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Old 30th July 2024, 10:22   #1
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Restoring a 1966 Austin Cambridge A60 | Seeking advice

Hello Team-BHP Community,

I hope this post finds everyone well. I'm excited to share a project that is very close to my heart. My grandad's 1966 Austin Cambridge A60, a car that has been a significant part of our family's history, is finally getting the restoration it deserves.

A Brief History:
This classic beauty has an interesting history. My grandad brought it to India from Aden (now Yemen) in 1967. It was later handed over to my dad, who used it off and on over the years. My brother and I are now planning to restore the A60 to its former glory, preserving the legacy and memories it holds for our family.

The Restoration Plan:
With the help of a close friend, who shares our passion for vintage cars, we have embarked on this restoration journey. Our goal is to bring the Austin Cambridge A60 back to its original state, preserving its charm and elegance while ensuring it runs smoothly for years to come.

Seeking Inputs:
As we dive into this project, we are looking for advice from fellow enthusiasts who have experience with the Austin Cambridge A60 or similar restorations. Specifically, we would love to hear:

Restoration Tips: Any tips or common pitfalls to avoid during the restoration process.
Parts Sourcing: Recommendations on where we can source authentic parts for the A60 in India.
We are eager to hear your experiences, advice, and any leads that can help us in this endeavor. Your insights will be invaluable as we navigate this restoration journey.

Thank you in advance for your support and guidance. We look forward to sharing updates and progress with this incredible community.
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Old 30th July 2024, 16:02   #2
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Re: Restoring a 1966 Austin Cambridge A60 | Seeking advice

It would greatly help if you could post photos of the car in as-is condition.
I would also recommend getting in touch with members of KVCCC, I am quite sure there are members there who own and/or have restored post-war British cars.
From what I know, there are a lot of Austin Cambridge's still in running condition in the UK. Quite sure there is an owners club - see if you can get in touch with them.
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Old 30th July 2024, 17:14   #3
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Re: Restoring a 1966 Austin Cambridge A60 | Seeking advice

Thanks KiloAlpha.

Will post the snaps soon (wanted to make it dramatic - before and after ).

Mailed KVCCC. My brother is in UK and he is also helping procure parts from UK. But also looking for pointers for local vendors.
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Old 31st July 2024, 10:35   #4
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Re: Restoring a 1966 Austin Cambridge A60 | Seeking advice

Good luck on your journey! Is this a saloon or a station wagon. Do remember that the engine is an enlarged version of the Ambassador engine but overall the powertrain is similar. Your challenges will be with body panels and trim.
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Old 31st July 2024, 12:38   #5
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Re: Restoring a 1966 Austin Cambridge A60 | Seeking advice

Quote:
Originally Posted by DonivAbby View Post

Will post the snaps soon (wanted to make it dramatic - before and after ).

Mailed KVCCC....
Suggest you post the current pictures, then I could possibly suggest your options.

By the way, I am associated with KVCCC for a very long time

Cheers

KPS
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Old 1st August 2024, 17:16   #6
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Re: Restoring a 1966 Austin Cambridge A60 | Seeking advice

Looking forward to seeing your restoration journey.

Are you restoring the car through a garage or are you planning to do it yourself?

I am currently on a look out for a garage/ restorer to assemble the engine for my Rover P2 1948. If you or anybody has suggestions for a mechanic/garage to help me with this it'll be helpful.
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Old 3rd August 2024, 12:00   #7
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Re: Restoring a 1966 Austin Cambridge A60 | Seeking advice

Quote:
Originally Posted by chims View Post
I am currently on a look out for a garage/ restorer to assemble the engine for my Rover P2 1948. If you or anybody has suggestions for a mechanic/garage to help me with this it'll be helpful.
From two examples of engine restoration, I have seen (one of them a rare sleeve valve engine) in Bangalore, I would suggest Christopher Rodricks as a safe bet.

Best Regards & Drive Safe
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Old 8th August 2024, 18:49   #8
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Sharing the current pics suggested by KPS. Given that this is in my hometown (Kerala) and dad's too old to drive it, it has seen better days.

Restoring a 1966 Austin Cambridge A60 | Seeking advice-2.jpg

Restoring a 1966 Austin Cambridge A60 | Seeking advice-1.jpg

Thanks Chims. Restoring with a friend who is passionate about cars.

