonabohrer5624]

I had to smile for that!

[@jackcasey7037]

When I bought my car... that’s what happened. “Does it run?” “Yes” “Good. I won’t have to push it!”

[@kimberlypreston6204]

The kids don't understand how cool their dad is yet! Give em a few years. ;)

[@padali29]

Yep! 😉

[@canadiancatgreen]

I think they do.

[@Sheila-vl9xk]

Oh, I think they know😄. May not always be cool to acknowledge your dad’s coolness; that part will come!!

[@canadiancatgreen]

@@Sheila-vl9xk I agree they often are into the stuff the dad is

[@canadiancatgreen]

If you watched previous videos I think you would see they know. Realize how often a new car or bike or antique comes in though.

[@cindykeller9668]

"Runs smooth as a sewing machine" LOL Sounds like one too!! HAHAHA

[@nygelmiller5293]

To Cindy Keller, runs well but the throttle needs adjusting - because it wad racing away when the car was stationary!

[@dougm5873]

OH my god, Those signal arms, my grandfather had a 1953 Vanguard that he gave to me when I was 16 as he bought a ford station wagon. I had to paint it because the paint was falling off. Always were fixing the brakes, and one time we had to walk 2 miles to the garage with the head to get the values ground. Well at least I had a car to go 14 mile to town on the weekends. Looked like an upside down bathtub with windows an leather seats. Lots of old Austin's around when I was a kid. We called then piston poppers. I'm 75 years old. I could write a book about that car

[@jojocatattack]

I see a line of Curiosity Inc. Post Cards. The cars could be parked in the General Store parking lot; single photos of each vehicle; interior shots of the store. Hopefully store staff will wear vests, button down shirts, and bow ties!

[@margaretlynch1494]

LOL! Green Wheels! You're right. Too cute! As are your kids in stocking feet and Melissa's blue glove. Thanks for sharing your positive energy. It can't help but rub off in the world.

[@jiaraanatalis1862]

You are making the ambulance jealous with all these other cute old cars!

[@blocka58]

I learnt how to drive in one of these cars. My Aunt who taught me, would turn the rear view mirror so she could see out the back. When she said go, you went! Heard all sorts of brakes squealing from cars out the rear as you obeyed her commands. Nervous times with lots of hilarity.

[@patricialynnmoore]

Paul, Lovely memory! Gave me a laugh. I wonder what your Aunt would say about her teaching techniques way back then. Haha! 👍

[@mcculloch29]

I’ve never seen an Austin A40 delivery van with windows, but the green colour is perfect. Our local greengrocer in Cardiff, South Wales (not just England, but I will forgive you) used a solid A40 delivery van in blue-grey in the early to mid 1960s. Everyone bought what food they needed fresh each day, so his van didn’t have to be big to get supplies from A to B.

[@arlenegariepy8957]

OMG That is just perfect for your store!! I bet it would fit in right with character of the garage behind the store and cute as a button to boot. I can tell you've been thinking about this for a while. LOL Have fun with it and best wishes for your grand opening! I can't wait to see the vlog!!

[@FireCracker3240]

Oh my gosh! That car is so dang adorable! It looks like a 1940's milk truck crossed with a WWII military car. I LOVE it!! And it appears to be in pristine condition.

[@mikethecabbie8476]

In 1950's, Britain was in a period of great austerity as WW2 had murdered the economy. Car design was still very much based in what works and is economic to produce for a mainstream company like Austin was. Somebody like Jaguar (XK120/140/150) going upmarket for export markets were able and willing to take more design chances ...

[@TheBandana1969]

British design was always 'sensible'😄. If you know what I mean. Vehicles were smaller, more economic engines and utilitarian articles like simple latches instead of door locks.

