Austin J40 Pedal Car

Fondly known as the 'Joy Car' or 'Junior Austin', the 'J40' was manufactured from 1955 to 1971 by disabled miners at a factory in the village of Tiryberth, near Bargoed in South Wales. Built at the instigation of Lord Nuffield, owner of BMC, soon after the Second World War, they were sold in Austin showrooms for £20, which was a considerable price at the time. It has a dummy engine with spark plugs, a handbrake and electric lights and a horn.

Purchased by the previous custodian c.9 years ago, they then set about a ground-up restoration, with the bodywork soda blasted, etch primed, followed by a high build primer and full repaint with a two-pack coat of Austin Blue paintwork. The running gear was stripped, shot blasted, and then powder coated. The front axle, a weak point in the original design, was strengthened with new kingpins fitted. The wheels received the same treatment as the bodywork, with new tyres and inner tubes. All brightwork has either been re-chromed or replaced. The steering wheel has been rebuilt, fresh battery fitted, with everything said to be working as it should.

For more information, please contact:
info@handh.co.uk
01925 210035