Ever heard that a car helping in making friends? Adil Ahmed, son of Aqeel Ahmed who owns an automobile restoration company, said that his Austin A40 of 1948 has helped him making new friends. The originally grey coloured car, has been restored to yellow colour alongside with some new panels and mudguards during a complete restoration. It will be in exhibition at the Rotary-The Hitavada Vintage Car Rally to be held on December 28 at St Ursula Girls High School in Civil Lines. “I am the fourth owner of this rare left-hand drive 1948 Austin A40, which has a manual sunroof and a 1200CC 4 cylinder overhead valve engine,” informed Adil. The car, with hydraulic brakes on the front wheels and mechanical brakes at the rear wheels is tricky to drive. “It has an unusual braking system with front hydraulic brakes and the rear wheels have mechanical ones. Very difficult to set it to work efficiently but my father and uncle have done excellent work, due to which the brakes work like new,” Adil said.

 

“The car is easy to manoeuvre and comfortable to drive. And, thanks to my Austin I have made many new friends,” he added. The 1946 Norton 16H Bike Adil will also boast his 1946 Norton 16H bike during the rally. The 1946 Norton 16H is a robust, 490CC side-valve single-cylinder motorcycle, famous for its extensive service with the British Military (WD = War Department) during and after World War II. “My father bought this bike fifteen years ago as a gift for me on my 18th birthday. It had a black colour then, we restored it completely and changed the colour to Royal Air Force blue,” added Adil. Though there are no shock absorbers at the back or comfortable cushioning at the seat, the bike provides a very smooth sail and is famous for its simplicity, reliability and ease of riding.

 

“Though there are no shock absorbers or springs on the rear wheel, the springs underneath the seats are enough to give the rider a soft and comfortable ride.” It is known for reliability with a 4-speed gearbox, girder front forks, solid rear, and chain drive, and it continued the long production run (1911-1954) of this sturdy workhorse, often converted for civilians use post-war. “The front wheel has a girder fork suspension unlike modern bikes. Starting the bike is an easy and comfortable task and cruising speed of 60-80 kmph is easily achievable for a ride which is among the favourites of Army and Air Force riders,” Adil concluded.