Description
Following the Second World War, revenue from exports was vital to the British economy and the A90 Atlantic was one of the first wholly new cars engineered by the Austin Motor Company, in an attempt to appeal to North American tastes and break into the lucrative US market. It made its début at the 1948 Earls Court Motor Show, as a two-door, four-seat convertible, with a two-door coupé (the Sports Saloon) following at the 1949 show. The models were manufactured for a very short time, with production starting in 1949 and ending in 1952.
They featured up-to-the-minute, futuristic styling – unlike anything previously seen from Austin – with a streamlined body; a wrap-around windscreen; a ‘cyclops’ style third headlamp mounted in the radiator grille and a substantial amount of chromework including ‘flying A’ ornaments on each front wing. To really make the car stand out, it was also available in a variety of "jewelescent" colours, such as "Sea Foam Green" and "Stardust Grey". To emphasise the luxury nature of the model, it was offered with powered windows and convertible hood.
The curvaceous bodywork sat on a separate chassis which housed the large capacity (2660 cc), four-cylinder OHV engine fitted with twin SU carburettors, for which an 88 bhp output was claimed. The Motor magazine tested a convertible in 1948 and achieved a top speed of 91 mph, with a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 16. 6 seconds. This engine setup was later used in the Austin-Healey 100/ 4 sportscar.
During the short production run, just under 8, 000 (Coupes and convertibles) were built, with almost half of these exported. Whilst never a big hit in America, the Atlantic did sell reasonably well in former British Colonies, Europe, Scandinavia and Australasia, contributing to record-breaking export performance for Austin in the post-War years.
This particular Atlantic convertible was manufactured in June 1950 - BMIHT records showing it was a RHD, export model, finished in Cream with a red interior. We do not know if it was ever actually exported abroad as we have no further early history. The car – together with a second ‘spares’ vehicle - was acquired in the UK, in the early 90’s, by a Guernsey-based enthusiast, who embarked on a long-term restoration project to create the wholly rebuilt, restored and refinished Austin seen here. This took 17 years in all and the car was re-registered for the road in 2008. In the hands of the same owner throughout and to date, the car has been very well cared for, with regular use in dry weather, including touring in France where, in 2017, it won Best in Class (1940-1960) at La Coupe Florio in Brittany.
As a cherished possession, the Atlantic has been well maintained, running and driving very well. Electric, power assisted steering is fitted, making the car an easier drive in modern traffic. The original engine has been replaced quite recently (2018), with another of the correct A90 type – as used in the Healey 100/ 4.
There is a photographic record of the restoration process, during which the car was completely disassembled and rebuilt, with the body stripped from the chassis and all necessary repairs carried out. The vibrant metallic green paintwork applied remains in very good condition, as does all the refinished brightwork – of which there is a great deal! The car has whitewall tyres fitted; original trafficators and power hood and electric windows.
The interior of the car was completely re-upholstered and re-carpeted as part of the renovation work and remains in very good condition. The period dashboard is complete will all instruments and switches. The powered, fawn-coloured, lined hood is in excellent condition.
A rare and very unusual post-War classic – highly-desirable, given there are estimated to be less than 60 survivors in the UK today, and even fewer in a roadworthy condition. This fully restored and renovated car drives very well and is sure to turn heads whenever out on the road.
The car is accompanied by a BMIHT Certificate and photo record of the long term restoration, together with an original sales brochure and owners instruction booklet.
The car is currently Guernsey registered and the registration number is not included in the sale. We can assist with shipping and importation processes if required. We can ship worldwide.
