Lot 634: 1959 AUSTIN A40 FARINA MK I TWO-DOOR SALOON

Black with red interior.

Engine: four cylinders in line, overhead valves, 948cc, 34bhp at 4,750rpm; Gearbox: four speed manual with synchromesh; Suspension: front, independent coil springs, rear, semi-elliptic leaf springs; Brakes: drums all round. Right hand drive.

The A40 range, introduced in 1947, were the first Austins of entirely post-War design to emerge from Longbridge. The styling was based upon early 1940s Americana and the range offered practical (and even, briefly, sporting) coachwork variations under the guises of Dorset, Devon, Somerset, and then Cambridge models. By 1958 the model was well-established, and the next evolution, designed by Pininfarina, was a clever device; intended to replace the A35 as well as its now-defunct namesake, its tall estate-like rear end endowed the cabin with unprecedented space, not only pleasing passengers but also freeing a huge amount of usable luggage space. As such it is arguably the forefather of the modern generation of space-savers and hatchbacks. The 948cc engine was only three quarters of the size of the previous A40s' units, and yet the new car boasted quicker acceleration and comparable top speed while returning a far better fuel economy. A popular car in its day, the A40 Farina also enjoyed success in competition at the hands of Pat Moss, whose first outing in it in 1959's Monte Carlo Rally took her to the top of the Ladies Championship.

This example, first registered on 22nd September 1959, has retained its original black paintwork which is still in good condition. Unsurprisingly for a car with only 22,889 miles showing, its original red vinyl interior is also in good condition and shows little sign of wear even if, like all the cars offered here, it has obviously been in storage for some time. This car is sold with its V5 document.
storage for some time. This car is sold with its V5 document.