[@FireCracker3240]

@@TheBandana1969 This is true. So what's the deal with Range Rover? An incredibly luxurious car that is so desirable but extremely unreliable. But here I am, so foolishly wanting one anyway. 😂

[@gramgo41950]

I love your new car. It’s exactly what you need for your new store. Alex, I’m sure you’ve been told before but you are truly an old soul. I can’t stop watching your show. Thank you for sharing your new car with us. It’s perfect.

[@Cemi_Mhikku]

Contrariwise to a lot of the other comments, as someone who had a magnet on a previous vehicle for around seven years, they can leave patterns of wear from the grime that can build up around the edges slowly abrading the paint or gelcoat. My mother's had one on hers for around 15 and the finish is just a mess around it. It's probably due to just how much thicker a magnet is than a sticker. A painted or adhesive logo would actually be far better for the car's finish. Adhesive ones that are made to come off under certain conditions obviously being the best in that regard! But if the plan is for keeping it long term, finding an oldschool type detailer would be the absolute best, put a fancy period logo on there, complete with some snazzy pinstriping!

[@tithund]

It's aluminum, so a magnet won't even stick.

[@tateysnan]

Cute a button juat like the owner .. That signal lol !!! ...love the lil eyebrow lift ..I have a crush .. 💞

[@carolynhostetler8641]

My favorite shots are of you crossing the bridge and with the fall trees in the background. So beautiful. So nice your wife encourages you to follow your dreams. I love all your vlogs.

[@Vault57]

It’s so cute that you just want to pinch it’s little cheeks! Well...not really. But it is way cool and and a part of the greater “moving museum” that car enthusiasts and restorers keep alive because of their love of unique vehicles. Thanks for being part of the museum and sharing it with us.

[@Akkhon369]

Apparently your videos about Adam was a few months before I started watching and I never seen them so after I saw your live and people were asking about him and I went back and watched them they were awesome and I really wish you could go do a year update on him and how he's doing! That was just awesome what you did for him, I tried to help a family out and got messed over last Christmas which has made me more skidish of helping people unless it's giving a little money or buying some food, that's all I'll ever do besides clothing anymore!

[@donnab8010]

Akkhon369 - Me too. I will go back to watch also. Good idea to share. Thanks

[@keysersoze1296]

Alex, I thought you were up to something! Back during the last live broadcast I swore there was a twinkle in your eye when talking about your old cars... and of course your bride's commenting that she never knew what you were going to drag home. I must say I lost it when she asked, "Does it run?" LOL Too precious! She knows you too well I think. I'm happy for you and the latest addition to the garage. Now you're DEFINITELY going to have to add on @ store! But, I'm sure it was all part of the plan/dream; you were just keeping it to yourself. I bid you (and of course the family too) peace.

[@donnab8010]

Keyser - Yep. You said the same thing I was thinking. I just watched the LIVE video before this video.

[@carrieperkins7147]

Yes, your interesting collection of cars makes me smile. But when I get a notification that you have put up a new video....that makes me smile. I truely escape my daily grind and stress while I watch your and your wife's channel. Thank for share your adventures with me. I am truely greatful. XOXO

[@markallen3293]

I love honey's question, "Does it run?" LOL.

[@suzannejensen275]

Alex is answer yes and then Melissa said good no pushing. LOL😂

[@jillmorrow7422]

That car is a little Beauty...brought back memories, my parents had the sedan and later mum got the little truck to run us kids to the bus stop...farm kids in the boondocks of NZ.

[@Norfolk250]

All those spare parts included from other vehicles reminds me of someone I knew years and years ago. Eric’s precious job was making new kinds of cars. He took the wheels from Cadillacs, radiators from Fords, & tires from Plymouths. What he get? Two years.

[@patricialynnmoore]

Uh, could you clarify, 1. 'he took' 2. 'What did he get?' 3. 'Two years.' Sounds like the life of a thief??? 🤔

[@susanroethemeyer8730]

Like Johnny Cash's song, "One Piece at a Time" where every week he took a car part out in his giant lunch box! And when he got his title, it was pages long: ".. it was a 67, 68, 69, auto mobile. ..." and the years faded out, suggesting that it took 20 or so years to do it!

