What is ADO16?
What is ADO16?
The ADO16 (Amalgamated Drawing Office project number 16) is a range of small family cars built by the British Motor Corporation (BMC) and, later, British Leyland. Launched in 1962, it was Britain’s best-selling car from 1963 to 1966 and from 1968 to 1971. The ADO16 was marketed under various make and model names, however the Austin and Morris were the most prolific of all the variants.
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How many were made?
How many were made?
Over 2,300,000!
That's over 11,500,000 litres of Hydrolastic fluid required to give the cars their unique ride! (Enough to fill just over 4 and half olympic sized swimming pools!)
Tap to find out about us!
Hello! Here’s a little bit about us…
We’re ado16.info. We’re a passionate community dedicated to the iconic ADO16, the British classic that captured hearts worldwide. Whether you know it as the Austin 1100, Morris 1300, or by any of its many badges, we’re here to celebrate the history, design, and legacy of this remarkable vehicle. From rare specs to restoration tips, our goal is to be the ultimate resource for ADO16 enthusiasts everywhere. Join us as we preserve, enjoy, and share the stories of these unforgettable cars!
Don’t forget to say hello! Or tag us on social media using the #ado16info
At ado16.info, we love numbers – and not just chassis numbers!
From how many of these wonderful cars were built to how many fellow enthusiasts have joined our community, the stats tell a story we’re incredibly proud of.
So if you’re curious about how many subscribers we have, how far the site has come, or just fancy a little numerical nostalgia – check out our Vital Statistics below.
Because when it comes to the ADO16, every number counts!
Over
subscribers worldwide.
We’ve got
years of experience behind us.
We’ve got
brochures.
More than
press photos.
Oh, we nearly forgot…
search function that we’ve never needed to advertise!
Production Timeline
March 1962
Production of the Morris 1100 and MG 1100 began at Cowley.
15th August 1962
Morris 1100 launched as a four door saloon for the home market and a two door saloon for export only.
August 1962
The first small batch of Morris 1100's (would be marketed as Morris Marina's) were exported to Denmark.
2nd October 1962
MG 1100 launched as a four door saloon for home market and a two door saloon for export only.
October 1962
MG 1100 launched in the USA as the MG "Sports Sedan". The "Sports Sedan" name is only used in publicity material.
November 1962
Mud shields were fitted to the rear drum brakes.
December 1962
Thinner front seat squabs were introduced on the MG in order to provide more leg room in the rear passenger compartment.
January 1963
After a bumpy start, due to a new tax regime, sales of the Morris Marina and MG 1100 began to pick up.
1st February 1963
The first New Zealand-built Morris 1100 rolls off the production line at the Newmarket plant.
April 1963
The Innocenti IM3 launched. Largely retaining the standard ADO16 body shell. The front end styling was tweaked. A petrol flap, different style bumpers and a much higher quality trim were fitted.
May 1963
Rumours of an estate version being developed at Longbridge surface.
September 1963
Austin 1100 launched as a four door saloon for the home market and a two door saloon for export only.
October 1963
The Vanden Plas is launched at the London Motor show to gauge public reaction. The vehicle used on the stand was in fact a converted MG 1100. Fitted with a walnut-veneer dashboard, door cappings and picnic tables in the back of the front seats. The car also boasted Connolly hide upholstery, Wilton carpets, and a West of England cloth headlining.
October 1963
The windscreen washer bottle was moved from behind the radiator grille to the bulkhead to avoid it freezing up.
November 1963
Rubber floor covering replaces carpet on most hard wearing surfaces in some Austin models.
17th February 1964
Morris 1100 launched in Australia. Complete with 37 modifications to make it suitable for the Australian terrain, including a modified interior for greater comfort.
Spring 1964
Vanden Plas production begins.
July 1964
Subframe mounting rubbers underwent major changes. The area was increased and changed from butyl to natural rubber in order to overcome variations in acoustic quality conditioned by climatic changes and to obtain more easily bonding quality in manufacture.
September 1964
Diaphragm spring clutch replaces coil spring clutch. The heating system was upgraded, crush style sun visors and a plastic framed mirror were all fitted.
1964 (Exact date TBC)
Innocenti I4 launched at the Torino Motor Show. Front end styling similar to the Morris 1100 sold in the UK.
1965 (Exact date TBC)
MG Princess launched in America, 154 cars were sold.
January 1965
Craryford "estate" announced.
