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