Austin Somerset
| Austin A40 Somerset | |
|---|---|
Austin A40 Somerset Saloon
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| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Austin (BMC) |
| Production | 1952-1954 |
| Assembly |
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| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Medium family car |
| Body style |
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| Layout | Front engine with rear wheel drive |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 1.2 L B-Series I4 |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual - synchromesh on 2nd, 3rd and top |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 92 in (2,337 mm) |
| Length | 158.5 in (4,026 mm) |
| Width | 63 in (1,600 mm) |
| Height | 62.5 in (1,588 mm) |
| Curb weight | 2,232 lb (1,012 kg) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Austin A40 Devon/Dorset |
| Successor | Austin A40 Cambridge |
The Austin A40 Somerset is an automobile which was produced by the Austin Motor Company from 1952 until 1954. The Somerset replaced the Austin A40 Devon and, as a body-on-frame car, it was comparable in size to its predecessor. It shared a number of components with the Devon which included a similar 1.2 litre straight-4 pushrod engine. The Somerset's engine was updated to produce 42 hp (31 kW), compared to the Devon's 40 hp (30 kW), giving the car a top speed of 70 mph (110 km/h).
The Somerset features an updated "Transatlantic" body style with flowing lines as distinct to the Devon's bulky looking body. Resembling the larger Austin A70 Hereford, its design was aimed at improving export sales, particularly to America. Initially offered as only a 4-door saloon, a 3-passenger 2-door convertible, of the same body style was introduced in late 1952. The convertible replaced the earlier Austin A40 Dorset.
The body of the convertible was made by Carbodies of Coventry and the model was marketed as the Austin A40 Somerset Coupé. This particular style was also known as a 'drophead' coupé in the United Kingdom. The convertible differed from the saloon in having separate front seats that folded forward to give access to the rear. An additional convertible, the Austin A40 Sports, was carried over from the earlier A40 Devon and Dorset range but was discontinued with the arrival of the Somerset Coupé.
In 1953 the Austin Motor Company produced a "special" version of around 500 Somerset saloons using the more powerful engine from the 'sports' model which incorporated twin SU carburettors in place of the single Zenith downdraught type. This vehicle featured different interior appointments and two-tone paintwork to set it aside from the standard offering. The Austin Somerset Special had a top speed of 74 mph (119 km/h) while the normal saloon could reach up to 70 mph (110 km/h).
The standard Somerset interior contained two close fitting front seats, finished in leather, which could be arranged as a bench seat and a large deeply cushioned rear bench seat which could accommodate three passengers. With a centrally mounted dashboard or instrument panel, Austin incorporated a four speed, plus reverse, gearbox into the car's design which was controlled by a column mounted gear change lever. Four wheel, foot operated hydraulic brakes, and a handbrake operating on the rear wheels only, provided the car's stopping power.
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Wikipedia