The Austin Westminster series are large saloon and estate cars sold by the British manufacturer Austin from 1954, replacing the A70 Hereford. The 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 were also made as Wolseleys and Vanden Plas models. 101,634 Westminsters were built.
Austin Westminster at a glance
| Sold | 1954–1968 |
|---|---|
| Models | A90, A95, A99, A105, A110 |
| Built | 101,634 |
| A90 engine | BMC C-Series straight-six, 2.6 L (2,639 cc), 85 hp (63 kW), single Zenith carburettor |
| A90 suspension | independent front on coil springs and wishbones; live rear axle on leaf springs with anti-roll bar |
| A90 gearbox | four-speed, synchromesh on the top three; overdrive option from 1955 |
| A90 test (British Motor, 1955) | 85.7 mph (137.9 km/h); 0–60 mph in 18.9 s; 20.2 mpg; £834 |
| Replaced by | the Austin 3-Litre in 1968 |
This page is based on English Wikipedia only (a trusted source), so the facts were not cross-checked against a second source.
History of the Austin Westminster
The A90 Six Westminster was introduced at the 1954 London Motor Show at the same time as the small A40/A50 Cambridge range. It used the new BMC C-Series straight-six engine, 2.6 L and 85 hp. The interior, with leather trim on the de luxe version and PVC on the standard model, had a split bench front seat which, if necessary, could seat three abreast. When only two were carried there were, on the de luxe, fold-down centre armrests at each seat. The handbrake was under the dash on the right-hand side of the steering column, which also carried the gear lever, and the Austin Motor Company produced a brochure for an A90 Six Westminster police car with a floor gearchange.
The British Motor magazine tested a de luxe Westminster saloon in 1955 and recorded 85.7 mph, 0–60 mph in 18.9 seconds and 20.2 mpg; the test car cost £834 including taxes. The A90 designation had previously been carried by the 1948–52 Austin Atlantic.
Later models
The Westminster name had previously been used by Austin in the 1930s for a four-light version of the 16/6 and the Heavy 12/4. The line continued as the A95, A99, A105 and A110, and the later Farina-styled cars were also built as Wolseleys and Vanden Plas.
Design and features
- Engine: the BMC C-Series straight-six.
- Suspension: independent at the front with coil springs and wishbones.
- Trim: leather on the de luxe, PVC on the standard model.
Austin Westminster versions
- A90 Six Westminster (1954): the first.
- A95, A99, A105 and A110: the later models up to 1968.
- Wolseley and Vanden Plas Farina versions.
More Austin cars are in our Austin collection, for example the A70 it replaced, the Cambridge introduced alongside the A90 and the Sheerline.
Austin Westminster questions and answers
When was the Austin Westminster sold?
From 1954 to 1968.
What replaced the A70 Hereford?
The Westminster, starting with the A90 in 1954.
What engine did the A90 have?
A 2.6 L BMC C-Series six of 85 hp.
How many were made?
101,634.
What replaced it?
The Austin 3-Litre in 1968.
Video: Austin westminster a 110
Video by olareier on YouTube.
Sources
- Austin Westminster, English Wikipedia: A90 and the series
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