14/01/2022
The Austin Cambridge holds a special place in the hearts of many, particularly those who recall its heyday on British roads. This versatile and robust vehicle, produced by Austin, became a familiar sight, especially favoured by taxi drivers for its reliability and practicality. From its initial conception to its later iterations, the Cambridge evolved, leaving a significant mark on automotive history.
The Genesis of the Cambridge: A40 Model
The story of the Austin Cambridge begins with the A40 Cambridge, introduced to the market between 1954 and 1956. This model was powered by a 1.2-litre straight-four pushrod engine, a descendant of the unit found in the Austin Somerset. Boasting 42 bhp, it was paired with a four-speed gearbox, operated by a column-mounted lever. While initially planned to be available as both a two-door and a four-door saloon, only the four-door variant made it into production. The A40 Cambridge, though short-lived in its original form, laid the groundwork for future iterations. A total of 30,666 A40 Cambridge models were produced. It's worth noting that after the A40 Cambridge was discontinued in early 1957, the A40 name was later repurposed for the smaller A40 Farina, a completely different vehicle.
Evolution and Popularity: The A60 Cambridge
The Austin Cambridge truly cemented its reputation with the introduction of the A60 model in October 1961. This was a significant upgrade, featuring a new 1.6-litre version of the B-Series straight-four engine, the same unit that powered the MGA. This engine delivered a healthy 61 hp at 4500 rpm. The A60 Cambridge also sported updated styling, including chrome side stripes and a reduction in the rear wing fins, maintaining the distinctive "Farina" body style. The chassis was also subtly improved, with a longer wheelbase and wider track than its predecessor, the A55, allowing for more comfortable seating for three passengers in the rear. Enhancements to the suspension, with anti-roll bars added to both the front and rear, further improved its handling.
Key Features and Variants of the A60
The A60 Cambridge wasn't just about performance and styling; it also offered practical variants and desirable options. An estate version, known as the Countryman, was available with the petrol engine, catering to those needing more cargo space. From 1966 onwards, the A60 could be equipped with a range of optional extras, including a more potent dual-carburettor version designed to compete with the increasing number of European and Japanese imports.
A significant development for the A60 was the introduction of a diesel version. Initially offered for export cars in 1961, it became available in the UK from 1962. This 1.5-litre diesel engine, with 40 hp, was particularly popular with taxi drivers due to its economy and durability, though its top speed was limited to 110 km/h (68 mph). Early manual models featured the convenience of a column gear change. For those seeking a more relaxed driving experience, the Borg Warner Type 35 three-speed automatic transmission was an option, a pioneering feature for a British car at the time, with the selector conveniently located on the steering column.
Production Numbers and Legacy
The Austin Cambridge A60 enjoyed considerable success, with a remarkable 276,534 units produced between 1961 and 1969. This high production volume underscores its popularity and widespread adoption. The car's intended successor, the front-wheel-drive Austin 1800 launched in 1964, did not significantly impact Cambridge sales, leading to its continued production until 1969 at the Morris plant in Cowley. The production line was eventually taken over by the Austin Maxi. The Morris Oxford version, closely related to the A60, continued production until 1971, when it was superseded by the Morris Marina.
Performance and Market Reception
When tested by The Motor magazine in 1961, both the manual and automatic versions of the A60 Cambridge demonstrated respectable performance for their era. The manual version achieved a top speed of 80.4 mph (129.4 km/h) and could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 19.8 seconds, with a touring fuel consumption of 25.1 miles per imperial gallon. The automatic variant was slightly slower, with a top speed of 77.9 mph (125.4 km/h) and a 0-60 mph time of 24.9 seconds, but offered better fuel economy at 28.9 miles per imperial gallon. The price difference reflected these variations, with the manual car costing £883 and the automatic £982, including taxes.
Where to Find an Austin Cambridge Today
For enthusiasts looking to acquire a piece of automotive history, finding an Austin Cambridge today typically involves searching through specialist classic car dealers, online auction sites, and dedicated classic car marketplaces. Subscribing to newsletters from these sources can provide notifications of new listings and upcoming auctions, increasing your chances of finding a well-maintained example. The rarity of certain models and their condition will influence their availability and price.
Comparative Overview of Cambridge Models
To understand the evolution of the Austin Cambridge, a brief comparison of its key models is helpful:
| Model | Production Years | Engine | Production Figures |
|---|---|---|---|
| A40 Cambridge | 1954–1956 | 1.2 L Straight-4 | 30,666 |
| A60 Cambridge | 1961–1969 | 1.6 L B-Series I4 / 1.5 L Diesel I4 | 276,534 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many Austin Cambridge A60 cars were made?
A: A total of 276,534 Austin Cambridge A60 models were produced.
Q: What year was the first Austin Cambridge made?
A: The first Austin Cambridge model, the A40, was produced from 1954 to 1956.
Q: Was the Austin Cambridge popular as a taxi?
A: Yes, the Austin Cambridge, particularly the A60 model with its diesel option, was very popular among taxi drivers in the UK and internationally due to its durability and running costs.
Q: What replaced the Austin Cambridge?
A: The Austin Cambridge A60 was effectively replaced by the Austin Maxi hatchback in April 1969. The related Morris Oxford continued until 1971, replaced by the Morris Marina.
The Austin Cambridge remains a testament to British automotive engineering of the mid-20th century. Its blend of practicality, comfort, and evolving design ensured its place as a beloved and enduring classic.
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