Lot 445: Austin A90 Atlantic Convertible

Aimed at the United States market and styled accordingly, the controversially styled A90 Atlantic convertible met with a cool reception from the American public despite setting stock car speed records at Indianapolis in 1949 by averaging over 70mph for seven days and nights. Based on A70 Hampshire running gear, the A90 was powered by a larger, 2,660cc, overhead-valve four-cylinder engine producing 88bhp, which was put to good use in the Austin-Healey 100 sports car. The separate chassis featured coil-sprung independent front suspension, a live rear axle and hydro-mechanical brakes, while the gearbox was a column-change four-speeder. A power-operated hood and windows  seen for the first time on a British production car  were options, and the commodious body could seat five in comfort. Produced between 1948 and 1950, the convertible model was joined by a sports saloon in 1949. The latter was manufactured until 1952, benefiting from full hydraulic braking from '51 onwards, and by the time production ceased almost 8,000 cars of both types had been built, the split being approximately 50/50. This rare example of British post-war optimism comes with its original logbook listing its six owners from new, including the current vendor, who acquired the car in 1986. Other documentation on file includes various period photographs, sundry expired MoTs and service/maintenance invoices, and a copy of a Classic Car Weekly article featuring the car. Restored between 1986 and 1988, the 'NPK 660' is finished in Old English White and described by the private vendor as in generally very good condition. We are advised that the engine and transmission were rebuilt 1,000 miles ago, and that the hydraulic hood and windows are in working order. The car is offered with the aforementioned documentation, Swansea V5 registration document and fresh MoT.