September 1965
Wolseley 1100 launched.
September 1965
Riley Kestrel launched.
October 1965
Automatic transmission available on Austin and Morris 1100
Late 1965
Mystique (hatchback conversion, using a MGB GT tailgate) introduced by Creech Motors in Somerset.
March 1966
Austin 1100 Countryman & Morris 1100 Traveller launched at the Geneva Motor Show.
Spring 1966
Two door and automatic versions of the Morris Marina and Austin 1100 become available in Denmark.
May 1966
Reclining front seats become available on all models. When specified on the Traveller or Countryman the interior could be converted into a double bed.
July 1966
Innocenti IM3S launched.
Mid 1966
Longbridge had developed a hatchback version of the Australian Morris 1500, code named YDO15. This model would be launched in Australia in June 1969.
September 1966
Morris 1100 production begins in Spain, using interior supplied by Innocenti.
14th December 1966
BMC and Jaguar merge to become British Motor Holdings (BMH).
1966 (exact date TBC)
Wolseley 1100 launched in South Africa.
1966 (exact date TBC)
Two Vanden Plas Princess 1100 Countryman cars produced as prototypes. At least one of these is thought to have survived at least until the mid-1990s, when it was offered for sale by Sporting Cars of Brighton.
Early 1967
264 MG 1100 two door saloons were sent to Ireland in CKD form.
Spring 1967
Wolseley 1100 becomes available in South Africa with 48bhp, 1098cc single carburettor "A" series engine.
May 1967
Austin 1100 Countryman and Morris 1100 Traveller launched in South Africa.
June 1967
The 1275cc 58bhp, single carburettor "A" series engine became an optional extra on MG, Riley, Vanden Plas and Wolseley versions. These models were specifically badged 1275, and only lasted until October.
Summer 1967
MG 1100 no longer exported to America. Austin 1100 would be used as a place holder until the Austin America in 1968. The Austin 1100 featured a single large speedometer fitted in the centre of dashboard, similar to that fitted in De Luxe versions of the Morris/Austin 1100 Mk2 and 1300.
August 1967
Morris 1100s launched in Australia. Fitted with the 1275cc, 63bhp single carburettor "A" series engine.
September 1967
Authi built MG 1100 launched in Spain.
October 1967
The 1100 Mk2 models were launched with cropped rear fins, ventilated wheels and indicator side repeater lamps fitted to the front wings. The braking system was also given an overhaul and received larger discs and swinging calipers. Note: Some very early Mk2 models still used the Mk1 system. A revised interior was also fitted. Austin/Morris versions had revised styling at the front end being fitted with a wider grille. Austin/Morris badges relocated from bonnet to grille. Morris model now fitted with black crackle finish dashboard similar to the Austin. Rocker switches used instead of toggle switches on both models. Estate versions gain a simulated wood effect side trim, but retained Mk1 styling at the rear. The MG 1100 Mk2 remains 4 door only in the UK.
October 1967
1300 "proper" models launched. Similar to the 1100 Mk2 except fitted with the 58bhp 1275cc "A" series engine. The Austin and Morris models were fitted with different grilles. For the first time in the UK the MG 1300 was available in two and four door, while the Riley, Vanden Plas and Wolseley continued in four door only. MG, Riley, Vanden Plas and Wolseley models were available with automatic transmission.
October 1967
Jensen convertible, based on an Austin 1100 Countryman, was shown for the first time at the London Motor show, but it never made it to series production. The original prototype was owned by a member of The 1100 Club until the early 1990s.
October 1967
1100 Standard launched in Australia.
October 1967
Morris 1100 Automatic available in Australia.
November 1967
A batch of 50 1100 vans had been produced. Model never made it into production.
Early 1968
Development of a replacement for ADO16, code named ADO22, featuring a revised suspension system and updated body style is cancelled in favour the Austin Allegro.
Early 1968
Glass fibre Morris 1100 prototype produced at Longbridge.
Early 1968
Denmark starts to sell the Morris Marina GT (Morris 1300), Austin 1300 and the 4 door MG 1300.
January 1968
Austin 11/55, Morris 11/55 and Wolseley 11/55 launched in South Africa.
January 1968
Riley Kestrel 1100 Mk2 discontinued.
February 1968
Wolseley 1100 Mk2 discontinued.
March 1968
MG 1100 Mk2 discontinued.
March 1968
Vanden Plas 1100 Mk2 discontinued.
