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Austin A70
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| Austin A70 Hampshire/Hereford | |
|---|---|
 Austin A70 Hereford | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Austin |
| Production | 1948–1954 |
| Assembly | United Kingdom: Longbridge, England Australia: Melbourne[1] |
| Body and chassis | |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 2199 cc Straight-4 |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Austin 16 hp |
| Successor | A90 Westminster |
The Austin A70 Hampshire and later Austin A70 Hereford are cars that were produced by Austin of Britain from 1948 until 1954. They were conventional body-on-frame cars with similar styling to the smaller A40 Devon and A40 Somerset models respectively, though with an entirely different larger and wider body on chassis construction. 85,682 were built.
A70 Hampshire
[edit]| A70 Hampshire | |
|---|---|
 Austin A70 Hampshire | |
| Overview | |
| Also called | Austin A70 Countryman[2] Austin A70 Pick-up[3] |
| Production | 1948–1950 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 4-door saloon 2-door estate 2-door pickup[4] |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 96 in (2,438 mm) |
| Length | 163 in (4,140 mm)[5] |
Most first generation A70s were Hampshire 4-door saloons, though some estate and pickup truck versions were also produced as the A70 Countryman and A70 Pick-up respectively. The 2.2 L (2199 cc) straight-4 pushrod engine provided the same power output, at 67 bhp (50 kW), as it had when installed in the earlier Austin 16 hp. The new car was nevertheless lighter and published acceleration and top speed figures were correspondingly brisker. Accelerating from 0-80 km/h (50 mph) took 14.5 seconds and the maximum speed was 83.3 mph (134.1 km/h). The Hampshire used Girling hydraulic brakes which operated on the front wheels only; the rears being mechanical, a setup which was shared with the earlier (GS2) A40 Devon.
Production of the model ended in 1950 with 35,261 being built.[5] In 1950 the UK price was £648, which included the heater.
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1948–50 Austin A70 Hampshire rear view -
Austin A70 Pick-up
A70 Hereford
[edit]| A70 Hereford | |
|---|---|
 Austin A70 Hereford | |
| Overview | |
| Also called | Austin A70 Countryman[6] Austin A70 Coupe[6] Austin A70 Pick-up[6] |
| Production | 1950–1954 |
| Assembly | United Kingdom Australia[7] |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 4-door saloon 2-door estate 2-door convertible 2-door coupé utility[8] |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 99 in (2,515 mm)[9] |
| Length | 167.5 in (4,254 mm)[9] |
| Width | 69.5 in (1,765 mm)[9] |
| Height | 65.5 in (1,660 mm) [9] |
The A70 Hereford replaced the Hampshire in 1950 and was wider and slightly longer with an extra 3 inches (76 mm) in the wheelbase. A new addition to the range was the A70 Coupé , a 2-door convertible with coachwork by Carbodies of Coventry. A notable mechanical change was the use of fully hydraulic brakes. The smaller A40 Somerset had similar styling and shared the same doors and rear wings.
The car retained the 2199cc 4-cylinder engine first seen officially in 1945 on the Austin 16. Performance was adequate by the standards of the time, but the car was not particularly quiet, and an Autocar magazine road test in 1950 reported a "small vibration at about 40 m.p.h. on the overrun" on its test car.[10] Austin had given a lead after the war in equipping its cars with interior heaters at no extra cost, and the Hereford came fitted with "the latest Smiths fresh-air installation" as standard equipment.[10] The road tester found the heater, like the engine and indeed the windscreen wipers, "rather noisy in operation", however.[10]
Sales were slow, with 50,421 having been produced when the A90 Westminster replaced it in 1954.[5] Another rare variant was the A70 Pickup/Ute This shared the same platform as the estate, but with fully faired bodywork aft of the driving cab. The interior of this rather plush workhorse was the same as the saloon, but instead of a large split-bench seat the pickup had a full-width bench seat. Full instrumentation was mounted in the centre of the dashboard allowing easy viewing whether for left- or right-hand drive versions. All variations had a 4 speed steering column gear change.
An A70 tested by the British magazine The Motor in 1951 had a top speed of 80.5 mph (129.6 km/h) and could accelerate from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 21.4 seconds. A fuel consumption of 21.9 miles per imperial gallon (12.9 L/100 km; 18.2 mpg‑US) was recorded. The test car cost £911 including taxes.[9]
References
[edit]- ^ Gavin Farmer, Leyland P76: Anything but Average, page 2
- ^ Austin A70 Countryman brochure, www.bimomotor.com via www.webcitation.org Retrieved on 6 July 2013
- ^ Austin A70 Pick-up, foter.com Retrieved on 6 July 2013
- ^ Austin A70 Hampshire & Hereford (1948–1954) at www.flickr.com Retrieved on 19 April 2011
- ^ a b c Robson, G. (2006). A-Z of British Cars 1945–80. Herridge. ISBN 0-9541063-9-3.
