Austin A40 Somerset Saloon
The A40 Somerset was announced in 1952 basically a re-bodied A40 Devon using the same basic mechanical components. Its appearance carried over the rather bulbous but smaller version of the A70 Hereford. Although it had a slightly more powerful engine than the Devon, it was still under-powered if fully loaded. For seven pounds you could have a sliding roof as a factory option.
The 2 Millionth car produced at the Longbridge plant was a A40 Somerset.
In 1954 the range was dropped, to be replaced by the all new square look of the A40/50 Cambridge
Engine 1200cc OHV ‘B’ series
Four speed gearbox
Austin A40 Somerset Saloon
A40 Somerset Chassis
A40 Somerset Interior
A40 Somerset Facia
Boot space is increased in this position
Date when launched 1952 Discontinued in 1954
Total produced 166,063 Saloons & 7,243 Coupe
Engine
1200 cc 42 bhp at 4,500 rpm Max torque 58lbs/ft at 2,400 rpm
Length 13ft 3.5ins Width 5ft 3ins Height 5ft 4ins
Wheelbase 7ft 8.5ins Track front 4ft 0.1ins rear 4ft 2ins
Price ex Works
April 1952 £727 Nov 1953 £637
2 Millionth car coming off the line CAB1
26 November 1953
A40 Somerset Coupe
A40 Coupe with the Hood Up
Chassis showing the body mounting points
Austin A40 Somerset Coupe 2 dr
It was in September 1952 that the Coupe version was announced. This was a two door version so as to give the body more strength. Although assembled at Longbridge the body was actually built by Carbodies of Coventry. The Hood could be positioned in closed, fully down or the front part could be rolled back to the 'B' post in the "de Ville' position.
At the 1953 Motor Show both the saloon and coupe had minor revisions along with a price reduction of £25.
Date when launched Sept 1952 Discontinued in 1954
Total produced 7,243
Engine
1200 cc 42 bhp at 4,500 rpm Max torque 58lbs/ft at 2400 rpm
Length 13ft 3.5ins Width 5ft 3ins Height 5ft 2.5ins
Wheelbase 7ft 8.5ins Track front 4ft 0.1ins rear 4ft 2ins
Price ex Works
Oct 1952 £774 Nov 1953 £679