Austin: A90 Atlantic
Note: This is a sub-section of Austin
Produced from 1948 to 1952. There were 7,981 made.
The Austin A.90 Atlantic Convertible, based on the chassis of the A70 Hampshire, is a car of striking appearance. The design of the bodywork obviously owes something to American influence, but this is a concession to Britain's export requirements rather than imitation.
However, the A.90 Atlantic is notable for the fact that it is one of the few British cars to have a maximum speed of more than 90 m.p.h. and to sell for less than £800 — a very rare combination.
There are three versions of the A.90, the least expensive being the model equipped with a hand-operated hood. The power-operated hood is supplied for an extra £30, while a sports saloon model, with a full-width rear window of curved glass, is priced at £695 (plus Purchase Tax). The latter model is illustrated in the drawing.
The colours in which the A.90 can be finished include Ensign red, Ming blue, cream and sea foam green.
ENGINE. Type: 2.5-litre. Cylinders: 4. Bore X Stroke: 87.3 mm. X 111.1 mm. Compression ratio: 7.5 to 1. Maximum b.h.p.: 88 at 4,000 r.p.m.
PERFORMANCE. Maximum speed in excess of 90 m.p.h.
DIMENSIONS. Length: 14 ft. 9.125 ins. Height: 5 ft. Width: 5 ft. 10 ins. Wheelbase: 8 ft. Track: 4 ft. 5.125 ins. (front) 4 ft. 7.5 ins. (rear). Weight: 2,828 lbs. Fuel capacity: 12.5 gallons. Tyre size: 5.50 X 16.
BRAKES. Girling Hydraulic and mechanical.
PRICE. £615 plus £171.11.8 Purchase Tax. Total: £786.11.8.
The above details are for the A.90 two-door Convertible, with hand-operated head. The A.90 is also available with a power-operated head and as a sports saloon.
See Also
Sources of Information
- British Motor Cars 1950/51
- [1] Wikipedia