The Austin A110 Westminster at Sixty

When BMC introduced its second generation of ‘Big Farinas’ in late 1961, the Austin A110 Westminster immediately appealed to the nation’s bank managers. It was more formal than a Ford Zodiac Mk. II or Vauxhall Cresta PA, more spacious than a Standard Vanguard Luxury Six and more powerful than a Humber Hawk. Best of all, “Resplendent in a range of dignified colours, its smooth flowing lines represent the highest standards of production in which the Austin A110 Westminster Saloon stands supreme”.

The original A99 Farina made its bow in 1959, and the A110 sported a new grille, a 2-inch longer wheelbase, an upgraded dashboard, and a modified suspension. In addition, the C Series engine featured a modified cylinder head and an output of 120 bhp, a development that many drivers welcomed. However, the standard three-speed plus dual overdrive manual transmission was now via a floor gear lever that was not renowned for its smooth operation.

As for the cabin, the atmosphere was businesslike rather than opulent. The list of standard fittings included a clock, two-speed wipers, vacuum-powered windscreen washers, twin courtesy lights and leather upholstery, while the dashboard featured a ‘facsimile wood finish’. Any motorists who craved genuine walnut veneer, plus fog and reversing lamps and a cigar lighter had to aspire to ownership of the more expensive Wolseley 6/110.

One of the Westminster’s sales advantages over its rivals was the 3-litre engine; the Ford, Standard and Vauxhall had smaller six-cylinder units while the Humber favoured a ‘Big Four’. The Austin was a highly adept motorway cruiser, and by the end of 1961, optional PAS made it far easier to manoeuvre in town.

The automotive press seemed to approve of the A110, Autocar concluding: “Sedate in appearance, and roomy, the car seems eminently suitable as executive transport, although for weekends away from it all, the whole family can be just as easily installed”. The Westminster also appealed to county constabularies, car hire firms and anyone who regarded a Zodiac as transport for “wide boys’.

And to look at the brochure is to enter a world of suburban aspiration, with sales copy designed to appeal to the reader’s social-climbing instincts. The Austin was apparently “A car of distinction for people of distinction”; i.e. a Grampian Grey and Embassy Maroon Westminster allowed you to look down at any Cresta owner. Equally importantly, the interior offered “spacious, sophisticated comfort, with a sparkling selection of trim colours”.

The A110 Mk. 2 replaced the Mk.1 in early 1964, and any surviving example of the first generation model is now a highly desirable classic car. The Westminster is a vehicle of genuine presence, and, as BMC claimed, it “cannot fail to grace the most auspicious occasion”.