The Last Real Austins - 1946-1959

Features

• Focuses from the end of WWII right up to the introduction of the badge-engineered BMC vehicles
• Austin was the only manufacturer to build everything from small family cars to large luxury limousines; taxicabs and military vehicles; sports cars and trucks
• Includes details of how, when and where each model was used
• Big focus on export markets examining how well Austin fared in each
• Includes rare archive material with new colour action photography
Description

This new book examines how Austin bounced back after WWII, and how, despite the severe materials shortage, it managed to develop the largest range of vehicles produced by any automaker in postwar Britain. It examines how these vehicles were received and used in these markets, and is illustrated with rare archive photography depicting the weird, wonderful and the downright imaginative.

Synopsis

This book chronicles how Austin overcame the tough austerity period immediately after WWII and went on to design a comprehensive range of cars, sports cars, limousines, taxicabs, off-roaders, military vehicles, vans and trucks that has never been equalled by one single manufacturer.

In the immediate post-war years its modern and innovative range of cars, trucks and vans were forced to take on world markets as a result of the British Government’s “Export or die” mandate to help pay off massive war debts. At its peak, Austin was required to export 75% of production, resulting in long waiting lists for new vehicles on the home market. As a result, many of its impressive range of modern vehicles were to find customers in the four corners of the world, helping to establish Austin as one of the world’s best known auto makers at the time. This book chronicles each model and focuses on how and where it was used and received, and is illustrated with rare archive material and stunning new colour photography which will be appreciated by enthusiasts and restorers alike.
Additional Information

Models covered:
• Austin Tilly wartime truck • Austin 8,10,12 and 16 • A30 and A35 • A40 Devon and Dorset • A40 Somerset • A40 Sports • A40 Tourer • A40 Cambridge • A50 Cambridge • A55 Cambridge • A70 Hampshire • A70 Hereford • A90 Atlantic • A90 Westminster • A95 Westminster • A125 Sheerline • A135 Princess • Austin Champ • Austin Gipsy • Austin Healey • Austin Healey Sprite • Austin Leader • Austin FX3 and FX4 taxicabs

Plus:
• A40 Farina •A55 Farina Cambridge • A99 Farina Westminster

Plus:
• A35 trucks and vans • A40 trucks and vans • A70 trucks • K8 trucks and vans • J2 trucks and vans • FX3 trucks and vans • Assorted ambulances, fire trucks and hearses

48 colour & 41 b&w photographs