Austin 18-22 Series

Following on from the acclaimed 1800/2200 "landcrab" cars, British Leyland launched another technologically brilliant range of cars,

the 18-22 Series. These cars are known better by their later, collective marque name, "Princess", however in a typical BL marketing blunder the 18-22 series were initially available in Austin, Morris and Wolsely versions.

The 18-22 had a unique bodystyle that appeared to be very modern, now referred to as the "wedge" shape. With its low front and high back, complete with a rear window which sloped down to the bootlid, the car looked like a hatchback, but it had a conventional boot!, the hatchback only appeared in the cars last years of its life.

Mechanically the 18-22 cars used the same front wheel drive1800/2200 engines as in the last range, suspension was now "Hydragas" giving it a good quality ride similar to other BL cars of the period. Basically the 18-22/Princess range was let down by poor marketing, build quality and the parent companies (British Leyland) image.

Production of the original 18-22 range lasted one year, the model survived into the early 1980's as the Austin Ambassador.