1953 AUSTIN ATLANTIC Registration Number:  LDA 903 Chassis ...

Estimate

£11,000 - £13,000

1953 AUSTIN ATLANTIC

Registration Number:  LDA 903
Chassis Number: 101459
Recorded Mileage: TBA

- One owner from 1953 to 1995
- Subject of older restoration

Designed in 1947, built in and released in 1948, the A90 convertible was conceived to earn dollars, and the Austin Motor Co. had its 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? 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 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 The rewards were high, 63 speed and endurance records achieved, some in new categories, others `stolen’ from their American holders. 

The Atlantic was underpinned by a rigid cruciform-braced chassis equipped with independent coil-sprung front suspension, a leaf-sprung 'live' rear axle and four-wheel drum brakes. Powered by a 2660cc OHV four-cylinder engine mated to four-speed column-change manual transmission, it was more boulevardier than sports car. Although joined by a companion Sports Saloon in September 1949, the Atlantic failed to capture the American public's imagination or wallets (its failure ironically being blamed on a lack of 'Britishness'). Thus, by the time production ceased in 1952 just 7,981 are thought to have been made. Today the Atlantic 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.

First registered to a Mrs. Lily Knight of Wolverhampton in June of 1953, originally finished in blue with a grey leather interior, this Atlantic saloon was clearly a much loved member of the household. Amazingly Mrs. Knight kept the Atlantic for a further 43 years before trading the car at 59,000 miles to respected classic car dealers Hurst Park Automobiles in 1995. 

The Atlantic was soon sold to a Mr. Gerard Gannon of Dublin, who restored the Austin, changing the exterior finish to the shade of red the car wears today. During the intervening years we understand the Austin has benefitted from servicing work, a brake overhaul, replacement exhaust, and a carburettor rebuild. Mr. Gannon kept the car for a number of years before ownership passed to our current vendor, joining a small collection of 1950s British classic cars.  

Retaining its original engine, this rare 1950s Sports Saloon is offered complete with a history containing correspondence from the original owner, older bill of sale and parts receipts, original service manuals and factory brochures, current UK V5C, copies of previous registration documents, and a number of older MoT certificates.

A rare survivor from a bygone era, this stylish motor car will we are sure prove a popular attendee at classic car events in the summer months.