Austin A40 Sports
This is an unusual car in
that it was in the late 1940s that the design was first looked at.
Jensen Motor Co. of West Bromwich was looking for engines to power
its Interceptor range, Austin's Chairman Leonard Lord was
approached on supplying the 4 litre 'D' series. On viewing the
Interceptor, he was impressed by its styling, so decided to ask
Jensen to design a body that could use the A40 Devon mechanical
components.
After various styling exercises the A40 Sports was announced to the
public at the 1950s Motor Show. Although called a Sports car it
took the form of a four seater coupe. Power was from an up-rated
engine giving 50 hp an increase of 25% over the saloon by using
twin SU carburettors and modified cylinder head.
Although starting off with
a centre gear change, this was changed to the steering column, to
bring it in line with the saloon in autumn
1951.
The bodies were built by
Jensen and transported to Longbridge to have the mechanical parts
fitted.
Jensen publicity picture showing completed cars outside the Jensen
Works
It was hoped that the car
would find favour in export market, but in reality it did not
succeed. To try and improve sales, Alan Hess the PR chief took in
1951 a A40 Sports round the world (a large part of the journey been
spent in an aircraft) and ending back in London at the Festival of
Britain.
It covered approximately 10,000 land miles at an average of 440
miles per day over the three weeks, at an average fuel consumption
of 29 mpg.
A40 Sports at
the Festival of Britain
Hood Down
Hood
Up
Rear
View
Reasonable Boot
Space
Engine
Bay
Date when launched 1950
Discontinued in 1953
Total produced 4,011
Engine
1200 cc 50 bhp at 5,000 rpm Max torque 61lbs/ft at 3,000
rpm
Length 13ft 3.3ins Width
5ft 1ins Height 4ft 9ins
Wheelbase 7ft 8.5ins Track
front 4ft 0.5ins rear 4ft 1.5ins
Price ex Works
May 1951 £818 . . . May 1952 £913
May 1953 £831 Note the price reduction