Austin Cambridge A55

The Austin Cambridge Mark II A55, affectionately dubbed the “Farina” model, was restlyed by Pininfarina for the american market. Produced from 1959 to 1961, this iconic car, essentially a rebranded Morris Oxford, boasted a 1.5-litre B-Series engine, now equipped with an SU carburettor, delivering 55 bhp (41 kW) at 4,350 rpm. Inside, the Austin Cambridge A55 “Farina” offered a refined experience, featuring individual leather-trimmed seats in the front, positioned closely together to accommodate a central passenger. The gear change could be found either on the column or floor-mounted, with the handbrake lever conveniently placed between the driver’s seat and the door. Notable improvements included an expanded luggage compartment with a counterbalanced lid and increased elbow room on both the front and rear seats. For added comfort, a heater was available as an optional feature. In 1960, the lineup expanded to include the “Countryman” estate model, catering to those seeking versatile and spacious transportation. The Austin Cambridge estates, known as the “Countryman,” offered practicality without compromising style. Interestingly, the A55 Mark II and A60 estates shared identical designs from the windscreen back, maintaining consistency throughout the lineup. Underneath its sleek exterior, the Austin Cambridge boasted conventional engineering, featuring coil-sprung independent front suspension and a live axle at the rear with semi-elliptic leaf springs. Braking was managed by a Girling system, utilizing 9-inch (229 mm) drums on all four corners, ensuring reliable stopping power. With a total production of 149,994 units, the Austin Cambridge Mark II A55 left an indelible mark on automotive history, embodying the essence of British motoring excellence and timeless design.