March 1968
Austin 1100 Countryman and Morris 1100 Traveller Mk2 discontinued in the UK.
March 1968
Austin America launched in USA, based an the Austin 1300 2 door saloon but with a re-worked 1275cc, 70bhp "A" series engine. Optional equipment includes manual transmission. Also sold in Canada and Switzerland.
March 1968
Morris 1100 Traveller introduced in Spain.
March 1968
Arch springs introduced to the rear suspension on 2 door models.
April 1968
MG, Riley and Wolseley 1300 are fitted with an up rated (65bhp) twin carburettor engine. Vanden Plas 1300 retains single carburettor 58bhp unit.
14th May 1968
Merger of BMH and Leyland to form the British Leyland Motor Corporation.
June 1968
Morris 1100 standard discontinued.
30th September 1968
1100 models with all syncromesh gearbox launched.
September 1968
Morris 1300 and MG 1300 production begins in Spain.
October 1968
MG, Riley, Vanden Plas, Wolseley 1300 Mk2 models launched. Fitted with a revised engine and gearbox. MG/Riley: 70bhp manual and 65bph automatic. Vanden Plas/Wolseley 65bhp manual and 60bhp automatic. Riley looses the "Kestrel" name badge now is sold as the Riley 1300.
October 1968
MG 1300 discontinued in 4 door form at chassis number 128708, subsequent vehicles produced in 2 door form only.
October 1968
Updated Austin America launched, with front seats equipped with headrests and side mounted reflectors.
30th October - 10th November 1968
BLMC 1100 Berlina Aerodinamica by Pininfarina unveiled.
December 1968
Morris 1100 Automatic discontinued in Australia.
1968 (exact date TBC)
Austin/Morris/Wolseley 11/55 Mk2 launched in South Africa, which has the revised styling as featured on the UK models.
January 1969
The Australian Morris 1100S becomes available with automatic gear change.
February 1969
Production of the Morris 1300 Traveller begins in Spain.
February 1969
Crayford build Morris and MG 1300 convertibles (6 of each marque).
May 1969
The Morris 1100S with automatic transmission is discontinued.
Summer 1969
MG 1300 no longer available with optional automatic transmission.
June 1969
Morris 1500 and Nomad models are launched in Australia. Fitted with the E series engine (used in the Maxi). The Nomad has a hatchback similar to that of the Maxi. In New Zealand the cars were sold as Austins.
July 1969
Riley 1300 Mk2 discontinued. This signalled the end of the Riley marque as it was dropped by the British Leyland Motor Corporation.
Autumn 1969
Austin America revised, now fitted with over-riders featuring a rubber insert in the centre, side marker lamps and the "dreadful" BL logo in front of the doors on the wing edges. Also fitted with the alloy three spoke steering wheel (as fitted to the 1300 GT), smaller headrests and ignition switch mounted to the steering column.
September 1969
11/55 models now available with automatic transmission.
October 1969
Austin/Morris 1300 GT launched. Fitted with the 11 stud 1275cc 70bhp twin carburettor "A" series engine. Also featuring a restyled interior complete with a three dial dashboard, similar to that fitted in the MG. Three spoke steering wheel fitted, which was also used in the Austin America. The Hydrolastic suspension was lowered slightly to give a stiffer ride.
1969 (Exact date TBC)
Austin 1300 assembly in Novo Mesto (Slovenia) begins.
1969 (Exact date TBC)
Production of a fibre glass version of the MG 1300 begins in Chile.
1969 (Exact date TBC)
A curious three box ADO16 rolls out of the Innocenti design studios. Very little is known about the car.
Early 1970
Steering column locks fitted as standard equipment on all home market vehicles. Grille badges deleted off Austin/Morris models.
Early 1970
The automatic gear selector stick was reduced in length and the selector plate was changed from chrome to black.
September 1970
Morris 1500 and Nomad available with a 5-speed manual gearbox.
October 1970
Austin America revised, now fitted with a thinner side moulding. The side marker lights have a reflector built in. Fitted with a matt black grille with two chrome strips and "America" badging. Engine underwent changes for emission laws, and an updated crankcase breather system was fitted.
1970 (Exact date TBC)
Innocenti IM3 discontinued.
1970 (Exact date TBC)
Austin/Morris 1300GT launched in Denmark. Confusingly, the Morris 1300GT was to be sold alongside the Morris Marina GT.
