Lot 32: Austin A60 Cambridge Saloon

After Pinin Farina's successful re-design of the A40, Austin's larger cars duly received attention from the Italian carrozzeria, the first of these - the Austin A55 Cambridge MkII - appearing in 1959. In 1961 BMC once again facelifted its range of cars, part of this new look included the arrival of the A60 Cambridge Saloon.The A60 was a vastly improved version of the A55 MKII, featuring a larger, more powerful 1622cc B-series engine, wider track, longer wheelbase and revised styling. The A60 was never intended to last as long as it did (till 1969). BMC assumed demand would drop after the launch of the frontwheel drive 1800 series, however this did not happen and production had to be moved to the Morris factory at Cowley to cope with the strong demand.First registered in July 1964, this A60 Saloon was supplied new by Brecon Motors, Brecon, to a local resident who kept the car until his death in 1978 at which point it had covered just 5,227 miles. It was then acquired by the current vendor who has covered less than 50,000 miles in the car since.Apart from two new genuine BMC front wings and sills in 1991, the car is said to be totally original and in fine condition throughout. It had a new clutch less than 300 miles ago and has also recently had new brake hoses, clutch slave cylinder, radiator and rear springs. The kingpins have also been rebuilt and are said to be excellent with no play whatsoever.Always garaged and said to drive very well, this appears to be an exceptionally sound and original specimen with that lovely patina that you just don't get with restored cars.