The Austin A40 Farina was the first Austin to have its body designed by the Italian stylist Pininfarina. This car was launched in 1958 as a 2 door saloon or 3 door countryman. The running gear and drive train basically came straight from the earlier Austin A35. The Countryman was one of the first British hatchbacks, as the boot lid hinged down, and the rear window up giving unhindered access to the load area which was quite capacious - especially in the mark 2 cars which came in 1961, as the rear seat folded flat into the rear footwell. Other improvements that came with the mark 2 Austin A40 were a longer wheelbase which gave more legroom to rear passengers, and a larger engine. This was to be the last rear wheel drive car that Austin produced. The A40 Farina was discontinued in November 1967.
Specifications |
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Model |
A40 Mk I |
A40 Mk II |
Years Produced |
1958-1961 |
1961-1967 |
Body Type |
2 door saloon or 3 door Countryman |
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Length |
12ft 0 in |
12ft 1 in |
Width |
4ft 11in |
4ft 11in |
Weight |
1680lb |
1792lb |
Engine |
948cc 4 cylinder inline |
1098cc 4 cylinder inline |
Power |
34 bhp @ 4750 rpm |
48 bhp @ 5100 rpm |
Torque |
50lb ft @ 2000 rpm |
60lb ft @ 2500 rpm |
Gearbox |
4 speed manual |
4 speed manual |
Driven Wheels |
Rear |
Rear |
Brakes |
Hydro-mechanically operated drum |
Hydraulically operated drum |
Front Suspension |
Coil & Wishbone |
Coil & Wishbone |
Rear Suspension |
Coil spring, live axle |
Coil spring, live axle |
Performance |
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Model |
A40 Mk I |
A40 Mk II |
Top Speed |
73 mph |
82 mph |
0-60 mph |
35.6 seconds |
23.9 seconds |
Fuel Consumption |
38 mpg |
31 mpg |
Useful Links |
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