[@suzannejensen275]

LOL like Susan the Johnny Cash song one piece at a time. Funny thing is someone actually built one from junk yard parts. Not sure if it was for a movie or just a video but I remember seeing it and everyone made a big fuss over it. Very unusual looking car due to style changes over the years.

[@cherylm7321]

@@patricialynnmoore I think the idea is he stole all those parts and got sent to jail for "two years."

[@Tyblorg]

Aaahahaha!! "It's morning, and I think hear something outside!!" It sounded like it was Christmas morning lol!!

[@patricialynnmoore]

Well, it sort of was Christmas morning for Alex. Isn't that wonderful!

[@SurleyBlaine]

With the storm moving in it will look like Christmas in a few days.

[@driftwoodpile]

speaking as a vanner and overall van enthusiast (although my leanings are more toward the "boogie" variety) this thing is a super rad little time capsule and you got a sweet little gem on your hands. Congrats

[@JohnSmith-ki2eq]

Best thing about old cars is people don't hate you and let you out of turnings just to see what the heck you're driving!

[@karenstanley2506]

I almost choked on the deep breath I took when I saw the delivery car you bought, it is so great! Hope you don’t sell it. Pick up lots of antiques with it. It fits with your general store theme so well! Hurry and build that new garage, sell off what you’re don’t need but keep this one!🥰

[@dianafessenden7361]

There is a space above drivers door and roof of the car visible from view on internet. Maybe that is where the air is coming from.

[@HannaHasAPlan]

Wow, I love the new car! It's very Call The Midwife!

[@lynnelowe7615]

I love the van, yeah I am English and thats a van. In my 50s childhood all cars, vans and lorries had the pop out indicators, a nice little trip down memory lane for me. Your van is going to look great outside your store, much more in keeping than the ambulance. Your store logo would look great on the black wheel arches.

[@melfromnz7850]

Perfect for the store! Perfect find Alex ... can't wait to see it by the general store with a neat logo detail on it 😬

[@paulbennett4548]

Hi Alex, a wonderful addition to the collection, I am now suitably weird-ed out, first you get an Isetta, our very first transport, then you get an A-40, OK it's bigger and posher than our little A-35 van ( as seen in the Wallace & Gromit shot) this was our first 4 wheel form of transport. It also had the little back seat. Till someone pinched it. I agree with your good Lady the company decals on the side would look great. BTW the reverse 'Lift' was to prevent one from shifting into reverse gear while going forward and your signals are called semaphore as in sea scouts waving flags. :0) On-wards and upwards, enjoy.

[@beckymoran321]

Love the signal lights! That car was cool to see!

[@evelynharber6077]

Once again you have pulled a rabbit out the hat Alex. That car is, as you say, as cute as a button. Congratulations on the new work vehicle, your work taxi, she is an English working lady who will last you for a few more years yet. What marvelous condition she is in. Well cared for and maintained and obviously loved, congratulations once again.

[@tootall5559]

her first question "Does it run?" Not now much was it. lol

[@tootall5559]

@Jody Owen Unless it's a Jag, then it's Not at the moment.

[@tootall5559]

@Jody Owen you've got to get good at working on Brit cars if you want to own a Jag at all, or swap out the engine for something reliable (that's actually fairly common) and Italian cars... well that takes a completely different mind set, they are style over function. Porsche don't impress me much. Yeah they'll run like crazy, but they don't call me too tall for nuttin, I don't fit well in them. I've driven a few Carreras, some very hopped up, the acceleration was great, but the fit... not for me. I'm tal AND wide, heck I'd need a big truck or a Hummer to really be comfortable. Keep the old ford, if it breaks, rebuild it. The new ones are pretty much crap now. way too expensive as well. I could have driven an AC cobra, but alas I couldn't even get in it. You want a brit car, get a Rolls. We had a rolls come into the shop I was working at, the guy only paid 2500 for it, and spent 2500 on the mechanicals, and had a very fine car for a total of 5k that was roomy, looked great, and rode great, and ran so silently you couldn't tell it was running at idle. It was an older rolls, didn't have all the electronics on it, but still had everything you could want and then some. I also drove a newer model one, it had nothing on the old one.

