Austin A90 Six Westminster DeLuxe

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The A90 Six Westminster was introduced at the 1954 London Motor Show alongside the smaller A40/50 Cambridge saloon range.

It used the new BMC C-Series 2.6-litre straight-six engine which, with a single Zenith carb, produced 85bhp. Suspension was independent at the front using coil springs and wishbones, with leaf springs and anti-roll bar on the live axle at the rear. The four-speed column-change transmission had synchromesh on the top three ratios.

The interior, with leather trim on the DeLuxe version and PVC on the standard model, had a split bench front seat arrangement which could seat three people abreast with the centre armrest folded up. The DeLuxe model also had a central fold-down armrest in the rear. A heater was fitted as standard on the DeLuxe model but optional on the standard version. When tested by Motor magazine, a 1955 Westminster DeLuxe recorded a top speed of 85.7mph and acceleration from 0–60 mph in 18.9 seconds. The test car cost £834 including taxes.

This particular DeLuxe was first registered in November 1955 to a Police Inspector, Denis Malcolm Gott, who was to keep it for the next 27 years. He clearly cherished the car as have the subsequent six owners, various bills going back to the 1980s charting maintenance and expenditure. These include a stainless steel exhaust, new Koni shock absorbers in 1991, new carpets using the correct materials in 1992, new tyres in 2004 plus various other items. The black bodywork has clearly been repainted to a good standard at some time while the oxblood leather interior appears original. A period sun visor is also fixed over the windscreen.

Retaining much originality and in lovely condition throughout, it shows just over 66,000 miles on the clock which is more than likely correct, given the overall condition of the car. Said to drive beautifully and easily capable of keeping up with modern traffic, this charming and spacious Fifties saloon is only reluctantly for sale due to a change in circumstances and is sure to bring a great deal of pleasure to the fortunate new custodian.