- ^ a b c Austin brochures, www.austinmemories.com Archived 29 August 2012 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved on 6 July 2013
- ^ Colin Peck, The Last Real Austins: 1946 TO 1959, Veloce Publishing Ltd, 1 Jul. 2009, page 86
- ^ Austin A70 Hampshire & Hereford at www.austinmemories.com Archived 20 April 2010 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved on 19 April 2011
- ^ a b c d e "The Austin A70 Hereford Saloon". The Motor. 2 May 1951.
- ^ a b c "Austin A.70 Hereford Saloon (road test)". Autocar. 10 October 1950.
External links
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Austin A70.
- "A70 Hampshire/Hereford", Austin Memories
- "Owners' club", Austin Counties Car Club
- 1953 Austin A70 "Pick-up" sales brochure, "Museum Victoria"
Austin A70
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Overview
Introduction
The Austin A70 was a conventional front-engine, rear-wheel-drive mid-size family car produced by the Austin Motor Company from 1948 to 1954.[5][6] It succeeded the pre-war Austin 16 hp model and was later replaced by the Austin A90 Westminster in 1954.[7][8] Positioned as a larger alternative to the smaller A40 Devon and Somerset models, the A70 targeted family buyers with its spacious saloon and utility body styles.[9] A total of 85,682 units were produced, comprising the initial Hampshire variant (35,261 units from 1948 to 1950) and the updated Hereford variant (50,421 units from 1950 to 1954).[10] Primary assembly took place at Austin's Longbridge works in the United Kingdom, with additional assembly of utility variants occurring at a dedicated plant in Melbourne, Australia.[5] The A70 featured a shared 2,199 cc overhead-valve inline-four engine across its variants, emphasizing reliability and post-war practicality in the British automotive lineup.[7]Production overview
The Austin A70 was manufactured from 1948 to 1954 at the Austin Motor Company's primary facility, the Longbridge Works in Birmingham, United Kingdom.[11] Production began with the Hampshire variant in September 1948, totaling 35,261 units through 1950.[3] The model transitioned to the Hereford in 1950, with 50,421 units produced until the line ended in 1954.[12] All A70 models featured a factory-installed heater as standard equipment from their introduction, a notable inclusion for the era that was reflected in the Hampshire's launch price of £648 in 1950.[9] Assembly processes at Longbridge emphasized efficient line production, leveraging the plant's established capacity for post-war vehicle output. In the early 1950s, export assembly commenced in Australia using imported completely knocked-down kits at the Melbourne plant to meet local demand; these included adaptations such as utility variants suited to Australian conditions. Production ceased in 1954 as Austin shifted focus to newer designs, including the six-cylinder A90 Westminster.[13]Development and design
Historical context
In the years following World War II, the British motor industry grappled with severe material shortages, including steel and aluminum, as well as economic pressures from wartime debt and rationing, prompting manufacturers like Austin to prioritize affordable, practical family vehicles to aid national recovery and boost exports for foreign currency earnings.[14] Austin, under the leadership of Leonard Lord, shifted focus from military production to civilian cars that could be built efficiently with limited resources, emphasizing durability and economy to meet the demand for reliable transport in a rebuilding society.[14] This context drove the development of models like the A70, which addressed the need for mid-range saloons suitable for both domestic families and international markets, particularly in the Commonwealth and North America.[3] The Austin A70 evolved directly from the post-war Austin Sixteen (1945–1949), which served as a transitional offering, with the A70 reusing its proven 2.2-liter straight-four engine while introducing a modernized chassis for improved ride quality and production efficiency.[15] Conceived during 1946–1947 amid these constraints, the A70 was designed to replace the aging 16 hp and compete with rivals like the Standard Vanguard, featuring a larger body with styling similar to the contemporary A40 Devon, built on a modified chassis derived from the A40 for shared components and cost savings.[1] This evolutionary approach allowed Austin to leverage existing technology while adapting to post-war realities, such as petrol rationing that favored versatile, fuel-efficient designs.[3] Styling for the A70 drew influences from the streamlined, pontoon-shaped aesthetics of post-war American cars, such as those from Buick and Mercury, blended with the utilitarian lines of Austin's A40 series to prioritize spacious interiors and ease of manufacture over opulent features.[1] Launched in 1948, it formed a key part of Britain's export initiative, with production geared toward generating dollar revenues through sales abroad, positioning the A70 as a mid-size bridge between the compact A40 and larger luxury models in Austin's lineup to satisfy the era's demand for comfortable, family-oriented saloons.[3][16]Key design features
