Austin Westminster

Austin Westminster
Austin A110 Westminster
Overview
Manufacturer	Austin (BMC)
Production	1954–1968
Body and chassis
Class	Executive car
Chronology
Predecessor	Austin A70 Hereford
Successor	Austin 3-Litre

A90
Austin A90 Six Westminster
Overview
Production	1954–1956
Assembly	Longbridge, England Sydney, Australia
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door saloon
Layout	FR layout
Powertrain
Engine	2.6 L C-Series I6
Transmission	4-speed manual overdrive optional from 1955
Dimensions
Wheelbase	104 in (2,642 mm)
Length	170 in (4,318 mm)
Width	64 in (1,626 mm)
Height	63.25 in (1,607 mm)

A95/A105
Overview
Production	1956–1959
Assembly	Longbridge, England Sydney, Australia
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door saloon 4-door estate (A95)
Layout	FR layout
Related	Morris Marshal
Powertrain
Engine	2.6 L C-Series I6
Dimensions
Wheelbase	104 in (2,642 mm) 106 in (2,692 mm) from May 1956
Length	170 in (4,318 mm) 181 in (4,597 mm) from May 1956
Width	64 in (1,626 mm)
Height	61 in (1,549 mm)

A99
Overview
Production	1959–1961
Assembly	Longbridge, England Sydney, Australia
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door saloon
Layout	FR layout
Related	Wolseley 6/99 Princess 3 Litre Vanden Plas Princess 3-litre
Powertrain
Engine	2.9 L C-Series I6
Dimensions
Wheelbase	108 in (2,743 mm)
Length	188 in (4,775 mm)
Width	68 in (1,727 mm)
Height	60 in (1,524 mm)

A110
Overview
Production	1961–1968
Assembly	Longbridge, England
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door saloon
Layout	FR layout
Related	Wolseley 6/110 Vanden Plas Princess 3-litre Vanden Plas Princess 4-Litre R
Powertrain
Engine	2.9 L C-Series I6
Transmission	4-speed manual: synchromesh on top 3 ratios Borg Warner 3-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	110 in (2,794 mm)
Length	188 in (4,775 mm)
Width	68 in (1,727 mm)

The Austin Westminster series are large saloon and estate cars that were sold by the British manufacturer Austin from 1954, replacing the A70 Hereford. The Westminster line was produced as the A90, A95, A99, A105, and A110 until 1968 when the new Austin 3-Litre took its place. Essentially badge-engineered versions of the Farina Westminsters were also produced using the premium Wolseley and Vanden Plas marques. 101,634 Westminsters were built.

The Westminster name was previously used by the Austin Motor Company in the 1930s for a four light version of the 16/6 and the Heavy 12/4.

The A90 Six Westminster was introduced at the 1954 London Motor Show at the same time as the small A40/A50 Cambridge saloon range. It used the new BMC C-Series straight-6 engine with single Zenith carburettor which, at 2.6 L (2639 cc), produced 85 hp (63 kW). The suspension is independent at the front using coil springs and wishbones and leaf spring and anti-roll bar on the live axle at the rear. The four-speed transmission has synchromesh on the top three ratios and from 1955 an overdrive unit could be specified.

The interior, with leather trim on the de luxe version and PVC on the standard model, has a split bench front seat arrangement, although individually adjustable, which if necessary could seat three people abreast. When only two are carried there are, on the de luxe model, fold down centre armrests at the side of each seat. The de luxe model also has a central fold down armrest in the rear. The handbrake control is under the dash on the right hand side of the steering column which also carries the gear change lever. A heater is fitted as standard on the de luxe model but optional on the standard version. The Austin Motor Company also produced a brochure for an A90 Six Westminster Police Car which featured a floor gearchange.