Last edited by ajmat : 8th August 2024 at 19:09.
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Old 9th August 2024, 09:55   #9
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Re: Restoring a 1966 Austin Cambridge A60 | Seeking advice

Quote:
Originally Posted by DonivAbby View Post
Sharing the current pics suggested by KPS. Given that this is in my hometown (Kerala) and dad's too old to drive it, it has seen better days.

Attachment 2638941

Attachment 2638942

Thanks, Chimes. Restoring with a friend who is passionate about cars.
Nice car, a friend of mine is restoring his Austin Cambridge at Cochin((Kerala), I can share his number if required. He is importing parts from the UK as well.
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Old 10th August 2024, 17:22   #10
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Re: Restoring a 1966 Austin Cambridge A60 | Seeking advice

Quote:
Originally Posted by justin.das View Post
Nice car, a friend of mine is restoring his Austin Cambridge at Cochin((Kerala), I can share his number if required. He is importing parts from the UK as well.
It would be great to be connected with him. My friend is also in Cochin. For all you know it's the same guy .. will DM you

Last edited by KarthikK : 10th August 2024 at 17:55. Reason: Minor spacing correction
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Old 10th August 2024, 20:24   #11
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Re: Restoring a 1966 Austin Cambridge A60 | Seeking advice

Quote:
Originally Posted by DonivAbby View Post
It would be great to be connected with him. My friend is also in Cochin. For all you know it's the same guy .. will DM you
No, His name is Neeraj Kishore Ramachandran, he doesn't know you but he knows your car very well! KLA reg no right?
Sharing some of his Cambridge restoration photographs, this is one among 5 of his parallel restorations including a Fiat 1100 Delight, Ambassador Mark 2 OHV, Contessa and Mercedes W124 6 Cylinder! A mad guy indeed. In addition to these projects he owns a fully restored 1960 standard Pennant, Retro modded Ambassador Mark 4 Diesel, SB308 Slated Grill Model and a couple of modern cars also.

Restoring a 1966 Austin Cambridge A60 | Seeking advice-img20240409wa0479.jpg

Restoring a 1966 Austin Cambridge A60 | Seeking advice-img20240409wa0480.jpg

Restoring a 1966 Austin Cambridge A60 | Seeking advice-img20240409wa0481.jpg

Restoring a 1966 Austin Cambridge A60 | Seeking advice-img20240409wa0482.jpg

Restoring a 1966 Austin Cambridge A60 | Seeking advice-img20240409wa0483.jpg

Restoring a 1966 Austin Cambridge A60 | Seeking advice-img20240409wa0486.jpg

Restoring a 1966 Austin Cambridge A60 | Seeking advice-img20240409wa0488.jpg

Restoring a 1966 Austin Cambridge A60 | Seeking advice-img20240409wa0484.jpg
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Old 11th August 2024, 00:17   #12
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Re: Restoring a 1966 Austin Cambridge A60 | Seeking advice

Quote:
Originally Posted by justin.das View Post
No, His name is Neeraj Kishore Ramachandran, he doesn't know you but he knows your car very well! KLA reg no right?
Sharing some of his Cambridge restoration photographs, this is one among 5 of his parallel restorations including a Fiat 1100 Delight, Ambassador Mark 2 OHV, Contessa and Mercedes W124 6 Cylinder! A mad guy indeed. In addition to these projects he owns a fully restored 1960 standard Pennant, Retro modded Ambassador Mark 4 Diesel, SB308 Slated Grill Model and a couple of modern cars also.

Attachment 2640089

Attachment 2640090

Attachment 2640091

Attachment 2640092

Attachment 2640093

Attachment 2640095

Attachment 2640096

Attachment 2640094

Yes.. my car registration no is KLA.. surprised that he knows the car... Would love to connect with Neeraj.. love the progress on the Austin.. and his other projects seem interesting too
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Old 13th August 2024, 10:34   #13
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Re: Restoring a 1966 Austin Cambridge A60 | Seeking advice

Quote:
Originally Posted by DonivAbby View Post
Yes.. my car registration no is KLA.. surprised that he knows the car... Would love to connect with Neeraj.. love the progress on the Austin.. and his other projects seem interesting too
PM'ed you the phone numbers, Let's get in touch and bring back your car back on the road.
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