Austin is a British brand of cars which were produced from 1905 to 1987. During this period the company produced more than 100 different vehicle models, including passenger cars of various classes, powerful off-roaders, sports cars, and commercial vehicles. Nowadays, the rights to the brand are held by the Chinese company SAIC Motor. A possible revival of the marque was announced at the Nanjing International Automobile Exhibition in 2006.

Technical characteristics of Austin cars

The first cars of the make belonged to the luxury segment. Everything went perfectly for the company: by 1913 it had some 2,300 employees.

One of the most successful and innovative solutions of the manufacturer was the Austin 7 small car with a 800 cc capacity engine. It was one of the first cars designed for the mass market and was relatively inexpensive. It was also cheap to run, as it was subject to lower tax than competitors' cars.

The manufacturer was the first in the UK to equip cars with front-wheel drive. The combination of a transverse engine and front-wheel drive transmission was implemented on Austin Mini vans and hatchbacks, 1100 and 1800 saloons and estates, and Maxi hatchbacks.

Many Austin spare parts were unique in-house developments. The Hydrolastic suspension system in particular was implemented in the 1100. It was equipped with special rubber-and-metal displacer units instead of conventional coil springs and telescopic shock absorbers. Each unit consisted of two chambers, a diaphragm, a compressed conical spring and was filled with fluid. The front units were connected to the rear ones by means of pipes, which ensured dynamic interaction between the wheels. When a front wheel hit a bump, the rear axle was lifted automatically. This prevented body roll, ensuring perfect stability of the vehicle. On the other hand, the suspension was rather stiff.

The Hydragas system, which debuted on the Allegro and Princess hatchbacks, was the second generation of Hydrolastic suspension. Nitrogen-filled spheres were used instead of springs. Gas pressure was regulated by compressing hydraulic fluid, which, as before, flowed between the corresponding pairs of wheels.

Interestingly, a square steering wheel with rounded corners was installed on some models of the make, such as Allegro hatchbacks. This freed up additional space for the driver’s legs.

onlinecarparts.co.uk: all the parts you need for your vehicle

In our online shop you can buy spare parts for Austin cars of any production year. Thanks to our wide assortment, you’re sure to find the components you need, while our regular promotions will help you save money. Fast processing and shipping of orders will allow you to start car repair without delay.