Ozzie the Austin

Drove to Bath today via Salisbury, where I had lunch with some friends I hadn't caught up with for a while. Then on to glorious Bath where Suzuki has organised a driving event for tomorrow.

My arrival at the launch hotel coincided with that of Kim, a journo chum who is famed for his collection of interesting old British cars. Not to mention his renowned skill in keeping sometimes-temperamental machinery on the move! He arrived in one I hadn't seen before.

So meet Ozzie the Austin, owned by his daughter. This A35 Countryman has an interesting history. It is 50 years old, a 1965 model. It started life as an A35 van, and during its eventful lifetime has been rolled twice, had a new roof, various other replacement panels, a refurbished interior and a fabulous fresh coat of paint in original Florentine Blue. The unusual non-standard grille was the choice of its owner, who is obviously of an artistic inclination.

It's distinctively a one-off with its rainbow nose, and I think it looks fabulous!