Highlights
- Very well presented
- Three owners from new
- In current ownership for 11 years
The Appeal
As one of Austin's post-war ‘Countries’ cars, the A40 Somerset was the final evolution of the series, having first appeared in 1952. Utilising the sea chassis and running gear as the earlier cars, it was finished off with a well-made stylish body, with independent front suspension, well-proven durable mechanics and despite its short two-year production run, became a good seller. Powered by a B-Series 1.2-litre engine mated to a column-mounted 4-speed gearbox, the graceful distinctive lines betray the modest handling and power, but the spacious interior and deeply cushioned leather seats offered a comparatively lavish and comfy experience.
Believed to be one of the Austin ‘Coronation cars’ as it was built in 1953, this A40 Somerset was believed to have originally finished in Buckingham Green but has seen a paint spruce up in the intervening years. It has been kept in a garage and only used on light local journeys during its 11 years of current ownership. It comes with its original log book, as well as a current V5 and there are several files of fascinating artefacts and documents over its 70-year history.
The History and Paperwork
- Current V5c states that it has only seen 3 previous keepers
- Believed to have seen some paintwork in 2011
- Original service manual and log book
- Former club car with documentation
- Several folders full of articles and past invoices
- MOT and Tax exempt
- Last MOT in 2013
- Covered less than 1000 miles in the last 10 years
- Selling due to lack of use
The Interior
- Austere but charming facia has a sheen of a not-unpleasant patina
- Minimal creature comforts, but has a heater and battery kill switch
- Dials are all legible and said to be functional
- Typical evidence of age-related wear on controls but free of significant damage
- The steering wheel appears to be original and has survived well
- New headlining fitted by specialist
- Leather seats show age-related wear but are generally presentable
- Original door cards in good shape
- Minor water ingress noted on drivers footwell but cabin appears to be dry
- Fitted with makeshift mats, placed on top of what appears to be its original rubber coverings
- The boot shows no evidence of dampness
- Boot metal in line with the age of the car, solid with patches of surface marks
- A number of tools are included
- Fire extinguisher installed
The Exterior
- Body structure in generally good shape with minor signs of surface blemishes noted on lower panels
- Very little in terms of dents or day-to-day damage
- The chassis, engine bay, inner wings and floor pan appear to be solid
- The paint is generally in good shape, with signs of orange peel in places
- Some observations of minor overspray on glass rubbers
- Doors open and close with ease
- Good rubber seals and glass
- Chrome bumpers, side trim and door handles are decent
- Typical age-rated wear noted on the other chrome embellishments
- Lights, lenses and blue spotlights are in good order
- Orange indicators and reverse light fitted
- Well-painted wheels and decent chrome hub caps but the tyres do show advanced signs of age
- Tow bar fitted but not used in current ownership
The Mechanics
- 1.2-litre B-Series engine starts instantly
- No unwanted exhaust smoke
- Idles sweetly with no concerning noises
- No issues were said to affect the gearing or clutch
- Brakes are said to work well in relation to the age of the car
- No reports of mechanical issues
- Ancillaries and hoses appear to be in good shape
- An oil filter adapter kit appears to have been fitted
- Recent battery
- The Waterpump has been renewed
- Regularly maintained
- Light surface corrosion noted on suspension components and exhaust pipe
Summary
1950’s British nostalgia doesn’t get more authentic than this. The rugged B-Series engine is well proven to be straightforward to maintain and service and being an Austin, there is plenty of advice and help from dozens of clubs. Offering character in droves, the swish body with distinctive body jewellery and surprisingly practical design of the Austin places it as a well-priced option for those who enjoy the simple yet stylish things in life.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
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