Austin A90
A 90
Westminster
The Austin A90 Westminster
was announced at the 1954 London Motor Show in October. This was
the replacement for the A70 Hereford, so we went from a very
rounded body to the complete opposite with the square look. It was
to become the larger brother of the already announced A40/50
Cambridge, with the high boot lid.
The body was of the
unit-construction type which gave the vehicle great strength
without the the need for a chassis. Although a bigger brother to
the A40/50 it still used the same doors, which reduced costs. The
rear lights were now positioned horizontally as shown below with
the spare wheel housed in a tray, that is lowered by means of the
starting handle.
Suspension at the front was also similar but was engineered to take
the higher loads imposed by the larger engine and body. To help
this, the model had a wider track and longer
wheelbase.
Facia
Interior
This was also the first
vehicle to have the all new Morris designed six cylinder 'C' series
engine which was built at Morris Engines in Coventry. Power was
only 85 bhp using a single downdraught Zenith carburettor. Also it
had an all new four speed gearbox, incorporating the latest
baulk-ring synchromesh for smooth gear changes. It had a steering
column gear change which did allow three people to sit in the
front.
A90 Engine and
Manual Gearbox
Saloon
Date when launched late
1954
Discontinued in 1956
Total produced 25,532
Engine
2,639 cc 85 bhp at 4,000 rpm Max torque 130 lbs/ft at 2,000
rpm
Main measurements
Length 14ft 2.3ins Width 5ft 4ins Height 5ft 3.8 ins
Wheelbase 8ft 7.8ins Track front 4ft 3.5ins rear 4ft 3.3ins
Price ex Works
De-Luxe Jan 1956 £883
Extras Overdrive £63 . Radio ,£39
Austin A95
Westminster
Under-bonnet
layout
A95 Rear
showing new lights and lower loading height
In September 1956 the A95
was announced which was available in both Saloon and Estate
versions. The main external changes to the previous model was that
the body was now longer at the rear, with the wings having a more
streamline look. The rear window became larger and curved round the
side, giving the driver improved rear vision. With a larger boot,
the lid now sloping down in a gentle curve to the bumper giving a
much lower loading platform. It also received new light clusters
incorporated into the rear wings. On the side the new twin
mouldings allowed two-tone body colours.
There were major changes at the front with a more striking grille
and surround which now included the indicator lights, it also had a
much larger bumper. The road wheels were now vented to aid cooling
to the brakes, along with different wheel trims.
The engine power was increased just 7bhp to 92bhp. On the
transmission front, Borg-Warner overdrive was still an option, but
now you could specify the Borg-Warner automation
transmission.
A95
Countryman
A estate version was announced at the same time in which the tail
gate was split horizontally, this allowed the lower half to drop
down to carry longer loads.
Saloon & Countryman
Date when launched late
1956
Discontinued in 1959
Total produced 28,065 (Saloon &
Countryman)
Engine
2,639 cc 92 bhp at 4,500 rpm Max torque 130 lbs/ft at 2,000
rpm
Main measurements
Length 15ft 0.8ins Width 5ft 4ins Height 5ft 2 ins
Wheelbase 8ft 9.8ins Track front 4ft 3.5ins rear 4ft 3.3ins
Price ex Works
Saloon
De-Luxe January 1957 £1043 incl £348 Purchase Tax
Extras Overdrive £63 Automatic £172 Radio £39
Estate
De-Luxe January 1957
£1216
Extras Automatic £172 . . Radio £39