1951 Austin A90 Atlantic 2 Door Coupe

Description

Rivalling Jaguar's sensational new XK120 launched at the same venue, Austin's controversial A90 Atlantic was introduced at the Earls Court Motor Show in 1948. The radical Atlantic must have caused a sensation in a Britain still gripped by post-war austerity and was aimed squarely at the American market. Based on the running gear of Austin's largish A70 Hampshire family car and sharing the same box-section chassis, the A90 enjoyed better performance thanks to its expanded 2.6-litre version of the four-cylinder engine - the same unit used for the new Austin-Healey sports model introduced a few years later. Developing 88 horsepower at 4,000 rpm and running twin SUs, the engine was connected to a four-speed column-change gearbox, with synchro on all but first gear. The A90 could achieve a top speed of 86 mph, while Girling Hydromech hydraulic brakes (on the front wheels only on the earliest models) proved adequate at retarding the car from speed. The A90's independent front suspension combined wishbones and coil springs with lever arm dampers but it was always happiest as a touring car. Sold in both convertible and hardtop coupe versions, the A90's styling was arguably both its best and worst feature - the lack of radiator grille and central 'Cyclops' driving lamp gave the frontal appearance a distinctly modernist look, while the flowing wings lent the car a sporting air when viewed from the side. Launched in open form, with the option of a powered hood and windows for the American market, the A90 was offered as a hardtop the following year in an attempt to boost sales, with a fixed roof replacing the folding hood. Inside, the American influence continued with a painted dash, bench seat and gold-faced instruments. In a further attempt to broaden the Atlantic's appeal, Austin sent one to Indianapolis where it set a number of endurance records at the famous Brickyard but nothing could save the A90 from being a commercial failure, with only 7,981 built in four years of production. Despite Austin's best efforts, the American market accounted for just 350 of the 3,597 exported, with Australians the best customers, taking no less than 821 cars, followed by Sweden. The Atlantic has stood the test of time well and what once may have seemed outlandish now oozes period charm. The sleek styling and period detailing combine to make the A90 a potential show car today and it's not hard to imagine this rare survivor centre stage at events like Motorclassica.