1961 Austin A55

The debut of the Austin A55 Cambridge Mk. II marked the British Motor Corporation’s embracing of a policy of badge-engineering; it was the second of their five-car 1½ litre ‘Farina’ range. The Cambridge was a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive saloon available as either a four-door saloon or an estate car, both seating five. The A55 was superseded in 1961 by the more powerful A60, which was built until 1969.

When the Austin A55 Cambridge Mk. II replaced the A55 Mk. I (q.v.) in early 1959, its flamboyant Pininfarina styling with its exaggerated tail fins represented a major change of image for the Austin marque. Beneath this rather exuberant exterior were all-round drum brakes and independent front coil springs and wishbones with rear semi-elliptic leaf springs. There was a choice of floor or steering column gear lever, the former being the more popular.

Autumn 1960 saw the introduction of the versatile Countryman estate, which featured a horizontally divided tailgate and in August 1961 the A60 replaced the A55 Mk. II. The updated Cambridge had a wider track, a longer wheelbase, less prominent tail fins, and a new radiator grille while the B-series was enlarged, the front and rear axles now had anti-roll bars. Borg Warner automatic transmission was now an optional extra; the manual box was still available with either a floor or a column change. Austin A60 production finally ceased in 1969.

The Austin A55 Cambridge Mk. II was fitted with a 1,489cc S4 OHV engine and the A60 with a 1,622cc S4 OHV unit. Both engines had single SU carburettors and were married to a four-speed transmission, with no synchromesh on bottom gear. The A60 was also available with three-speed automatic transmission and with a 1,489cc S4 OHV diesel engine with a CAV carburettor.

The understeer and body roll, especially on the A55 Mk. II makes it evident that the Cambridge has no pretensions to being a sports saloon but as capacious and mechanically straightforward transport, the range has considerable charm. The A60 saloon is believed to be the easiest version to find and a well maintained A60 Countryman is a very practical classic car. The Diesel, with its 66-mph top speed, is a very rare car in the UK and few examples of the A55 Mk. II Countryman are still on the road.

The bodies are notoriously rust prone and special attention should be paid to the rear arches, rear spring hangers, the inner and outer sills, front floorplans and outriggers, the A-pillars and the front wings. Chrome trim can be difficult to locate although new front wings can be found. Sourcing good decent quality door trims can be difficult although the mechanical parts are easier to find and maintain. One well-known Farina weak point is the 2nd gear synchromesh and fitting electronic ignition is a popular upgrade. There is a thriving owners’ club - http://www.co-oc.org/home.

The Austin A55 Mk. II and the Austin A60 Cambridge were mirrored in the BMC hierarchy by the slightly better appointed but otherwise badge-engineered Morris Oxford Series V & VI. Within the same automotive family, the Wolseley 15/60 & 16/60 had the same running gear with a better-appointed interior while the MG Magnette Mk. III and Mk. IV and Riley 4/68 & 4/72 boasted extra power. Other alternatives include the Ford Consul Mk. II, the Ford Consul Classic saloon, the Hillman Super Minx, the Standard Ensign Mk. I & Mk. II and the Vauxhall F-Type, FB and FC Victor.