Austin A105
There is always confusion on the A105 range because there are
two main versions. The first was based on the A90 Westminster in
1956, with the next version coming out in 1957 based on the A95
Westminster, which was also available as a Vanden
Plas.
A105 (A90
version)
It was in 1956 that BMC decided to
introduce a more sporting version of the A90 Westminster. The
engine output was increased from 85bhp to 102bhp, with the torque
increasing from 130lb/ft to 141lb\ft. This was achieved by
replacing the downdraught Zenith carburettor for twin SU
carburettor on a new gallery type manifold.
A105 Engine and
Gearbox
A Borg-Warner overdrive was standard that operated on third and top
gear, but not on second which was the case in the A90
version.
To help the ride and handling the
suspension was lowered just one inch. The general level of trim was
greatly improved with reduced noise levels, It was available with
special paint schemes, one very visual item was the white wall
tyres with full wheel trims. As standard it had wing mirrors along
with a fog and spot lamps attached by the bumper over-riders.
Austin A105 (A90
version)
Date when launched May 1956
Discontinued in Oct 1956
Engine
2,6339 cc 102 bhp at 4,500
rpm Max torque 142lbs/ft at 2,000 rpm
Length 15ft 2.3ins Width 5ft 4ins Height 5ft 3.8ins
Wheelbase 8ft 7.8ins Track front 4ft 3.5ins rear 4ft
3.3ins
A105 (A95
version)
In October 1956 the revised version was
announced, based on the A95. This to had special paint schemes,
along with white wall tyres and full wheel trims. It had fog and
spot lamps close to the bumper but the wing mirrors had now been
dropped.
Austin A105 (A95
version)
Date when launched Oct 1956
Discontinued in 1959
Engine
2,639 cc 102 bhp at 4,600 rpm Max torque 142 lbs/ft at 2,400
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
January 1957 De-Luxe £1043
Automatic £172 Radio £39
Total produced for both
versions 6,770
Austin A105 Vanden
Plas
Sir Leonard Lord BMC's
chairman asked Vanden Plas if it would make a one off version of
the A105 (A95 version) for his own personal transport. He was so
pleased with the result that he gave he company an order for
500.
So Longbridge produced the cars less facia and interior trim. It
differed externally with special paint options along with side
flashes and badges.
They were transported to the Vanden Plas works in Kingsbury London,
where the walnut facia along with door cappings were fitted. The
leather seats along with thick pile carpets and wool cloth
headlining gave the interior an air of opulence.
You had the option of either a steering column or centre floor gear
change. The Borg Warner overdrive was standard, but automatic
transmission could be ordered.
Date when launched
1958
Discontinued in 1959
Total produced 500
Engine
2,639 cc 102 bhp at 4,600 rpm Max torque 142 lbs/ft at 2,400
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