Austin A55 Cambridge

Austin A55 Cambridge MK1

Nice and lovely duo-tone Austin A55 Cambridge from 6th. february 1958

The Austin A55 Cambridge MK1 was introduced in 1957 as successor to the smaller Austin A50 Cambridge.

Austin A55 Cambridge MK1 from Sweden

Collected 14th. january in Lidköping, during the hurricane in Sweden. On my way back to Denmark, I had to turn the car(s) around due to a fallen tree that were laying across the road right south of Lidköping, and find another way to get to Samsoe.

I had to find my way through 25 fallen trees on the road to Hälsingborg and it was a tough drive, the 350 km. down through Sweden with wind speeds up to 38-45 m/s.

The worst place was at Halmstad, where the winds had full power directly from the open sea, but the VW and the transporter managed without problems.

I fortunately avoided getting hitted by fallen trees, but 3 swedes got killed in the hurricane and more than 240.000 people were down on electricity for several days.

Here the Cambridge are on its way out of the garage before the trip to Samsoe and, the now former owner, Olle Larsson, right after I gave him a case of 30 danish Tuborg beers...

From the Elsinore-Hälsingborg ferry line.

The rag and the rope is tied to the bonnet due to a missing bonnet lock.

Above pics: Finally arrived at Langemark, Samsoe....

Austin A55 Cambridge MK1 from 6th. februar 1958.

1st registration in Södertalje, Sweden. Owned by different owners until 2000, when the Cambridge was bought by the Firechief of Lidköpings who got a team from the Technical School to refurbish the car. The body is very well refurbished and painted in two-tone blue, the engine was overhauled and the car got a complete new wiring. There's still a lot of work to do on the car, new exhaust, bonnet lock, tyres, battery, chrome trim lists, airfilter and all mirrors is missing (are in stock) and the keys re missing, but they are ordered in USA at US $10...

Austin of England data:

Austin A55 Cambridge Mk I 1957-1959 : 154.000 pcs

Engine: 1489 ccm - 51 HP (38 kW) - Top speed 120 km/h

0-100 km/h: 31.8 sec - 14.5 km/liter

In 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 51 hp (38 kW) was now available. The Cambridge had been restyled somewhat and now had a larger boot. Just app. 154,000 were produced when it was replaced by a new Pinin Farina-designed A55 Cambridge for 1959. Van and pick-up versions were also made until 1971 remaining based on the pre Farina bodies.

As for Austin A50 Cambridge except for:

Produced: Longbridge, 1957-59. 369,616 A55 Cambridges of Mk I and Farina Mk II types built.

Engine and transmission: 51bhp at 4,250rpm; 81lb ft at 2,000rpm. Optional centre-floor gear-change from spring 1958.

Dimensions: Length 13ft 10.9in; unladen weight (approx) 2,325lb.

Distinguishing features from previous model: Lengthened tail and new rear style, wraparound window, Manumatic transmission option.

Typical performance: Maximum speed 75mph; 0-60mph 31.8sec; standing 1/4-mile 23.3sec; overall fuel consumption 34mpg.

Launch Price: £678

Derivatives: None.

Fate: Discontinued in 1959 in favour of all-new Farina A55 Cambridge model.