Austin A55 Cambridge DeLuxe

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The 1954 Cambridge range of saloons was a big leap forward technologically for Austin as it saw the end of the old separate chassis models and ushered in the monocoque construction pioneered on the little A30 into the larger scale models.

The power for these four-cylinder cars remained as before, with the B-Series engine forming the backbone of the range. Entry-level was the A40, which used the 1,200cc 42bhp engine from the Somerset, while the A50 had the newly-enlarged 1,489cc B-series unit and 50bhp. The four-door saloon was also available in DeLuxe form, which introduced additional chrome and leather to the package.

The A55 succeeded both types in 1957, with a bigger boot, vestigial fins, a larger back window and optional two-tone paint. It used the same 1.5-litre B-Series engine as its predecessor, though with a higher compression ratio which added a couple of horses and gave it a useful top speed of 78mph with a leisurely 27 seconds 0-60 time. A commercial success, 154,000 were sold before it was replaced by a new Pininfarina-designed A55 Cambridge in 1959.

This particular A55 DeLuxe was first registered in September 1960 and is described by the vendor as “an older sympathetic restoration in lovely all round condition with excellent paint and chrome and five new radial tyres”. The blue leather interior appears mainly original and both engine bay and boot areas have a very tidy appearance.

Said by the vendor to “drive as it should with excellent oil pressure and strong transmission”, it comes with a V5C, workshop manuals and data books, a driver’s handbook, various old MOTs and service receipts and two set of keys. With wonderfully crisp styling that only gets better with age, it is sure to turn lots of heads when seen out and about in the hands of its fortunate new owner.