Latest news

The A90 Atlantic was one of the undoubted stars of the 1948 London Motor Show

For many visitors to Earls Court, a drophead with a “Jewelescent” paint finish seemed wholly removed from the fog, the damp and queuing for their bacon ration. This was the car Austin intended to appeal to affluent drivers in California with its ‘sports car performance with saloon car comfort’.

As befitting an Austin destined for 77 Sunset Strip, the equipment included gold-faced instruments, an ECKO radio set and an adjustable steering column. There was also a heater, a centrally mounted fog lamp and integral hydraulic jacks. Manufacture commenced in 1949, but despite such fittings and a very respectable top speed of 91 mph, the Atlantic failed to lure drivers from their Pontiac Chieftain Convertibles.

Few British cars of that era were capable of such speeds but while the A90 was perfectly suited for Home Counties trunk roads, many US motorists thought its 2,660cc four-cylinder engine inferior to Detroit’s six or eight-cylinder plants. Not even an A90 breaking 63 US stock car records at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway helped, for Austin sold just 350 examples in the States.

In October 1949, the convertible was joined by the equally attractive Coupe, and Longbridge began to concentrate their sales efforts on Australia, New Zealand and the home market. The Motor praised ‘the particularly effortless way it performs’ and concluded that it was one of the most memorable models they had ever tested.

Production of the A90 ceased in 1952, and Alastair’s car dates from 1949. At that time, most British cars were destined for export, but a handful of domestic buyers could take delivery if their job was ‘of national importance’. The original owner of KOE 3 was a captain in the Merchant Navy; you can imagine the Austin parked at the quayside at Southampton or Tilbury.  

Alastair notes that his car is fitted with American-specification flashing indicators rather than trafficators, plus two very high-profile optional extras. Even in the mid-1970s, electric windows and a power-operated hood would have certain rural types waving pitchforks at you, so imagine the impact in 1949. People would have probably fainted.

Mr. While is the A90’s third custodian, having bought it from the captain’s nephew – ‘he acquired the Austin from his uncle’s estate’. It is currently under the process of restoration – ‘I’ve refurbished the cabin, bodywork and engine, plus the hood and the windows’. And it is indeed a magnificent sight – the sort of vehicle favoured by a Pinewood film star who favoured a cravat and three gallons of hair oil.

Most importantly, the Atlantic vividly demonstrates Longbridge’s ambitions immediately after the Second World War. It may not have been a commercial success, but the A90 certainly raised Austin’s profile worldwide.  It really was a ‘car of distinction that will bring an added zest to business or pleasure-motoring’.

With Thanks To: Alastair While

Why choose Lancaster Insurance?

Here at Lancaster, we love classic cars as much as you do and we understand what it takes to protect them for future generations.

We have links with some of the top classic car clubs around the country and some of our policies even offer discounts of up to 25% for club members.

Other benefits of classic car insurance through Lancaster can include:

• Historic rally cover
• Static show cover 

• Limited mileage discounts 

• Choice of repairer 

• 24-hour claims helpline

 Give your classic the protection it deserves and get a quote for your Austin today.