• A low, original miles sporty Austin

• Complete with a full, stamped service book and extensive other paperwork

• Great, useable condition throughout

The catchily named BMC ADO16 (Amalgamated Drawing Office – project number 16) is an innovative, Mini based and Issigonis designed small family saloon launched in 1962 and produced until 1971. 

The ADO16 wore a dizzying number of BMC brand badges including Morris, MG, Riley, Vanden Plas, Wolseley and, as in this instance, Austin. The car was well received and went on to be the UK’s best-selling car between 1963 and 1966 and 1968 and 1971.

The 1300GT arrived in 1969 and wore both Austin and Morris badges. The car was directly aimed at the enthusiastic driver who still had commitments and needed the eminent practically the well-packaged ADO16 delivered.

The sports orientated include a revvy 1.3L A series engine from the MG Midget, “alloy effect” wheel trims and black vinyl roof. The interior gained extra gauges, most notably a rev counter, and a sporty 3 spoke drilled alloy steering wheel.

This sporty Austin has clearly led a well-cared for and lightly used life across five owners. The mileage is understood to be original and is miniscule for a car that turns 50 next year. A tiny 950 miles a year on average!

Originally supplied by Page Motors of Epsom in January 1973 the service book contains a handwritten note of the ownership of three of the five owners confirming that the original buyer kept the car until 2001 – a full 28 years!

The car comes with the UK V5 in the name of the current owner. There is also a wealth of other interesting paperwork including numerous invoices and MOT records, original handbook, and a certified copy of the factory records.

Probably most reassuringly, however, is the original Austin “passport to service” containing stamped service records covering the period up to 42,000 miles in 2002.

The interior appears very period correct indeed but in really excellent condition throughout. Seats are finished in a dark blue, perforated vinyl which feels very hard wearing. The carpets are black and present in an equally good condition.

The door cards and headlining are in great original condition and the interior of the ADO16 is surprisingly spacious and well packaged as you would expect from an Issigonis design.

The GT refinements are all in evidence here, namely the three-spoke, drilled alloy steering wheel, GT inscribed gear knob and three dial instrument binnacle.

The exterior of the 1300GT appears to have enjoyed a quality respray at some point in its history with both bodywork and paint presenting very well. The signature black vinyl roof is in good original condition and contrasts very well with the glacier white paintwork.

The numerous GT badges, “alloy look” wheel trims, black painted grill and twin driving lamps are all present and correct as you would expect from the GT range-topper. 

At the time of launch the 1300GT was praised for its revvy and eager 70bhp “A” series engine and the innovative “hydrolastic” suspension making this little saloon a very sporty steer by the standards of the time.

As you might expect from such a low mileage and well-maintained car, the current owner attests to all mechanical systems working as you would expect and making the car a very enjoyable driver. During our visit on a cold and wet January morning the car started on the first turn of the key and revved and idled cleanly.

The ADO16 was the UK’s best-selling car for a reason. It was a great driving, spacious and reliable family car using trusted mechanicals and design features from the Mini but in a more practical body. The wide track and low centre of gravity made for a surprisingly enjoyable drive, even in the mild base models.

Factor into that winning recipe a peppy 70bhp engine, subtly modified aesthetics and sporty interior refinements and you had quite a package. One road-tester of the time describing the car as “like an exuberant puppy – eager, straining at the leash.”

The stock of these little cars is on the rise for certain. They represent a true practical classic and a great entrée into classic car ownership at modest cost. This car is in great condition, has an impeccable provenance and is ready for its next owner to use and enjoy.