HAYNES DESCRIPTION:

The A40 was the Austin Motor Company's first new post war model. Available in Devon (4door) and Dorset (2 door) versions, with independent front suspensions, hydraulic brakes and a synchromesh gearbox, they were a huge improvement on the previous models. Power was from a 1200cc, 4 cylinder OHV engine. On show here is the A40 Somerset, which was developed from the Devon and introduced in 1952. A40's were destined to become major dollar earnings at a time whe exports were imported to Britian's economy. The Devon, Dorset and Somerset formed part of a range of Austin's range named after counties, which also included the larger Hampshire and Hereford.