Austin Cambridge A40 - A50

In 1954 the A40 - A50 Cambridge arrived on the the scene, this was a total change in body design compared to the Somerset which was very bulbous. The main difference was that this was a chassis-less model, its very square front housed a new radiator grill and sunken headlamps. One of the plus points that the new body styling gave was a generous boot although the opening was marred by the high sill. Access was also good through a wide bonnet to the new 'B' engine which was available as a 1200 cc for the A40 and 1500 cc for the A50. Both engines were married to a new 4 speed gearbox, but it still retained the steering column change. A Borg-Warner overdrive was available in 1956, and in 1958 you could specify a floor gear change for he manual box. An option that became available late 1956 was called 'Manumatic' which gave two pedal control in that there was no longer a clutch pedal. This was quite innovative at the time as it was fitted with a special clutch that from memory was made by Smiths Industries. When you went to change gear using the floor mounted gear lever, on holding the gear change knob, a micro switch would complete the electrical circuit and the clutch would disengage. The problem was that drivers would tend to rest their left hand on the gear knob thus disengaging the clutch, not a good idea. Suspension was very similar to the Somerset but using improved lever-arm dampers which gave a better ride and had a much longer life. Also available for the first time on such a small engine car, was an overdrive which operated on second, third and top.



Austin-A4050-Cambridge-B adv

Austin Cambridge A40 2dr & 4dr A50 4dr

Date when launched 1954
A40-A50 4dr were discontinued in 1957
Total produced A40 30,666 A50 114,867

Engine

A40 1200 cc 42 bhp at 4,500 rpm Max torque 58 lbs/ft at 2400 rpm
A50 1500 cc 47 bhp at 4,100 rpm Max torque 74 lbs/ft at 2100 rpm

Main measurements
Length 13ft 6.3ins Width 5ft 1.5ins Height 5ft 1.5ins
Wheel Base 8ft 3.3ins Track Front 4ft 0.5ins Rear 4ft 1ins

Price ex Works
Nov 1955 A50 £718

Jan 1956 A40 £748 A50 £763

If you own a A40 - A50 Cambridge please send me pictures and a short history on the vehicle so that I may add it to this page.