Austin Cambridge 1959–1961 car dimensions: 4521 mm long, 1619 mm wide and 1518 mm high. Unladen weight is 1,099 kg.
The cabin seats four or five with a split-bench front seat arrangement that allows a central passenger. Front seats are independently adjustable with latex foam cushions. Basic models have vinyl-treated fabric trim, rubber mats in front and carpet in rear, plus one sun visor. Deluxe models add leather contact surfaces on seats, full carpets, two sun visors, and a heater with demisters as standard. Heater and demister are optional on basic models along with radio, electric clock and windscreen washers. Instruments sit in a plain painted steel fascia with speedometer, temperature gauge, oil pressure and fuel gauges. Gear change is floor-mounted as standard or optional on the column. Handbrake sits between the seat and door. Wind-down windows and swivelling vents feature in all doors. No electronic driver aids appear in period equipment lists.
The saloon boot holds 19 cubic feet of luggage on a low loading platform. It has a locking counterbalanced lid that stays open to cover the contents. The number plate lamp lights the interior when the lid is raised. The spare wheel sits in a wind-down tray under the floor, operated by the starting handle.
The cabin offers a large spacious interior with deep side windows, wraparound windscreen and rear window for maximum all-round vision. Divided bench-type front seats are independently adjustable and cushioned with soft latex foam rubber, with squabs in rubberized hair. Deluxe models add leather contact surfaces, rear door armrests, full carpets and a heater. Standard trim is vinyl-treated fabric throughout including headlining. Swiveling ventilating louvers and wind-down windows feature in each door. Controls sit within easy reach and the passenger compartment falls within the wheelbase for continuous riding comfort.
Petrol 1489 cc B-Series engine with SU carburettor
Typical fuel consumption 28-31 mpg
Fuel tank capacity around 10 Imperial gallons
Girling hydraulic drum brakes all round with two-leading-shoe fronts
Unitary all-steel body for strength
Safety glass in wraparound windscreen, rear and side windows
The car runs on petrol via a single SU carburettor on the 1.5-litre engine. Period tests record overall consumption of 28 mpg to 31 mpg. A full-flow oil filter and paper-element air cleaner (oil-bath for dusty export markets) support long service life.
Servicing follows the era pattern of frequent chassis greasing at multiple points every 1000 miles plus oil and filter changes around every 3000 miles. The engine is noted as tough and capable of high mileages when maintained. DIY work is straightforward though the oil filter element can be awkward.
Safety equipment centres on the unitary construction for strength without excess weight, dust- and draught-proof doors with safety catches and children's locks, and toughened safety glass all round set in stainless surrounds. Large-diameter hydraulic drums provide positive braking. Sturdy chrome bumpers wrap well round for coachwork protection. No crash-test ratings appear in the record.
Keeping the car means regular greasing of front suspension points to avoid wear, attention to rubber bushes, and checking the simple four-speed gearbox and drum brakes. The spacious boot holds 19 cubic feet with a counterbalanced lid and under-floor spare.
Length 4521 mm, Width 1619 mm, Height 1518 mm, Wheelbase 2521 mm (Cambridge 1959–1961)
Sources: manufacturer data, co-oc.org and classiccarportraits.co.uk, wheelsage.org/ultimatespecs.com/wikipedia.