Austin: A55 Cambridge
Note: This is a sub-section of Austin
Produced from 1957 to 1957. Just over 150,000 were produced.
In January 1957, the A55 Cambridge was introduced to replace the A50 model. It used the same 1.5 L B-Series engine as its predecessor, though with a higher compression ratio: 51 hp at 4,250 rpm was now available[5].
The Cambridge had been restyled somewhat and now had a larger boot and much larger rear window. The car was also lowered by fitting 13 in road wheels which were smaller than those on the A50 but the overall gearing remained the same by changing the rear axle ratio. Two tone paint was an option.
Van and pick up versions based on the pre-"Farina" A55 were also made, and remained in production until 1971. In their final years the van and pick-up were designated Morris, following a decision to remove the Austin badge from British Leyland commercial vehicles.
A de luxe A55 with manumatic transmission was tested by The Motor magazine in 1957 had a top speed of 77.1 mph and could accelerate from 0-60 mph in 27.0 seconds. A fuel consumption of 31.6 miles per imperial gallon was recorded.
The test car cost £870 including taxes of £291.