1967 Austin 3-Litre

The Austin 3 Litre was a four-door, five-seat, front-engine, rear-wheel-drive saloon that combined the central hull and doors of the front-wheel-drive Austin 1800 ‘Landcrab’ with a larger boot and a six-cylinder, seven-bearing engine that was also found - albeit with a higher compression ratio and a slightly modified camshaft - in the MGC. The 3 Litre was sold from 1967 to 1971.

September 1967 saw the official announcement of the Austin 3 Litre but full production commenced in January of the following year, by which time the original square headlamps had been replaced by four round units. October 1968 saw a minor facelift as the ‘Austin 3 Litre De Luxe’; the front windows were fitted with quarter lights and there was improved sound-deadening, better seating and cloth in place of vinyl headlining although Ambla replaced the earlier model’s leather upholstery.

The Austin’s body was of unitary construction, its power-assisted steering was by rack-and-pinion steering, the all-independent Hydrolastic fluid suspension boasted hydraulic self-levelling at the rear and braking was via servo front discs and rear drums. The last 200 models had a full MGC-spec engine which offered a slight increase in power. Sales were slow and not aided by the cheaper in-house rival of the Wolseley 18/85S which offered similar performance to the Austin but more cabin room as it lacked a large transmission tunnel. Production of the 3 Litre finally ceased in April 1971.

Power for the Austin 3 Litre was from a 2,912cc OHV S6 engine with twin SU carburettors. The standard transmission was a four-speed all-synchromesh box, controlled by a floor-mounted lever, with optional Laycock de Normanville two-speed overdrive or Borg Warner Model 35 three-speed automatic gears.

For many years, the Austin 3 Litre was a neglected car with many being scrapped to have their engines used in the MGC or banger raced. Today, the combination of spaciousness, a remarkably smooth ride – it pitches less than the Landcrab - and understated dignity has earned the big Austin a very strong following.

Potential buyers should inspect the inner sills, front and inner wings, the front and rear valences and the floor for signs of corrosion. Front suspension displacers, replacement vinyl upholstery and the brake discs and drums can be difficult to obtain.

Alternatives to the Austin 3 Litre include the Ford Zodiac/Executive Mk IV, the PC-Series Vauxhall Cresta/Viscount and the more upmarket Rover P5B 3.5 Litre saloon.