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

1953 Austin A40 Somerset 277.JPG 4.15 MB

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.

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