Austin A90 Atlantic - A Brief History

Flamboyant, Americanised, Over the Top, all words that have been used to describe the Austin Atlantic. Whatever emotions this unique car evokes, you can be assured that once you driven one it will guarantee pleasure, a feeling of serenity, a rush of adrenalin at speed, and definitely turn heads wherever you go.

If you want something different, yet a practical classic car for reliable distance motoring, then you cannot go far wrong with an Atlantic.

Designed in 1947, built in and released in 1948, the A90 convertible was conceived to earn dollars, and the Austin Motor Co. had it sights set firmly on the US to get them. Initial reaction in the States was that of trepidation, a quirky British car, certainly different, but what is it? The price was too high, the engine was too small, only 4 cylinders of 2.6 litres, the Americans wanted 6 cylinders and lots of power in excess of their needs. The belief was that this was the only means of creating reliable, high mileage motoring on long distance freeways, with minimal mechanical problems.

On the UK market the car was seen as too excessive for British tastes, too big and too expensive, both to buy and to run. At 22 mpg, fuel rationing, and new cars in any event being limited to the privelaged, this brave new model was not off to a good start.

Along to the rescue came Alan Hess, the then PR man at Austin, and well known for his daring stunts in the interests of promoting Longbridge products. He conceived the idea of proving the worth of this new Austin, and took off for the racetrack at Indianapolis. With a standard production convertible finished in Seafoam green metallic paint, with biscuit coloured interior, he thrashed the course for 7 days and 7 nights continuously, with the aid of his fellow compatriots, Dennis Buckley, Charles Goodacre, and George Coates. Between them they shared the driving and kept the car going in, at times, horrendous weather.

The rewards were high, 63 speed and endurance records achieved, some in new categories, others `stolen' from their American holders. Most of them are today still unbroken.

Unfortunately over the coming months, sales were poor, and in an effort to gain wider appeal, a saloon was quickly conceived. On its release at the Earls Court show in September 1949, it stunned the public and critics alike. Bright paintwork - none of the average dullness here - and exotic interiors, the whole car was a sight to see and - if you were lucky enough to buy one - to be seen in. This was the executive saloon of its day, with all the gadgets and comfort you could want, with speed to impress.

For a year the convertible and saloon were produced in tangent, then afterwards the latter continued alone. In June 1952 the A90 Atlantic ceased production altogether. Shortly after, Austin merged with Morris, the British Motor Corporation was born, and new models came along to woo the public once again.

But one thing remains certain, the likes of the Austin A90 Atlantic were never to re-appear. It will always be unique, and will always have a special place in the history of British car production.

Today it has a cult status, and is highly sought after by those enthusiasts who long for something Flamboyant, Americanised and Over the Top. In other words something special, and different.

Den Barlow - September 2005

Specifications

Years Produced

1948 - 1952

Number Produced

7981 Austin A90 Atlantics were manufactured, roughly a 50% split between the two models

Body Type

2 door Saloon or Convertible, in addition the convertible offered an option of power operated hood & side windows

Length

14ft 9in

Width

5ft 10in

Engine

2660cc 4 cylinder inline

Power

88 bhp @4000rpm

Gearbox

4 speed, column change

Driven Wheels

Rear

Brakes Saloon

Drum, all round Girling hydraulic

Brakes Convertible

Drum, mechanical front, hydraulic rear

Front Suspension

Independent with coil springs and Armstrong dampers

Rear Suspension

Semi elliptic springs with anti roll bar and Armstrong dampers.

Steering

Burman cam type

Austin A90 Atlantic Convertible & Saloon

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