Austin 1800 1964–1967 car dimensions: 4170 mm long, 1702 mm wide and 1410 mm high. Unladen weight is 1,150 kg. Braked towing is 1,016 kg.
The cabin seats five adults with generous shoulder room from curved side windows and more legroom than expected in a compact overall length. Separate front seats adjust for reach with polyether padding. rear bench is wide enough for three. Full-width parcel shelf under the fascia, door pockets and large rear shelf provide storage. Strip speedometer sits ahead of the driver with fuel and temperature gauges. Fresh-air vents with adjustable louvres work independently of the heater. Heater/demister is standard on de luxe and optional on base. Padded sun visors, crash rolls and built-in seat-belt points are fitted. No electronic driver aids appear in the records.
Boot capacity is 17 cubic feet with a flat, fully lined floor free of spare-wheel or tank intrusion. Spring-assisted lid and interior lamp aid loading. spare wheel winds down from a tray beneath.
Maximum towing weight is listed at 1016 kg. Carrying capacity is given as 400 kg. The sealed Hydrolastic suspension and stiff body suit everyday family loads and light towing without special heavy-duty options noted.
The cabin feels roomy for five adults despite the short overall length, with wide shoulder space from curved side windows and a flat floor. Front seats offer armchair comfort via rubber diaphragms and polyether pads, with fore-aft adjustment. rear has full-depth pads. Fresh-air vents at the fascia ends work independently of the heater for directed flow with windows shut, cutting wind noise. Hydrolastic suspension keeps the ride level with little pitch. The interior stays quiet thanks to engine mounts, cable gear linkage and sound damping. Large door pockets, full-width shelves and a 17 cu ft boot add practicality. De-luxe trim uses hide seats, carpets and rear armrests.
Fuel: premium grade petrol. tank holds about 10.5-11 imperial gallons. touring use around 30 mpg, overall tests near 22-25 mpg.
Service interval: engine/transmission oil change every 6000 miles. only one grease nipple on the handbrake cable.
Standard safety kit: servo-assisted front discs and rear drums with G-sensitive valve. child safety catches on rear doors. crushable sun visors. built-in seat belt anchorages. radial-ply tyres. padded facia edges.
Body: fully Roto-dipped against rust. sealed-for-life Hydrolastic suspension needs no routine attention.
Fuel use stays reasonable for a 1.8-litre family saloon. Steady-speed figures reach the high 30s mpg at moderate pace and drop to the mid-20s at higher cruising. The sealed cooling system and shared engine-transmission oil sump keep fluid checks simple. Premium petrol is specified.
Servicing is minimal. Change the combined engine and gearbox oil every 6000 miles and grease the single handbrake cable nipple at the same time. The cooling system is sealed with an expansion tank. Hydrolastic units and most joints are sealed for life. Front brakes are self-adjusting. An oil-filter warning light signals cartridge changes.
Safety centres on a very stiff unitary body shell, front-wheel drive, rack-and-pinion steering and the interconnected Hydrolastic setup for stable handling. Brakes are servo-assisted discs at the front with a pressure-limiting valve to reduce rear lock-up. Child locks, crushable visors, side repeater flashers and belt mountings are fitted. The steering box sits behind the engine.
Keeping the car is straightforward thanks to the low-maintenance design and rust-protected shell. Radial tyres and the stiff structure help long-term durability. Owners report the need to watch early oil use during running-in and to keep the closed crankcase ventilation clear. Reclining seats and a heater are extras or de-luxe items depending on market.
Length 4170 mm, Width 1702 mm, Height 1410 mm, Wheelbase 2692 mm (1800 1964–1967)
Sources: manufacturer data, BMC 1964 press release, BMC selling guide and Motor Oct 1964 road test.