Early 1971
The Innocenti Austin I5 replaces the I4 models.
January 1971
Production of the Austin 1300 begins in Spain.
24th April 1971
Morris Traveller replaced in Spain by the Austin 1300 Countryman.
September 1971
Mk3 1100/1300 models launched. Featuring a revised matt Black grille. 1100 two door de luxe were models fitted with a single chrome bar, 1100 super de luxe and 1300 models were fitted with a cluster of three bars. A revised mock wood dashboard featuring two round dials was also fitted.
September 1971
Austin America discontinued.
September 1971
Morris saloon cars are discontinued in the UK, however, the Morris 1300 Traveller still available.
September 1971
MG 1300 discontinued, and is only available in CKD form for export only.
16th September 1971
MGS (also known as MG S 1300) is launched in Spain.
October 1971
Austin Apaché announced to the press in South Africa.
26th November 1971
Austin Apaché launched in South Africa.
1971 (Exact date TBC)
Austin 1300 Special launched in Yugoslavia (twin carburettor engine).
Early 1972
Austin 1100 production begins in Spain.
Early 1972
The Morris Marina is discontinued in Denmark to make way for the ADO28 (Morris Marina). This just leaves the Austin 11/1300 in production.
Early 1972
The radiator housing was removed from the inner wing.
Early 1972
"Pot" drive shaft joints appear on the "A" series engine.
March 1972
Fourth gear manual hold on automatic transmission models removed. Quadrant indicator replaced showing only three forward gear hold positions.
April 1972
Morris 1500 and Nomad discontinued. However, large stockpiles meant that the cars were sold until mid 1972.
October 1972
Austin Victoria launched in Spain. Based on the Austin Apaché. The frontal styling was given more attention and the car was fitted with twin headlamps.
November 1972
Single drivers wing mirror no longer fitted to Austin 1300 Countryman. Replaced by single door mirror fitted to the drivers door. Electrically operated rear heated window now available as an optional extra.
Late 1972
Innocenti Austin I5 discontinued.
April 1973
Wolseley 1300 discontinued.
April 1973
Morris 1300 Traveller discontinued.
April 1973
MG 1300 CKD kits discontinued.
April 1973
MG Victoria shown at the Barcelona Motor show, but never reached production.
16th May 1973
Austin Allegro announced.
19th July 1973
Austin Apaché TC launched with twin carburettor 75bhp "A" series engine. Also had vinyl roof, chrome side trims and fitted with the three dial dashboard.
11th September 1973
MG 1300 production in Chile discontinued.
February 1974
Austin De Luxe launched in Spain. Fitted with a 998cc 55bhp "A" series engine, grille similar to that fitted to the Austin 1300.
Spring 1974
The Austin 1300 SRV5 (Safety Research Vehicle) is shown to the press.
June 1974
Austin 1100/1300 discontinued.
9th October 1974
Fire in the Authi factory in Landaben.
1974 (Exact date TBC)
Austin Victoria Mk2 with front mounted radiator produced; featuring thermostatically controlled fan, newly designed seats - incorporating headrests, and a different dashboard. These vehicles were only pre-production, due to the fire the car never entered production.
1974 (Exact date TBC)
Austin Victoria discontinued.
January 1975
Denmark sells its last Austin 11/1300 models.
February 1975
1,015 Spanish built, 998cc Austin de Luxe models are the last ADO16s to be sold in Denmark.
22nd July 1975
Authi factory transferred to SEAT.
May 1976
Austin Apaché 35 Automatic launched in South Africa.
1976 (Exact date TBC)
Production in Novo Mesto discontinued.
1977 (Exact date TBC)
Austin Apache discontinued.
Jan
1964 Austin 1100
“Look – It’s an Austin 1100!”
Owners of the badge-engineered versions of the ADO16 will know this phrase well. In the UK especially, many people simply assume every ADO16 is an Austin. After all, popular belief says ADO stood for Austin Drawing Office.
In reality, the ADO16 is one of the best examples of British badge engineering. The same clever car appeared as an Austin, Morris, MG, Riley, Wolseley and Vanden Plas. While some versions attract more attention today, the real heart of the story lies with the original, honest base models.
Alan and his father became the second owners of this Austin 1100 in 2012, rescuing it from a garage where it had been stored since 1978. Remarkably, the car had covered just 32,000 miles.
