A40 Devon & Dorset
A40 Dorset
A40 Devon
Facia
ENGINE
The A40 Devon and Dorset were the first new models to be produced after the war in 1947, replacing two models the Eight and Ten. It also herald the launching of the all new 1200cc over-head engine, which became known as the 'B' series. This engine continued in numerous forms with a final engine capacity of 1798cc into the mid 1970s. A diesel version of 1,498 & 1,798cc were also made. In the 50-60s Austin used the Prefix A40 on a number of different models, which signified the approximate horse power of the engine.
4-Speed Gearbox
A40 Devon Wooden Mock-up
The pressings for the Dorset and Devon where produced in West Work. Bodies were then built up. Painted and fully trimmed before being taken by works transport over the road to South Works, where the mechanical components were fitted.
Body Welding Line West Works
Outside North Works on route to South Works
Waiting for Final Despatch to customers
Austin A40 Dorset 2dr Saloon & Devon 4dr Saloon
Date when launched 1947 Dorset was discontinued in 1948 with the Devon in 1952
Total produced Dorset 15,939 Devon 273,958
Engine 1200 cc 40 bhp at 4,300 rpm Max torque 59lbs/ft at 2,200 rpm
Length 12ft 9.3ins Width 5ft 1ins Height 5ft 5.8ins
Wheelbase 7ft 8.5ins Track front 4ft 0.5ins rear 4ft 1.5ins
Price ex Works standard colour
Sept 1948 Dorset £428 Devon fixed head £463 sliding head £467 Heater £8 Radio £32
May 1951 Devon £654
Colours in 1948: Portland Grey with Beige upholstery and Fawn carpets.
. . . . . . . .. . . . . . Blue with Brown upholstery and Brown carpets.
. . . . . . . . .. . . . . Mist Green with Beige upholstery and Fawn carpets.
. . . . . . . . .''. . . . Black with Brown upholstery and Brown carpets.
. . . . . .. . . . '. . . .Brown with Brown upholstery and Brown carpets
Austin A40 Countryman
Date when launched 1948 Discontinued in 1956
Total produced 26,587
Engine
1200 cc 42 bhp at 4,500 rpm Max torque 58lbs/ft at 2,400 rpm
Length 13ft 4ins Width 5ft 4.5ins Height 6ft 1.5ins
Wheelbase 7ft 8.5ins Track front 4ft 0.8ins rear 4ft 2.8ins
Price ex Works standard colour
Sept 1948 £531 1952 £804 Nov 1952 £712
May 1953 £732
A40 10cwt Van
Date when launched 1948 Discontinued in 1956
Total produced 78,242
Engine
1200 cc 40 bhp at 4,300 rpm Max torque 59lbs/ft at 2,200 rpm
Length 13ft 3.4ins Width 5ft 4.5ins Height 6ft 1.5ins
Wheelbase 7ft 8.5ins Track front 4ft 0.7ins rear 4ft 2.7ins
Price ex Works standard colour May 1953 £487
Austin A40 Pick-Up
Date when launched 1948 Discontinued finished in 1956
Total produced 61,818
Engine
1200 cc 40 bhp at 4,300 rpm Max torque 59lbs/ft at 2,200 rpm
Length 13ft 4ins Width 5ft 1.5ins Height 5ft 6.7ins
Wheelbase 7ft 8.5ins Track front 4ft 0.7ins rear 4ft 2.7ins
Price ex Works standard colour (May 1953) £487
Austin A40 Devon Road Test Sept 1948
The entirely new,cars now coming off the production lines of British motor factories are radically different from their predecessors, not only in appearance but in their performance on the road.
As the first of these models to go into quantity production, the Austin A40 will be regarded as a yardstick by which others will be judged, and a three-day road test of a car that had already covered 10,000 miles showed that it would be difficult to improve on it. Its out standing quality is its willingness to run smoothly at a cruising speed consistently higher than the size of its engine (1200cc) would lead one to expect. Unless restraint is exercized, the car will tend to maintain 60 mph. instead of the 50 mph. that would be more reasonable, and this eagerness for hard work might invite abuse in insensitive hands. The maximum speed is about 70 mph. The top gear ratio of 5.43 to 1 enables the driver to accelerate briskly and climb main road hills without using the gear lever, which is mounted on the floor. Old Dashwood Hill was climbed in 38 seconds from a standing start.
This liveliness is largely due to the ratio of 40 bhp. to 20cwt. unladen weight. (The previous Austin 12 which had a bigger engine developing the same power, weights 24cwt.) In spite of being driven hard, the A40 covered nearly 30miles to a gallon of petrol. The springing incorporates independent front suspension by coil springs, and gives a level ride that will surprise those accustomed to pre-war car. The cam-and4ever steering is light but firm at high speed, and the brakes are strong and free from pull.
The makers have wisely decided against sacrificing roominess to streamlining of the body, which is brightly finished inside and out. The Austin can only be criticized in minor details-the hooter is heard loudly inside the saloon, the clutch of the car tested was inclined to drag, and the driver notices a draught when the window is lowered an inch or so for ventilation.