A55 Cambridge Mark II
Further information: BMC Farina modelsAustin A55 Cambridge Mark II Saloon |
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| Also called | Austin Cambrian (North America) |
|---|---|
| Production | 1959–1961 149,994 |
| Engine | 1.5 L B-Series Straight-4 55 bhp |
| Wheelbase | 99.25 in (2,521 mm) |
| Length | 178.5 in (4,534 mm) |
| Width | 63.5 in (1,613 mm) |
| Height | 59.75 in (1,518 mm) |
| Curb weight | 2,464 lb (1,118 kg) |
| Related | Morris Oxford V Riley 4 MG Magnette III Wolseley 15/60 Siam di Tella Shamrock Aster |
The A55 Cambridge Mark II, known as the first "Farina" model because of its Pininfarina design, was produced from 1959 through to 1961. It was a rebadged Morris Oxford and retained the 1.5 L B-Series engine, now with an SU carburettor, and producing 55 bhp (41 kW) at 4350 rpm.
The interior had individual leather trimmed seats in front spaced closely together to allow a central passenger to be carried. The gear change was either on the column or floor-mounted and the handbrake lever between the driver's seat and the door. Other improvements highlighted at the time included an enlarged luggage compartment with counterbalanced lid and increased elbow width on both front and rear seats. A heater could be fitted as an optional extra.
A "Countryman" estate model appeared in 1960. Austin Cambridge Estates were called "Countryman". (Morris Oxford Estates were called "Traveller".) A55 Mark II and A60 Estates were identical from the windscreen back; the later models never got the reduced rear fins and modified rear lights of the A60 saloons.
The engineering of the car was conventional with coil sprung independent front suspension and a live axle at the rear with semi elliptic leaf springs. The braking used a Girling system with 9 in (229 mm) drums all round.
Just under 150,000 were built in total.
A MkII A55 was tested by The Motor magazine in 1959 had a top speed of 75.5 mph (121.5 km/h) and could accelerate from 0–60 mph (97 km/h) in 24.5 seconds. A fuel consumption of 31.0 miles per imperial gallon (9.11 L/100 km; 25.8 mpg) was recorded. The test car cost £878 including taxes of £293.
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