Konted's Make My Day 2: The Durable Baby Austins

The Durable Baby Austins

As I stepped out of St. Paul's Cathedral, I noticed people gathering across the street. It was at Federation Square, the most popular public square in Melbourne. And there was a mini classic car show featuring the once famous " Baby Austins". I was excited and made a dash for it.

"Baby Austins" refer to the compact economy cars that ran the streets in many countries in the 1950s and 1960s. The Austin A30 was introduced to the public in 1951. It was manufactured by the Austin Motor Company and then by the British Motor Corporation. It did well in the market and in 1956, the Austin A35 became the new version of the A30. The Baby Austins were considered then the rivals of the Morris. The Austins and Morris Mini later on became sister cars due to the merging of companies.

Here in Australia, many Baby Austins were seen cruising the highways, byways and city streets in the 50s and 60s as the Austin Motor Company and the British Motor Corporation had manufacturing plants here. Today, there are still Austins that are seen on the road and still in mint condition.

Owners of these priceless classic cars have grouped together to form the Australian A30 Car Club which is affiliated with the mother club in London. Club members are busy organizing classic car shows in different parts of Australia. The members have developed camaraderie through worthwhile projects like this one at Federation Square. Kudos to the club members. And a toast to the durable Baby Austins.

- Konted

Mini car show held at the Flinders Street side of Federation Square.

The Baby Austins look more diminutive when viewed from the rear.

2-door Austin A30

Appreciating the Austin A30 as a compact economy car

4-door Austin A30. The first Austin A30 was introduced to the public in 1951 to compete with the Morris Minor.


The Austin A30 has a 4 -cylinder, 803cc engine. Austin above has white side wall and is still in mint condition. The 2-door Austin A30 was made available in 1953.

The Austin A30 delivery van was introduced in 1954.

A 1955 Austin A30 AS4 4-door sedan

Owned by T. & D. Bacon, it was totally restored after 3 years of diligent work. The owners boast of having toured Tasmania on board this 1955 Baby Austin.