[@tootall5559]

@Jody Owen my favorite vehicle I've owned was a vintage Ford Courier pickup. The original kind, made in Japan by the company also known as Mazda. Some like mine actually had the same engine as a Pinto, some like one I was given had the Mazda branded motor. Good, fun little truck, great on gas, and though small it was comfortable, even for me. Genetics works against me, my MOM was too tall for a lot of cars, but back when I was a kid, cars like the 56 Oldmobile we had were MUCH roomier. Dad was very tall too, so there wasn't much chance of me being short. I'm only 6'6" but these days I feel like i'm ten foot tall in most cars. Rangers and Mazda pickups were made by Ford last time I checked a few years ago, converse of the way the courier was done. That courier eventually just wore out, the rebuild would have cost too much so I let it go on it's way... wherever...I traded it for a Chrysler...an old one, 77 I think it was, it was a turd it didn't last me 2 weeks. It was made when they were just starting to put brain boxes on them, and they put the brain box for that chrysler on top of the breather cover of ally places.... where the heat of the engine could get to it. replace it? no, not possible the only thing to do with it is have it rebuilt, for over 200 (then probably more now) and still have an unreliable part with poor placement. I abhor most everything made since 1975 or so when they started using electronics to try to solve their problems with mileage and pollution and so forth Electronics, in a vibrating, hot/cold environment are going to fail, the only question is when. Then there's all the plastic in the darn vehicles. Our family got a brand new 150 Ford pickup... oh I think it was around 1980 or 81... within one winter the plasltic panels on the door had busted to hell. the plastic couldn't take the cold, or it outgassed rapidly and got brittle, we never figured out which, maybe both. Anyway within a year the interior looked like it was 50 years old....or more I've seen interiors on 50 year old cars that actually looked better.

[@ppod1349]

Love the colour and the shape, so cool! 😀

[@minz55555]

You weren't lying, it is quite loud! But it's SO cute, I'd overlook that minor inconvenience!😂 What a great addition to your store!😍

[@cute_canadian_redhead6747]

I think it being loud will be like free advertising. People will look, see the business decal and the cool vehicle and come and check it out!

[@minz55555]

@@cute_canadian_redhead6747 You are so right! 👍

[@mattell56]

Simply, awesomely cute. "It's cute. Does it run?" Absolutely revealing question.

[@buckeye43302]

haha Melissa cracks me up :-) Cool truck, never seen turn signals like those before.

[@herbienbrian2]

Oh I'm in love. It's like a miniature Suburban.

[@janicerc4906]

I'm not much into cars, but the style of that one is really appealing.

[@toonman361]

You're right, this van has character to spare. I find that most modern car manufacturers only know one character, sporty! I drive an "alien green" Kia Soul which I think is "cute." There's a few other cute cars or trucks out there, even a Jeep Trailblazer. I wish there were fewer sporty models and a few more cute ones.

[@dlwatib]

Except they've lost their way and can't really do a sporty car any more either. Back in the 1960s and 1970s, Pontiac was king of sporty, but as GM lost the ability to do sporty, Pontiac fell out of favor until it died a horrible sacrificial death on the altar of bankruptcy and gov't bailout.

[@rikspector]

I agree with an earlier message, a Curiosity Magnetic logo would save the finish for the eventual resale..you know your going to eventually, and get something just as nice:) Rik

[@OneBlueFroggy]

Frederick Spector - how is he to stick a magnetic logo sign on a vehicle with an aluminum body ?

[@twocanplayatthat]

He could use a sticker transfer, like he did with the Nash. He had logos on the sides of that.

[@GlitterDex]

Yes, I was going to say- I'm not sure it'll stay on an aluminum body.

