Descrizione
HERE is my 1958 Austin A55 Cambridge in absolutely outstanding condition throughout! In many ways, this particular BMC offering became the 1950s "lost model". Launched in early 1957, it had been discontinued by December 1958 thanks to the company's burning desire to get an early handle on sixties-style motoring. Hence the arrival at the time of the Farina model. That was launched as the Austin A55 Cambridge Mark II, so making this beautiful creation - retrospectively - the Mark 1. As much as I admired those early high rear fin Farinas as a young child, as a car-mad kid I always thought that this Cambridge was ditched way too early. It had not long replaced the A50 with its ageing "cows hips" low slung back end. And its arrival on the motoring scene was greeted with much aplomb as I have recalled by reading a February 27, 1957 edition of The Motor magazine!
Just take a look at the design. Those swooping lines and the abundance of chrome work. This was British car design and manufacture at its best. Even though hindsight may well be a wonderful thing, the model was so short-lived because the powers that were at the time deemed the "look" to be too old fashioned! Still, if we were not driven by retro, we would not even be writing or reading such classic car adverts. So there you have it. Possibly some may have thought the A55 Cambridge to be a somewhat staple diet of the British motor scene when there were far more lavish - and expensive - makes out there such as Jaguar, Rover, Riley, Alvis and MG. Yes, we still made classy cars in those days. Well, maybe. But this was an economical and affordable mid-range family classic and oh boy did it look the part!
This delightful old girl has had just 2 OWNERS IN ITS 60-YEAR-HISTORY. And, as if by perfect symmetry, each of them kept her for 30 years!
This is what highly original classics are all about. Not taken down to the bare bone and rebuilt. And, no doubt, because quite simply it was never needed. A rock solid example, great underneath and a super and responsive driver fitted with the rare factory option of floor change as opposed to the standard column shift. There's a few minor and inevitable imperfections here and there but nothing of any real consequence in my opinion. I will point out two things which drew my attention as I always like to describe my antique vehicles as comprehensively as possible. There is a scratch on the nearside rear door beneath the chrome line which would be the easiest of fixes should you feel the need and the two front seat bases sag somewhat (I know that's the case in many classics!) and would probably benefit from some fresh foam rubber after 60 years! The carpets are the originals and therefore showing their age. Shabby-chic Isn't that the modern day terminology? The red leather itself, by the way, is just lovely and nicely worn. You would not re-upholster. Comes complete with original starting handle that you actually need to gain access to the spare wheel housed beneath the boot floor.
As I mention earlier, the A55 Mark 1 is a mega rare sight now, even on showgrounds. So go on. Treat yourself to this true 1950s sleek and stylish saloon.
Original registration too plus stacks of old MoTs showing less than 10, 000 miles covered in the past 30 years (half the car's lifetime) and so I would expect the mileage of 88, 000 to be correct.
Remember that these old girls are motoring antiques. Practically every one of them will have been subjected to work at some time in their long lives and they are bound to need more love and attention in the future. Context is all with classic cars. Please do not run your finger over them and compare them to your wife's new Chelsea tractor!
I accept all major debit/ credit cards and can also assist with delivery and so please ask for a quote. Thanks, Martin the details below).
