[anjan_c2007]

The car had all its original trims in place. That's how I saw it a few years ago at M/s Shree Auto Restorers, Nagpur. The paintwork and the chrome had become dull and were showing signs of neglect. When I queried as to whom this car belonged, I was told that Shri Aqueel Ahmed was its owner. Since the past 12 months, Shri Aqueel was frequenting the workshop on a regular basis. And lately, just before the car was fully restored, he used to spend full days with the mechanics at the workshop.

Shri Aqueel owns Berar Lathe Works with his brother Shri Iqbal Ahmed, the Guinness World Record Holder for building the smallest working model of a steam engine with bogies and tracks. So precision and finesse to the finest detail is not new to the family. They had recently built a duplicate key for a Rolls Royce Silver Spirit, which looked like as if it was made at Crewe and supplied with the car.

Back to the topic, the A 40 Devon restoration involved many hiccups. The chrome plating of the bumpers, grille, wheel caps and some more chrome trims were done at a reputed workshop in Hyderabad. Copper plating was firstly done on the clean metal, over which chrome plating was done. The shine and its finish show. The speedo though original, was not in proper shape. An unused, new one was bought from Mumbai that had 00000 on its dial. The petrol tank cap, like the original has no lock. The earlier generation Austin 8's, 10's etc too had a similar petrol tank cap. It can be opened but a wire holds it with the tank pipe and the cap when unscrewed for filling fuel, cannot be separated beyond about three inches. The engine is smooth and runs like new. The ignition keys are original. The paint shade is period and looks so refreshing. The nylon tyres are brand new. Many of the spares that were not of the proper kind or in proper shape, were painstakingly done up like the original.The semaphores are working. The upholstery was done up at a cushion shop where aagain Shri Aqueel spent ample time during the restoration every day, to get the fit and finish done up to his tastes.

The end result is awesome. The first long distance run for this car was the Cent Ind Vintage Automotive Association (CIVAA) trip yesterday, on N.H. 6 towards east of Nagpur City to a place called Mouda. The run was of 45 kms in total.

Now let these pictures speak:

[Jeroen]

Very nicely done, very impressive. Any pictures of the engine by any chance?

I would love to drive one of these, just to get a feel of it.

Jeren

[KPS]

Originally Posted by anjan_c2007

Since the past 12 months, Shri Aqueel was frequenting the workshop on a regular basis. And lately, just before the car was fully restored, he used to spend full days with the mechanics at the workshop.

This is a the first Post-War Austin. The park lights are within the headlight. Trafficators were in place.

Originally Posted by anjan_c2007

Shri Aqueel owns Berar Lathe Works with his brother Shri Iqbal Ahmed, the Guinness World Record Holder for building the smallest working model of a steam engine with bogies and tracks. So precision and finesse to the finest detail is not new to the family.

With such pedigree of the owner's family, one would have expected nothing less than the final product. Attention to detail is excellent. The trim lines are outstanding. Overall superb restoration. Many congratulations to the owner for such outstanding commitment to the restoration.

Originally Posted by anjan_c2007

The chrome plating of the bumpers, grille, wheel caps and some more chrome trims were done at a reputed workshop in Hyderabad. Copper plating was firstly done on the clean metal, over which chrome plating was done. The shine and its finish show.

Can we get details of the chrome workshop in Hyderabad. The process above, gives the best results, as can be seen in the car.

Thank you for sharing

Cheers

KPS

[KartikeyaL]

Nice refreshing restoration , just noticed a little bit of minor defect in the paint job, maybe there is some rubbing required.

[anjan_c2007]

Some more pictures of the A 40 Devon.

KPS I will try and get the chrome plating firm's details soon.

Jereon, the engine pictures were with me but it was getting late yesterday, so am posting today.

[Turbanator]

Probably this clamp holding battery should be easy to find and replace.

[Stanher]

Originally Posted by Turbanator

Probably this clamp holding battery should be easy to find and replace.

Or perhaps even easier to paint/anti-rust coat or atleast have a coat of phosphoric acid applied on to temporarily arrest the rusting! Mars the otherwise pristine look of the engine bay!

[anjan_c2007]

Very much on their agenda. Perhaps its the original clamp that has not been replaced or redone. When we were seeing its engine last Sunday, this topic cropped up indeed .

[anjan_c2007]

Some more pictures of the Austin A 40 Devon clicked while being driven and later from a display at Hotel Radisson Blu, Nagpur last month.











Above picture (L-R) Shri Aqueel Ahmed, the little girl from his home and Shri Shahrukh Cassad