[@twocanplayatthat]

@@GlitterDex Yes. Not sure either. Alex will work it out I'm sure. Sweet little car though, enjoyed the video! Goes nicely with his other classics and crazy smaller vehicles! lol :D

[@phillipsofthedriver]

@@OneBlueFroggy by putting neodildium magnets on the inside of the door panel. (possibly with double stick 3m "command release" strips).

[@williamroden8495]

You NEVER cease to amaze me! I saw this little fellow back out and I thought, "You have got to be kidding! It's coming on winter soon in Canada and you bought something that probably had inadequate heating when brand new." After seeing you driving around in it, I want one! Live that dream Alex!

[@CuriosityIncorporated]

I’m not planning on winter driving in this one :)

[@williamroden8495]

Curiosity Incorporated . Good to hear! I worried about you enough as you were cleaning out Mary's house in the freeeeeezing cold!

[@joyplant6275]

This little van brought back memories of when i was a child in the 60s in England.All the local shop keepers had one of these and would deliver groceries to people who couldnt get about lovely to see one

[@janicemapleston9474]

My Uncle Austin (yes that really was his name) had one of the cars, I remember having to bang the side between the two doors for the indicator to pop out as it used to get stuck. We had a Morris 1000, it was a good solid car. Loved the one you have. X

[@jewelssylva3738]

Alex, I am glad you found the Austin. It's perfect for you. I think the previous owner is sad & glad. Sad to part with it & glad that it went to someone who appreciates it & who will cherish it's character. Bravo.

[@suzanncollins4595]

No squirrels or nuts under the hood!! Love it, Alex!!

[@suewilkinson910]

I love the Austin. It’s in great condition. Runs well. You should offer up your vehicles for hire to film companies. It might be small on the wide Canadian roads. But you’d never get that Cadillac round the narrow English lanes. These vehicles were used by just about every delivery person back when they were new. Enjoy it. It’s a beauty.

[@gramalaney]

That is sweet ... love the signal lights .... absolutely perfect for your store!!

[@garyashdown5376]

I'm from England and have to admit there's a certain charm about old English cars, goes back to a time when the world seemed to moved at 10 mph and it was always sunny 🌞🌞 Gary..... England 🇬🇧

[@curtainsup9]

makes you happy! makes me happy when you share! love it!

[@teddygoogs6239]

Love the signal.lights. that is really cool

[@heathermayfield4247]

I remember neighbours in the early 70s who's son was given an A40 when he passed his test, there could not have been a less cool vehicle for a 17 year old! Beautiful van Alex.

[@gloriagloria716]

Hi from UK. Such a beautiful vehicle! Reminds me of my childhood!

[@ElsaInCa]

That is such a cool car! It looks like a toy car come to life! It is going to look smashing parked near your store. 😊 Your car collection is so interesting - you could use them as promotional features, but I guess you’ve already thought of that!

[@secondchairmm]

What a fantastic little car! It will go perfectly with your new store and I can’t wait to see it in action!! Thanks for sharing!

[@LittleCarol]

Lovely British Van. I'm from the UK, I remember them so very well. No wonder you had to wrestle the gear stick, It was made for you to use your left hand not your right! Just think 'lift and shift' It brought back some wonderful memories for me. I had an early 60's Mini called Eric, the 'A' series engine was so simple to repair and maintain it was used for a lot of models of cars. Some used to have a crank handle to wind before you could start. The choke start on my mini was temperamental, instead of staying open it used to ping back in. I solved it by using a wooden clothes peg, to keep it open until the engine was running properly for a few minutes. It was real seat of your pants driving, like a battle of wills between you and your Car/ Van. So much more fun driving back then. Those cars had their own personalities, and had a name of their own. How about Gladys, Ada or Nelly for your new delivery van? Those notes left will take on a meaning of their own once the cold weather sets in. How lovingly restored it has been too. Today cars seem to look all the same and just feel like driving a sofa on wheels. I can see some wonderful adventure's to come in your new van and vlogs to come too. Love to you all from England. xxx

