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Austin 1800
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1965 - 1970 |
Country: |
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Engine: |
OHV in-line 4 |
Capacity: |
1798 cc |
Power: |
n/a |
Transmission: |
4 spd. man |
Top Speed: |
n/a |
Number
Built: |
56,918 |
Collectability: |
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Released in December 1965, the Austin 1800 was manufactured
at BMC’s Zetland (NSW) facility. Robust, ample
power and a huge amount of room for rear passengers,
the 1800 would soon become a favorite of Aussie motorists,
and deservedly so.
Thankfully to avoid confusion, the
1800 was never badged as a Morris or Wolseley, however
that did not deter a few die-hards importing their
own “individualistic” iterations.
When introduced,
the 1800 was far from ordinary. It soon became affectionately
known as the “landcrab”,
in reference to the elongated and low slung body style.
Voted European Car of the Year for 1965, BMC were certainly
on a winner with their new “large” car. The design of both Alec Issigonis and Pininfarina,
arguably the most advanced part of the car lay with
the new “Hydrolastic” suspension.
It even
featured a primitive and early variation of anti lock
brakes, whereby a valve would transfer braking force
between the front and rear axles when one set of wheels
began to lock up.
During the first full year of manufacture
just on 10,000 would be manufactured, the majority
finding homes in the suburbs.
There would be a slight
increase in sales during 1966, however the big news
came in 1968 with the introduction of an automatic
transmission as an option – enough to re-kindle interest in
the car.
Sales reached an impressive 12,665 – the
best ever for the car – and with the release
of the Mark 2 version things were going very well indeed.
However,
inevitably, there would be fall in sales as the car
needed a significant makeover. BMC would make the decision
to cease manufacture in 1970, although a handful were
still in the showrooms the following year.
The 1800
was replaced by the Australian engineered Austin Kimberley
and Tasman series. All up a total
of 56,918 Austin 1800 saloons were manufactured
over the 5 years of Australian production. Also worthy
of note was the uniquely Australian Austin 1800 Utility.
Introduced in 1968 some 639 were sold in the first
year. Predictably around 70% went to regions outside
the capital cities, and in 1969 sales would increase
by a massive 25% to just under 800.
In 1970, the final
year for the saloon, the ute's popularity was also
on the decline. That year only 579 sales were recorded,
and in 1971 a final 319 found owners. Total registrations
for the Austin 1800 Utility stand at 2,331. |