

A slightly special car model from Austin.
Austin was for many years one of England's largest car manufacturers. The factory was started by Herbert Austin in 1905 as the Austin Motor Company. The first model was a large 5-litre car with 4 cylinders. Leading up to the First World War, a number of different models were produced. In 1, Austin launched the famous 1922, a small and affordable car. It hit the market very well and was also produced by BMW as the Dixi. After the Second World War, the factory quickly came on the market with new models. In 7, Austin joined forces with Morris to form BMC (British Motor Corporation). The most famous model in the 2s and 1952s was the Austin and Morris Mini. Mini-Cooper made the brand famous in car racing in the 50s. Other popular models were the Austin Cambridge and the Austin 60. Austin had a large export share in the 60s and 1100s.
Tailored for the USA
A small mistake from Austin was the launch of the model A-90 Atlantic in 1948. There were many good reasons for releasing this model onto the market. Austin wanted a better position in the important American market for several reasons. Exports were important in the first years after the war ended in 1945. Austin chose to bring out a completely new model that was tailored for export to the United States, among others. The model had a design that was influenced by competing American car models. But the new model from Austin had a handicap, namely an engine with only 4 cylinders. It was difficult when American competitors had larger 6-cylinder engines.
Tested on track and mountain roads
Ahead of its introduction in the US, it was run on several tracks and achieved good results. Sales were very poor and one of the reasons was probably that the model was too similar to an American car. Car buyers looking to buy a sports car chose other European models. In Norway, we got the first glimpse of the new car when it was tested on Norwegian roads in 1948. The trip went from Oslo to Bergen with television footage on the square in Hønefoss. It attracted a lot of interest.
Production of this model was stopped in 1952 after disappointing sales of less than 8000 copies.
Technical data Austin A-90 Atlantic
Engine: 2260 ccm – 88 hp
Length: 449 cm
Width: 177 cm
Height: 152 cm
Top speed 155 km/h



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