The team at Austin Pedal Cars are always proud of the incredible work we do to restore the beloved Austin J40 Pedal Car. We are equally proud to share what we do and we were very excited to work with the team at Bangers & Cash: Restoring Classics to create this fantastic film that provides insight into the meticulous detail we go into for a full restoration.

Star of the show, Derek Mathewson, is clearly a big fan of the J40 and he and his team came across a 1960 J40 that spent most of its life providing joy to thousands of children as a fairground ride.

“The bit I love about them is that the copy is just about perfect of an A40 but the build quality is really excellent,” he says. “An awful lot of car manufacturers could learn a lesson from these guys.”

Matt Merriman and Ross Smith of our dedicated team shared all their expertise, making use of our state-of-the-art automotive manufacturing technology to ensure this J40 could be returned to its former glory.

Once the serial number had been checked and the heritage certificate ordered, it was time to strip off the fairground adaptations and get to work with the full restoration. Matt and Ross left no stone unturned, or bolt unbolted, as they embarked on the same labour of love they lavish on every J40 that comes into our specialist workshop in Wiltshire.

Fortunately, the bodywork was still in reasonable condition, needing simple remedial work before being resprayed the original Ash Green as the team sought to bring this J40 back to concours condition. Fabrication and repair of the wheel rims, front axle and pedal box were all done by our in-house fabricator Simon whose expertise always impresses.

Derek was clearly blown away when the finished J40 returned to the Mathewson auction room, especially with its little BAN G3RS registration plate. A successful auction with multiple bidders saw this special concours condition J40 find a new home and exciting new adventures for three-year old Jude in Essex. Thanks to our amazing team and the passion of Bangers & Cash, another Austin J40 Pedal car has a very happy owner.

Watch the full restoration on the Bangers & Cash: Restoring Classics You Tube channel here.