Where would we be without the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust’s certified copies of factory records, it has to be asked.

In this instance the record associated with this A40 Farina confirms its build date as 16th October 1962 with it being dispatched to dealer Vincents of Reading on the 22nd October.

This MKII, 1098cc Farina left Longbridge in an Embassy Maroon livery with Cumulus Grey interior.

It was a home market right hand drive model in De-Luxe trim and with the optional extra of a heater.

The only slight question mark raised is the car’s description as a Countryman.

The Countryman featured a lifting rear window that accompanied the bottom hinged boot lid to create an early hatchback type configuration.

The photographic package confirms, however, that this Farina has the fixed rear window of the saloon variant.

Little is known about the first years of this delightful Farina’s life.

In 1989, however, the car was acquired by one Don Pither.

Don was a Gloucestershire-b...