Austin
A40 Sports
This
is an unusual car in that it was in the late 1940s that the design
was first looked at. Jensen Motor Co. of West Bromwich was looking
for engines to power its Interceptor range, Austin's Chairman
Leonard Lord was approached on supplying the 4 litre 'D' series. On
viewing the Interceptor, he was impressed by its styling, so
decided to ask Jensen to design a body that could use the A40 Devon
mechanical components.
After various styling exercises the A40 Sports was announced to the
public at the 1950s Motor Show. Although called a Sports car it
took the form of a four seater coupe. Power was from an up-rated
engine giving 50 hp an increase of 25% over the saloon by using
twin SU carburettors and modified cylinder head.
Although
starting off with a centre gear change, this was changed to the
steering column, to bring it in line with the saloon in autumn
1951.
The
bodies were built by Jensen and transported to Longbridge to have
the mechanical parts fitted.
Jensen publicity picture showing completed cars outside the Jensen
Works
It
was hoped that the car would find favour in export market, but in
reality it did not succeed. To try and improve sales, Alan Hess the
PR chief took in 1951 a A40 Sports round the world (a large part of
the journey been spent in an aircraft) and ending back in London at
the Festival of Britain.
It covered approximately 10,000 land miles at an average of 440
miles per day over the three weeks, at an average fuel consumption
of 29 mpg.
A40
Sports at the Festival of Britain
Hood
Down
Hood
Up
Rear
View
Reasonable
Boot Space
Engine
Bay
Date
when launched 1950 Discontinued in 1953
Total
produced 4,011
Engine
1200 cc 50 bhp at 5,000 rpm Max torque 61lbs/ft at 3,000
rpm
Length
13ft 3.3ins Width 5ft 1ins Height 4ft 9ins
Wheel
Base 7ft 8.5ins Track front 4ft 0.5ins rear 4ft 1.5ins
Price ex Works
May 1951 £818 .
. . May
1952 £913
May 1953 £831 Note the price reduction