[@wysetech2000]

That sure is a clean little car, Alex. My Bro had a partially restored 1950 Anglia (British Ford) when i was about 15 yo and i loved working on it so much that i became a Mechanic, now 50 years later. 😊

[@yvonnegunter7061]

Alex you are a little kid in a big body, I just love to see u and your Family's, I wish I were there to ride in your new 1949 Austin wagon the year I was born. Thanks for sharing Yvonne from Houston 💯 Percent 😄 😇💝 👏.

[@sylviakeatley4173]

The Austin is fabulous. It looks to be in great condition too. We rarely see vehicles of that age on the roads and I'm so glad you and previous owners have kept it running.

[@tinacatharinaeden2711]

What a great van and in perfect condition, I love it! A lot of European cars still have the 'pull up for reverse', I found that out several years ago while visiting my parents in Holland. The car their neighbor loaned me had it and I got it stuck trying to get it out of its parking spot. I had to run back to the house as it was halfway out in the street.! Talk about being embarrassed!

[@darlenedouglas5148]

You're so lucky to have a wonderful wife that understands you with your toys! Teasing you a little. It's a very cute car. Haven't seen one like that in many years. I bet you will have lots of looks & lots of people asking you all about it! Thanks for the test drive! It was a lot of fun!

[@Tonyblack261]

I love it! Takes me back to my childhood in the late 50 early 60s

[@nusba]

"Adventure, is in your blood"

[@carolbibby3055]

That is such a beautiful vehicle! I'm in the UK and the first car I remember my Dad having in the early 1960s was a black Austin A70 Princess, the bigger cousin of your car! It was beautiful, I still remember the registration plate, the flip out indicators and the leather seats. Sadly it ended up being scrapped, he then had an Austin Westminster, another huge car with two tone paintwork. Those early cars from the 1950s and 60s are still the best for me.

[@laurawrona7961]

Sweet ride Alex. I love the whole package. I understand the reasoning behind the magnetic sign but the body is Aluminium and a magnet will not stick so that is not going to work. The Decal will be your next best idea and since you have extra paint you can touch it up should anything happen. Can't wait to see.

[@MsSurigirl]

I love love love the blinkers!!

[@Elizabeth-tb5wh]

I bet you neighbors LOVE you Alex! They never know what they will see when they look out their window! I think it’s amazing the cool things you find! This van is no exception! 👍🏼🥰

[@rikspector]

What kind of mileage does it get and what do the Hamster eat? That's is a real KISS vehicle...Live it! Cheers, Rik Spector

[@paulrobertson7650]

Omg...my dad had one of these and we went camping in it.....lovely memories,thank you Alex

[@darlenedouglas5148]

The big smile on your face tells it all!

[@bronwyndobbins282]

Oh my goodness, I love it! I really wish I could afford to get vehicles like this and do them up. It's a dream of mine. I love it.

[@patricialynnmoore]

Follow Your Dreams! See Them Through! Your Life Will Be So Full! YOU GOT THIS!! 👍👍👍

[@dennman8832]

Back in my 1950s youth,my favourite go to grocery / candy store had an Austin panel delivery van. I envied that vehicle .I think it'll be a cool ride around the Edmonton area. I hope it has a good heater for the cold days of winter.

[@pvdw215]

Wauw!! Those signal lights are amazing!!! Old cars are So beautiful!

[@gregwilmoth7302]

I would drive the heck out of your new toy. I love them types of cars. Have fun with it

[@RaviJayavijayan]

My grandpa had one Austin A40 in Kanchipuram, India, imported from England in 1950s. I learnt driving in that. It had a tool box inside the bonnet and a handle for cold starting. I used to play around by operating the pop-up indicator. Ever green memories! Thanks for the video.

