Austin (Australia) - AllCarIndex

Austin Motor Co. of Australia Ltd. was established in 1949 in West Melbourne, Victoria, as a subsidiary of the British Austin Motor Company. The company initially focused on manufacturing vehicles tailored to the Australian market, leveraging local resources and production capabilities. In 1956, the company became part of the British Motor Corporation (BMC) Australia, which led to significant advancements in manufacturing techniques and vehicle design.

The acquisition of the Ruskin Body Works in the immediate post-World War II period allowed Austin to produce car-type utility bodies for the popular Austin A40 model. In 1957, BMC consolidated operations at a new state-of-the-art plant built on the former Victoria Park racecourse, which was notable for its innovative corrosion protection and painting processes. The first fully manufactured model from this facility was the Wolseley 1500-based Austin Lancer, which was restyled in 1959 to include tail fins.

Throughout the 1960s, Austin Australia introduced several key models, including the A60 Cambridge, which featured a larger engine for improved performance. The company also developed the Blue Streak engine, a six-cylinder variant of the B-series engine, which was introduced in 1962. This period saw the introduction of front-wheel-drive models, with the Mini and Morris 1100 being sold under the Morris marque, while the Austin 1800 was marketed under its own name.

In the late 1960s, Austin Australia continued to innovate with the introduction of the X6, a development of the Austin 1000 that featured a transverse six-cylinder engine. The company offered various models, including the base-line Tasman and the deluxe Kimberley. However, production of vehicles under the Austin name ceased in 1974 when the Leyland P76 replaced it, marking the end of an era for the brand in Australia.