Austin A50 1954-1959

[Ferrer]

First picture, last model off the production line

When Austin carried out a model change in England (September 1954), Nissan followed suit and switched to the A50 in December that year. Even during A40 production, the shift to domestic sourcing had advanced and so by August 1956 all of the parts were made in Japan. This model represents the final version, which went on sale in December 1958. Manufactured on December 28, 1959, it was the final car off the production line.

Specs

Overall length
4,120mm (4,110mm)
Overall width
1,580mm
Overall height
1,590mm (1,570mm)
Wheelbase
2,520mm (2,510mm)
Curb weight
1,085kg (1,070kg)
Engine
Type 1H (4-cyl. in line, OHV)
EngineDisplacement
1,489cc
EngineMax. power
42kW=57PS (37kW=50PS)/4,400rpm
Top speed
130km/h (128km/h)
Seating capacity
6 (5)

Figures in parentheses are for the ’56 model.

Second picture, Prince Takamatsu’s private automobile

This is the actual vehicle used by Prince Takamatsu. Making use of the technologies obtained through collaboration with the Austin company, Nissan manufactured the A50 from December 1954. It was at first a 5-seater with a 50hp engine, but the later 1957 version (launched in July) was a 6-seater. In December 1958, the final version was launched with a 57hp engine (+7hp), offering improved comfort and better rear visibility.

Specs

Overall length
4,120mm
Overall width
1,580mm
Overall height
1,590mm
Wheelbase
2,520mm
Curb weight
1,085kg
Engine
Type 1H (4-cyl. in line, OHV)
EngineDisplacement
1,489cc
EngineMax. power
42kW (57PS)/4,400rpm
Top speed
130km/h
Seating capacity
6

[Ferrer]

Introduced in September 1954, and with a body identical to that of the A40 Cambridge, was the A50 Cambridge which used a new 1.5 L (1489 cc) B-Series four-cylinder engine with single Zenith carburettor which was good for 50 hp (37 kW). It sold better and remained in production through to 1957 with nearly 115,000 made.

The de luxe version had a heater, leather seat facings, carpets replacing the standard rubber matting, armrests on the doors, twin-tone horns, a passenger sun visor, and some extra chrome including overriders.

Technical advances in the A50 Cambridge included an optional Borg-Warner overdrive unit for the top three (of four) gears. A semi-automatic transmission (branded "manumatic" and providing pedal-free clutch operation) was also offered, but it was unpopular with buyers.

A number of modifications were introduced in October 1956 including smaller 13 in (330 mm) wheels and increased compression ratio (8.3:1).

A de luxe version tested by The Motor magazine in 1955 had a top speed of 73.6 mph (118.4 km/h) and could accelerate from 0–60 mph (97 km/h) in 28.8 seconds. A fuel consumption of 28.0 miles per imperial gallon (10.1 L/100 km; 23.3 mpg-US) was recorded. The test car cost £720 including taxes. A radio and a clock were optional extras.

As with its predecessor the A40 Somerset, the A50 Cambridge was built under licence by Nissan in Japan; the arrangement ended in 1959.

Source: wikipedia.org