The restoration was completed in 2014, perfectly in time for the car’s 50th birthday. To celebrate, Alan’s father drove it from Sussex to Birmingham for the Pride of Longbridge event — its first proper journey in over 35 years.
Like any classic that’s used and enjoyed, there’s always something to improve. During a visit to the Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show, the Austin received a new dynamo and electronic ignition to help keep it happily covering the miles.
A little background
The ADO16 story actually began with the Morris 1100, launched in August 1962. The Austin 1100 followed in 1963, quickly becoming one of the most recognisable versions of the design.
Developed under Sir Alec Issigonis, the ADO16 carried forward the Mini’s clever layout — a transverse engine driving the front wheels — which allowed remarkable interior space for a compact family car.
It also introduced Hydrolastic suspension, giving the car its famously smooth ride and excellent road manners.
The formula worked brilliantly. Through much of the 1960s the ADO16 was Britain’s best-selling car.
Today enthusiasts may admire the MG, Riley or Vanden Plas versions, but it was cars like the Austin 1100 that really carried the story — practical, clever, and quietly revolutionary.
Detailed specification
| Engine | ||||
| Cylinders | 4 in-line | |||
| Bore | 64.6mm (2.54in.) | |||
| Stroke | 83.7mm (3.29in) | |||
| Displacement | 1,098cc (67.02 cu. in.) | |||
| Valve gear | Overhead, pushrods and rockers | |||
| Compression ratio | 8.5-to-1 (optional 7.5) | |||
| Carburettors | Single S.U. HS2 | |||
| Fuel pump | S.U. Electric | |||
| Oil filter | Full flow, renewable element | |||
| Max. power | 48 b.h.p. (net) at 5,100 r.p.m. | |||
| Max. torque | 60 lb. ft. at 2,500 r.p.m. | |||
| Transmission | ||||
| Clutch | Single dry plate, 7.25 in. dia. | |||
| Gearbox | Four speed, syncromesh on 2nd, 3rd and top | |||
| Overall ratios | Top 4.13, 3rd 5.83, 2nd 8.97, 1st and reverse 14.99 | |||
| Final drive | Helical spur gears, 4.13 to 1 | |||
| Chasis | ||||
| Construction | Integral with steel body | |||
| Suspension | ||||
| Front | Wishbones with Hydrolastic suspension and damper units | |||
| Rear | Trailing arms with Hydrolastic suspension and damper units with anti-pitch and anti-roll bars. Front and rear suspension interconnected on each side of car. | |||
| Steering | Rack and pinion. Wheel dia. 16.25in. | |||
| Brakes | ||||
| Type | Lockheed hydraulic, non-servo, discs front, drums rear | |||
| Dimensions | F. 8in. dia. discs. R 8in. dia. drums. 1.25in. wide shoes | |||
| Swept area | F. 13.2 sq. in. R. 38.4 sq. in. Working on 159 sq. in. rubbed area of discs and drums | |||
| Wheels | ||||
| Type | Pressed steel. 3.5in. wide rim | |||
| Tyres | 5.50-12in. Dunlop C41 tubeless | |||
| Equipment | ||||
| Battery | 12-volt 43-amp hr. | |||
| Headlamps | Lucas sealed beam, 45-50-watt | |||
| Reversing lamp | None | |||
| Electric fuses | Two | |||
| Screen wipers | Single speed, self-parking | |||
| Screen washer | Standard, manual plunger | |||
| Interior heater | Standard, Smiths fresh-air type | |||
| Safety belts | Extra, anchorages provided | |||
| Interior trim | Leathercloth, plastic roof lining | |||
| Starting handle | No provision | |||
| Jack | Leg type, rachet handle | |||
| Jacking points | Central, each side | |||
| Other bodies | Two-door saloon (export only) | |||
| Maintenance | ||||
| Fuel tank | 8.5 Imp. gallons (no reserve) | |||
| Cooling system | 5.8 pints | |||
| Engine sump and transmission | 8.5 pints. Change oil every 3,000 miles; Chang filter element ever 3,000 miles (approx.) | |||
| Grease | 4 points every 3,000 miles | |||
| Tyre pressures | F. 28; R. 24 p.s.i. all conditions |
Cost (when new)
£614 3s 9d
1967 Vanden Plas Princess 1100
This particular Vanden Plas 1100 owes its survival to a moment of quick thinking. Around 1990, it was rescued from a scrapyard rather than being sent for crushing — a decision many ADO16 enthusiasts will be grateful for today.
