Highlights

Spent some time in the USA, previously based in LA
Full restoration completed before arrival in the UK
Upgraded with a BMC 1,622cc B-Series engine and A70 differential
Upgraded brakes
Part of a private collection in Northern Ireland

The Appeal

The A40 'Counties' cars were Austin's bread and butter for quite some time, and it's easy to see why. Intended as a bit of a potterer's car, these cars offered modest performance but distinctive looks, with their bulbous bodies and sweeping lines soon becoming a common sight in the green and pleasant lands of the Counties they were named after.

The Somerset was one of the final cars of its type, offered in two variations—the convertible and the saloon. It remains a very charming classic—one that perfectly captures that mid-century period when car building was rapidly developing from flat-fronted jalopies into curvy, characterful cars that felt design-led.

This fine example of the '53 Convertible is utterly charming - and spent some time in the sunny, far off lands of Los Angeles for quite some time, where it must have turned quite a few heads compared to when it was built in Longbridge.

Arriving in the UK in 1989 - following a restoration - this is still a fine, solid example of a much loved mid-century classic, presented in good order and upgraded with a larger BMC B-Series power unit.

History and Paperwork

Built in 1953
Previously based in the USA
Spent some time in Los Angeles until it arrived in the UK in 1989
Imported back to the UK in 1989 after restoration in Los Angeles
Part of a private collection in Northern Ireland for several years
Indicates 08,517 miles on a five-figure odometer
MOT exempt, last tested in 2012

The Condition

Body is in good condition
Pleasantly presented paintwork with minimal signs of wear
No meaningful signs of corrosion we can spot
Chrome is very good, with a slightly dull front bumper
Badges and branding all present and correct
Glasswork and lenses in good order
Colour-contrasting wheels in good order
Light wear to the underside, though nothing of concern
Hood and side windows are in very good order
Internally, the car's cabin is nicely presented
Some rubbing and grazing to the front seats
Elsewhere, the upholstery is in fine order
Some fogging and wear to the instruments and equipment
Dashboard itself is in good, clean order

The Mechanics

Upgraded with a 1,622 B-Series 4-cylinder powerplant
Differential taken from an A70
4-speed manual transmission, with synchromesh on 2nd, 3rd and top
Upgraded brakes
Fitted with an electric petrol pump and master switch
Recently received a full service
We understand the car to be in good running order

BEFORE YOU BUY

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