The Austin A70 featured a conventional body-on-frame construction, utilizing a separate ladder-type chassis with a pressed-steel body for the saloon variants, providing structural rigidity while allowing for easier repairs and modifications in the post-war era.[9][6] It employed a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, with the inline-four engine mounted longitudinally ahead of the front passengers and power delivered to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission.[4] The suspension system included independent front suspension using coil springs and wishbones, paired with a live rear axle supported by semi-elliptical leaf springs and telescopic dampers, which contributed to stable handling on varied road surfaces typical of the period.[4][9] Aesthetically, the A70 saloon showcased smooth-flowing lines with integrated inboard headlights within the front fenders and an upright greenhouse design featuring a six-light configuration—three side windows per side—for enhanced visibility and a spacious feel.[7] Rear wheel spats further emphasized the streamlined profile, drawing from the scaled-up styling of the smaller A40 Devon.[7] In contrast, the estate (Countryman) and pickup variants incorporated wood-framing for the body structure, often with steel or timber panels, to facilitate production of utility models while maintaining load-carrying capacity.[1][7] The interior emphasized practicality with a roomy cabin accommodating bench seats for up to six passengers—front bench for three and rear for three—upholstered in leather or vinyl for durability.[1][6] A standard heater was included as a notable comfort feature, uncommon in many contemporary British saloons, alongside basic instrumentation clustered on the dashboard for straightforward driver operation.[17] For safety and comfort, the A70 Hampshire initially used hydro-mechanical brakes with hydraulic operation at the front and mechanical at the rear, but the subsequent Hereford model introduced fully hydraulic Girling brakes across all wheels, improving stopping consistency.[6] Material choices reflected post-war resource constraints, with the primary use of pressed-steel for body panels, supplemented by aluminum in select non-structural elements like trim to aid steel conservation efforts.[1]Model variants
A70 Hampshire
The Austin A70 Hampshire was launched in September 1948 as Austin's first post-war mid-size car, serving as a direct replacement for the pre-war Austin Sixteen model.[7][3] It was positioned as a competitor to contemporaries like the Standard Vanguard, offering a more upscale option in the recovering British automotive market with an emphasis on family-oriented transport for both domestic UK buyers and export markets.[3][16] Priced at £648 ex-works in September 1949 (including a heater), the Hampshire was marketed primarily as a spacious four-door saloon with a six-light body design, accommodating up to six passengers and featuring a large enclosed luggage compartment.[1][18] Alternative body styles included the two-door Countryman estate, a wood-framed shooting brake conversion produced by coachbuilder Papworth Industries starting in early 1950, and a two-door pickup variant built in limited numbers on a dedicated commercial chassis.[7][1][3] The model featured a 96-inch wheelbase and a braking system with Girling front hydraulic drums and mechanically operated rear drums, reflecting transitional post-war engineering compromises.[1][19][9] Production of the A70 Hampshire totalled 35,261 units and concluded in 1950, making way for the refreshed A70 Hereford variant with its expanded features and full hydraulic braking.[1][7][3]A70 Hereford
The Austin A70 Hereford was introduced in 1950 as a facelifted successor to the Hampshire, featuring revised styling that included a longer wheelbase of 99 inches, a new small radiator grille with three horizontal openings above the bumper for additional cooling, and smoother fenders with a reverse curve in the front wing line extending toward the rear to convey a sense of motion.[6][2] These updates resulted in a wider and slightly longer body overall, sharing door panels with the smaller A40 Somerset for a more modern appearance while maintaining the conventional body-on-frame construction.[6] The Hereford expanded the model lineup with diverse body styles beyond the original Hampshire's simpler offerings, including the standard 4-door saloon, a 2-door Countryman estate (often in woodie configuration), a 2-door convertible coupe crafted by Carbodies of Coventry, and utility variants such as the coupe utility and pickup truck.