After its rescue, the bent rear subframe was replaced and the car was returned to the road. Once MOT’d, it spent three or four enjoyable months being driven around the King’s Lynn area, proving that the little Vanden Plas still had plenty of life left in it.
The car was then passed back to the owner’s father, who used it for a couple of months before it was parked on his property, where it remained for many years.
The next chapter in the car’s story began in March 2023 at the Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show, when the previous owner’s son approached the ado16.info stand. A conversation followed, and by December 2023 the Vanden Plas had found a new custodian in Simon.
Simon is no stranger to the ADO16 range. Over the years he has owned many examples — and accumulated an impressive collection of parts along the way, including some of the more obscure items. If you ask him about his experiences with the ADO16, you may want to allow a little extra time… you might lose a day or two!
A little background
Introduced in 1963, the Vanden Plas Princess 1100 represented the luxury end of the ADO16 range.
While it shared the same advanced engineering as its Austin and Morris siblings — including front-wheel drive, a transverse engine, and Hydrolastic suspension — the Vanden Plas version added a level of refinement rarely seen in small family cars of the time.
Inside, buyers were treated to leather seats, polished walnut dashboard and door cappings, and a level of craftsmanship more usually associated with far larger luxury cars.
The result was a compact saloon that combined Issigonis engineering with traditional British coachbuilt luxury — a unique blend that still makes the Vanden Plas versions stand out within the ADO16 family today.
Detailed specification
| Engine | ||||
| Cylinders | 4 in-line | |||
| Bore | 64.6mm (2.54in.) | |||
| Stroke | 83.7mm (3.29in) | |||
| Displacement | 1,098cc (67.02 cu. in.) | |||
| Valve gear | Overhead, pushrods and rockers | |||
| Compression ratio | 8.5-to-1 | |||
| Carburettors | S.U. HS2 | |||
| Fuel pump | S.U. Electric | |||
| Oil filter | Full flow, renewable element | |||
| Max. power | 48 b.h.p. (net) at 5,100 r.p.m. | |||
| Max. torque | 60 lb. ft. at 2,500 r.p.m. | |||
| Transmission | ||||
| Clutch | Borg & Beck diaphragm spring, 7.13 in. dia. | |||
| Gearbox | Four speed, syncromesh on 1st, 2nd, 3rd and top | |||
| Overall ratios | Top 1.0, 3rd 1.412, 2nd 2.172, 1st 3.627, Reverse 3.627 | |||
| Final drive | Helical spur gears, 4.133 to 1 | |||
| Chasis | ||||
| Construction | Integral with steel body | |||
| Suspension | ||||
| Front | Wishbones with Hydrolastic suspension and damper units | |||
| Rear | Trailing arms with Hydrolastic suspension and damper units with anti-pitch and anti-roll bars. Front and rear suspension interconnected on each side of car. | |||
| Steering | Rack and pinion. Wheel dia. 16.25in. | |||
| Brakes | ||||
| Type | Lockheed hydraulic, non-servo, discs front, drums rear | |||
| Dimensions | F. 8in. dia. discs. R 8in. dia. drums. 1.25in. wide shoes | |||
| Swept area | F. 133.2 sq. in. R. 63 sq. in. Total: 196.2 sq. in. | |||
| Wheels | ||||
| Type | Pressed steel. 4in. wide rim | |||
| Tyres | 5.50-12in. | |||
| Equipment | ||||
| Battery | 12-volt 43-amp hr. | |||
| Headlamps | Lucas sealed beam, 120/90 -watt | |||
| Reversing lamp | Extra | |||
| Electric fuses | Two | |||
| Screen wipers | Single speed, self-parking | |||
| Screen washer | Standard, manual plunger | |||
| Interior heater | Standard, water-valve type | |||
| Heated backlight | Extra | |||
| Safety belts | Extra, anchorages provided | |||
| Interior trim | Pvc seats, pvc headlining | |||
| Floor covering | Carpet | |||
| Jack | Screw, scissor type | |||
| Jacking points | Central, or ends of sill | |||
| Windscreen | Toughend | |||
| Underbody protection | Phosphate treatment underneath | |||
| Maintenance | ||||
| Fuel tank | 8 Imp. gallons (no reserve) (36.4 litres) | |||
| Cooling system | 6.75 pints (including heater) | |||
| Engine sump and transmission | 8.5 pints. Change oil every 6,000 miles; Chang filter element ever 6,000 miles (approx.) | |||
| Grease | 4 points every 3,000 miles | |||
| Tyre pressures | F. 28; R. 24 p.s.i. all conditions |
Cost (when new)
£876.88 (Source: Autocar, 1971)
1974 Austin 1300 Countryman
ROA 22M was registered on 11 January 1974 by Patrick Motors Group of Sutton Coldfield to Mrs Marguerita Adey of Warmley.