[@SuperDancingdevil]

They are a very rare sight in England now, I remember the local baker having an A40 delivery Van, Your Van has had a great restoration done on it almost showroom condition, Have fun driving her she’s a beauty.

[@suecalvert1679]

So cool cool. My first car out of high school was a 1965 Hillman Husky.

[@magickmoi1261]

Sue Calvert Sue, my grandma was a Calvert from Georgia USA. She died young and is buried in the Hays Cemetery there. I was wondering if you could be related. Never knew them. Raised by step-father Blah blah blah

[@barryhansen6854]

The Somerset was our family car in the 60s the boot was huge amazing how much you could get in it many family holidays were taken great wee car.

[@kevinching1975]

My first Austin was a 1923 Austin 12/4 Tourer that I restored and then in a mad moment, I sold for $10,000 NZ I have had 4 Austin Cars in my life so far and all great runners.

[@callumbush2]

Mate that van will look sick with your shop advertising on it!

[@barbaracleri123]

OMG My grandpa had one in the 50 s this brings back memories wow. And we lived in Galgary Alberta . ❤️

[@bryanslife7229]

Due we have to push it 🤣🤣🤣🤣😂 Your wife out side so funny

[@PaulinesPastimes]

What a little sweetie and so rare. Lets hope it has a good heater. Perfect for the new store. I love the full instrumentation and cream plastic knobs. Cheers.

[@joycewilliams967]

You were looking through the boxes of spare parts and all I could think was that Josh could make some really awesome creations out of all that stuff! 🙂🙂. Nifty car!

[@WheelchairWonders]

I remember these vans from my childhood, in fact my brother Paul had one as a mobile shop van. (Phil - UK)

[@erad67]

I like that your wife's first question was "Does it run?" :)

[@marciasanderson838]

It was fun seeing the signal lights. My first car was a 1958 VW Beetle that was imported from Europe. I was 18 and had a lot of fun in that car. The real challenge was figuring out how fast I was going because the speedometer was in kilometers.......so I had to multiply the number times 10 and then divide by 6 to get my speed.

[@feynify]

I was once in an old Hillman, which also had the same principle of "lights". We call them "Winker" (cause it waves) in German, while the modern lights are called "Blinker" (cause it blinks). They are so darn adorable

[@carolstubley3925]

Wow love the new van, it’s neat, like you said perfect for your General Store, great investment 👍🇦🇺

[@DAnnMonroe]

What an awesome job that person did leaving you all of those helpful notes!

[@Michelle-ep2zn]

That is awesome!! I love watching you all.. I just love antiques..

[@janeysiegrist5061]

I just love your enthusiasm Alex..

[@normjacques6853]

Alex, if you're into old cars you probably know this but, just in case: Older cars (like most of yours) were not designed to burn unleaded gas, let alone 10% alcohol! Unless you have the heads modified (install hardened valve seats) unleaded gas will eventually have you rebuilding the heads! BTW, your service manual pictured the little Austin with the barn doors on the rear!! Another great find, though. Very nice! Good luck with the whole 'fleet' and the new store! :-)

[@jrand2631]

The guy he bought it from, probably already thought about that and either had the valve seats done, or told Alex to remember to use fuel additive to prevent destroying them. :)

[@storm3016]

@@jrand2631 There was no sticky note on the filler cap, he should be good ;)

[@workingmom8162]

I loved the note idea. And all I keep thinking is "Big guy in a little car"

[@rogerholloway8498]

Delightful! Thanks and best wishes in the wonderful winter you enjoy!

[@jd-one.9468]

I can just picture that Austin out the front of your future Garage addition to the general store! Great find!!

[@Mercmad]

After all these years messing about with old cars and especially working on a lot of old English stuff back in New Zealand ,I can honestly say I've never seen a A40 Van. Australia of course had utes and I remember a A70 van in NZ but never anything like that . The reason the body was alloy was because after WW2 Britain had mountains of it and hardly any steel . Lots of English cars of that era had alloy panels for that reason .