[6][1] Woodie versions of the estate and pickup were particularly noted in export markets, including Australia, where local assembly incorporated domestic content to meet right-hand drive requirements and regulatory preferences.[1] A key mechanical improvement was the adoption of fully hydraulic drum brakes on all four wheels, replacing the Hampshire's hydro-mechanical system for enhanced reliability and ease of maintenance.[6][20] In 1951, the Hereford saloon was priced at around £911 including purchase taxes in the UK, positioning it as an affordable family car with seating for six.[6] Production continued until 1954, totaling 50,421 units across all variants, but sales slowed as the design appeared increasingly dated in the face of rising competition from more contemporary models like the Standard Vanguard and the incoming Austin A90 Westminster.[1][3]Technical specifications
Engine and performance
The Austin A70 featured a 2,199 cc straight-four engine with overhead valves (OHV) and a cast-iron block, derived from the pre-war Austin 16 design but updated for post-war production. This pushrod unit displaced 79.4 mm bore by 111.1 mm stroke and produced 67 bhp (50 kW) at 3,800 rpm, with peak torque of 116 lb-ft (157 Nm) at 1,700 rpm.[2][5] It employed a single Zenith downdraft carburetor for fuel delivery and operated at a compression ratio of 6.8:1, contributing to its straightforward, robust character suited for family motoring.[2][21] Power was transmitted via a four-speed manual gearbox with synchromesh on second, third, and fourth gears, featuring a column-mounted shifter for ease of use in the cabin. The drivetrain was rear-wheel drive, incorporating a spiral bevel rear axle with a final drive ratio of approximately 4.10:1 in the lighter Hampshire saloon, which aided in achieving marginally better responsiveness compared to the heavier Hereford estate.[2][21][22] Performance was modest by modern standards but adequate for 1950s expectations, with the Hampshire reaching a top speed of 83 mph (134 km/h) and accelerating from 0-50 mph in about 14.5 seconds, while the Hereford managed 80 mph (129 km/h) and 0-60 mph in 21.4-22.3 seconds due to its increased weight.[2][23][24][9] Fuel economy ranged from 21-24 mpg (11.8-13.5 L/100 km) under typical conditions, reflecting efficient low-rev torque delivery for highway cruising.[2][23][24] The engine was noted for its reliability in daily use, though it exhibited noisy operation at highway speeds, a common trait in the era's pushrod designs that prioritized durability over refinement.[2][25]Chassis, suspension, and brakes
The Austin A70 utilized a box-section ladder frame chassis reinforced with cruciform X-bracing to provide torsional rigidity and structural integrity under load. The Hampshire variant employed a 96-inch wheelbase, while the Hereford featured an extended 99-inch wheelbase to support its revised body design and improved passenger accommodation.[19][26] Suspension was configured for a balance of ride comfort and stability typical of postwar British saloons. The front employed independent suspension with coil springs and wishbone arms, mounted on rubber bushes to absorb road irregularities and transmit thrust loads effectively. At the rear, a live axle was suspended by semi-elliptic leaf springs, complemented by telescopic shock absorbers at both ends for controlled damping.[4][9] Steering was handled by a worm-and-peg system, offering precise control with a lock-to-lock ratio of approximately 2 1/8 turns for responsive handling without power assistance. The A70 rolled on 5.50 × 16-inch tires mounted to 16-inch steel wheels, providing adequate grip for its era while maintaining fuel efficiency and ride height.[12][27] Braking evolved across variants for improved reliability and performance. The Hampshire used Girling hydro-mechanical drums, with hydraulic operation on the front wheels and mechanical linkage to the rears, both featuring two-leading-shoe designs sized at around 10 inches in diameter. The Hereford advanced to a fully hydraulic system across all four 10-inch drum brakes, enhancing pedal feel and modulation, though still without servo assistance.[9][4]Body dimensions
The Austin A70 Hampshire saloon featured compact yet practical body dimensions suited to post-war British roads, measuring 163 inches in overall length, 66 inches in width, and 65 inches in height, with a wheelbase of 96 inches and ground clearance of 7.5 inches.[28][21][23] The successor A70 Hereford saloon offered slightly larger proportions at 167.5 inches long, 69.5 inches wide, and 65.5 inches high, supported by a 99-inch wheelbase while maintaining the same 7.5 inches of ground clearance.[29][24]| Variant | Length (in) | Width (in) | Height (in) | Wheelbase (in) | Ground Clearance (in) | Curb Weight (lb) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hampshire Saloon | 163 | 66 | 65 | 96 | 7.5 | 2,687 |
| Hereford Saloon | 167.5 | 69.5 | 65.5 | 99 | 7.5 | 2,822 |