Marguerita used the car sparingly, and when she eventually gave up driving some 37 years later, the Austin passed to long-time neighbours Mr & Mrs Handy, who had always admired it. They purchased the car in 2011, when it had covered just 25,856 miles.
The car is presented in its original Tundra paint with Limeflower interior. Tundra was introduced in 1974 for the new Austin Allegro, making this late 1300 Countryman Mk III particularly unusual. It is believed to be the only surviving Countryman finished in this colour combination.
Following minor wing damage in 2023, the car was given a high-quality external respray. Photographic evidence from earlier in its life also shows how well the original Ziebart rust protection, supplied by Patrick Motors Group when new, had preserved the bodywork.
Today the car belongs to Adam Marshall of Henley-in-Arden. Adam had tried several times to buy the car over the years — first when Mr & Mrs Handy passed away in 2015, and again when the car later changed hands.
When it appeared for sale again in 2023, Adam was once more narrowly beaten to it by another buyer. Thankfully the story didn’t end there. In November 2025, Adam finally secured the car — proving that sometimes third time really is the charm.
“Marguerita”, as the car is affectionately known, has now returned to the West Midlands, where it will share garage space with Adam’s 1968 Austin 1300 saloon, which he has owned for over 13 years. Adam hopes to preserve and return the Countryman to as close to original specification as possible.
A little background
The Austin 1300 Countryman was the estate version of the hugely successful ADO16 family. Introduced during the 1960s, it combined the advanced engineering of the saloon — including front-wheel drive, transverse engine layout and Hydrolastic suspension — with the practicality of a compact estate car.
Despite its modest size, the clever packaging meant the Countryman offered impressive luggage space and everyday usability, making it a popular choice for families.
By the early 1970s the ADO16 range was nearing the end of its long production run, eventually replaced by the Austin Allegro in 1973. Cars like this 1974 Countryman therefore represent some of the very last examples of Britain’s best-selling car of the 1960s.
Practical, clever and quietly dependable, the ADO16 estate models carried the same spirit as their saloon siblings — proving that even Britain’s favourite family car could still make a very capable load carrier.
Detailed specification
| Engine | ||||
| Cylinders | 4 in-line | |||
| Bore | 64.58mm. (2.543in.) | |||
| Stroke | 8373mm. (3.2in.) | |||
| Displacement | 1,098cc (67 cu. in.) | |||
| Valve gear | Overhead, pushrods and rockers | |||
| Compression ratio | 8.5:1 | |||
| Carburettors | HS2 | |||
| Fuel pump | S.U. Electric | |||
| Oil filter | Full flow, renewable element | |||
| Max. power | 48 b.h.p. at 5,100 r.p.m. | |||
| Max. torque | 60 lb. ft. at 2,500 r.p.m. | |||
| Transmission | ||||
| Clutch | Borg and Beck s.d.p. diaphragm spring | |||
| Gearbox | Four speed syncromesh | |||
| Final drive | Helical spur gears, 4.13 to 1 | |||
| Chasis | ||||
| Construction | Integral with steel body | |||
| Suspension | ||||
| Front | Independent by unequal length wishbones and Hydrolastic displacers connected front to rear | |||
| Rear | Independent by trailing arms and Hydrolastic displlacers. | |||
| Steering | Cam gears, rack and pinion. | |||
| Brakes | ||||
| Type | Lockheed hydraulic, discs front, drums rear | |||
| Dimensions | F. 8.4in. dia. discs. R 8in. dia. drums. 1.25in. wide shoes | |||
| Friction areas | Front: 18.6 sq. in. of lining operating on 148 sq. in. of disc/drum Rear: 38.4 sq. in. of lining operating on 63 sq. in. of disc/drum | |||
| Wheels | ||||
| Type | Pressed steel. 4in. wide rim | |||
| Tyres | 5.50-12 cross-ply tyres | |||
Cost (when new)
£976.88 (Source: Autocar 1971)
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