About Flying-A.net

Born on 15 July 1999, Flying-A.net was, without doubt, the first major UK based Austin A30/A35 online resource. Devised by brothers Mark and David Armé, the website has remained totally independent and always 100% dedicated to the promotion and survival of the Austin A30 and A35 range of vehicles, with the design and development of the website undertaken solely by Mark.

But why?

The idea originally was to create a place for David to showcase his collection and bring other owners into an online environment. The website was actually going to be a gift for David's birthday from Mark. He had discovered the Internet just a few months earlier and was keen to develop his skills.

However, after some research, what became very quickly apparent was the total shortage of online information for owners and enthusiasts. Even the Austin A30/A35 Owners Club did not have a website, nor any sign of one.

Encouraged by family, friends and fellow enthusiasts, the website officially launched on 1 September 1999 under the name of Armé Austins of Flitwick, later adopting the simpler and widely accepted name of Flying-A.net..

Early Recognition

During its first year, the website featured in Classic Car Weekly, and Internet Magazine receiving a rating of 9/10 (click here to view the article) . It was also one of ten finalists shortlisted in the personal website category of the prestigious 'Yell UK Web Awards 2000'. This was clearly a fantastic achievement, but more pleasing was the ever increasing readership of the website, with visitors now from all places across the globe.

 Another World First

There was another first in 2001, when Mark took the development plan further  launching the first and only Austin A30/A35 Register.. Today the register is very much recognised around the globe, and what is probably most remarkable is that membership of the register remains as free today as when conceived.

"Cheese, Gromit!"

Then in Autumn 2005 came the lads greatest triumph to date; the start of a collaboration between Flying-A and Aardman Animations Ltd, creators of Wallace & Gromit.

Five months of negotiation, hundreds of photographs, and a superb 500 man hour build by A30/A35 supremo Neil Evans resulted in the only official and incredibly detailed promotional replica of Wallace's van from the film, "Wallace & Gromit - Curse of the Were-Rabbit".

So Who Are These Lads?

Both brothers were born in Nottinghamshire, England, later moving cross border to Derbyshire. Raised with near constant contact with a grandfather who had spent his entire life in the motor trade, in later life becoming a much respected lecturer at Chesterfield Polytechnic, it is probably no surprise that the boys took an interest in the classic world. Indeed Mark's first car was a Wolseley 16/60 and David's first owned car, a gift from Mark, was a Morris Minor 1000.

Within several years, David had entered into the world of the Austin A30/A35. His involvement began much earlier than Mark's and his specialisation has always been on the more technical side of the vehicles, with more direct involvement with owners and enthusiasts. David has a fine collection, including a self-designed A30 Tourer based on an early Austin prototype, and an original pick-up. This is in addition to an ever increasing collection of motoring memorabilia, toy cars and pedal cars.

Mark's involvement with the A30/A35 began in 1992 when he teamed up with younger brother David to join in the inaugural "Run to Euro-Disney". Three years later, he again joined David and five other intrepid adventurers to tour the UK coastline, spending two weeks in an A35 van in celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the Austin A30/A35 Owners Club. In early 1999, Mark discovered the Internet and took a keen interest in website development. Today, as a seasoned and purely self-taught developer, he is solely responsible for the ongoing development of Flying-A.net.

And The Future?

Today, as always, the website remains 100% independent and  privately funded by Mark, with over 1,600 members from all corners of the globe representing six of the seven continents - still awaiting a most unlikely registration from Antarctica!

And there's no doubt that Mark and David's unique partnership takes the very best of their very differing skills, something that will ensure Flying-A.net continues to be a leading online resource for owners and enthusiasts, worldwide, for many years to come.