This Austin A30 was built by Jordan Racing for Mike and Andrew Jordan to compete against more than 50 other A30s and A35s in the St Mary’s Trophy at the Goodwood Revival in 2016. The Historic Racing Drivers Club’s (HRDC) Academy Director, Julius Thurgood, conceived the idea of a ‘Control Formula’ with a standard conversion kit for A30 and A35 Saloons in order to create close-run racing on a limited budget – and that he did!
The two-part race was closely contested, with Andrew Jordan winning the first round in torrential rain; it was viewed by many as the most exciting race of the weekend. On the Sunday, Mike Jordan brought the car home in the top three, making them the overall combined winners.
In 2017, the HRDC organised a two-part celebrity race at the 2017 Silverstone Classic in aid of Prostate Cancer Research.
This A30 now owned by Eric Verdon-Roe took part in the celebrity race with Howard Donald, of pop group Take That, nominated as Eric’s co-driver. In very slippery conditions on Saturday, they managed a solid 6th, despite a spin. On the Sunday, Mike Jordan drove from 6th on the grid to victory having taken the lead with two laps to go, completing a memorable double victory.
Specifications
Built from acid-dipped, seam-welded shell, which was in excellent pre-build condition with very little rot repair needed. All optional fibreglass panels fitted (bonnet, bumpers, boot, wings). Normandale paintwork in base coat. Built using all new parts – strengthened seat mountings with latest spec Race Tech BTCC seat; bespoke lightweight wiring loom; bespoke hard-coated Perspex windows; heated front screen; PWR F1-spec radiator; lightweight alternator; lithium battery; Momo steering wheel; Smiths gauges; new switches; ATEC oil cooler pipes; PWR oil cooler; low-drag wheel bearings; and adjustable dampers.
Car displayed courtesy of Royal Automobile Club member, Eric Verdon-Roe from Monday 18th to Sunday 24th November 2019.