Description
The Austin A40 Sports was a stylish, open-top tourer produced by the Austin Motor Company between 1950 and 1953. Designed in collaboration with Jensen Motors, it was based on the Austin A40 Devon but featured a sleeker, more aerodynamic aluminum body handcrafted by Jensen. The result was a lightweight and elegant two-door convertible with a distinctive, flowing design that set it apart from Austin’s more utilitarian models.
Under the hood, the A40 Sports was powered by a 1.2-liter, four-cylinder engine, producing around 46 horsepower—slightly more than the standard A40 Devon, thanks to a higher compression ratio and twin carburetors. This provided improved performance, allowing for a top speed of approximately 77 mph, making it a lively car for its era. The four-speed manual gearbox delivered a smooth driving experience, and the independent front suspension contributed to its nimble handling.
Though it was intended to compete with other small British sports cars of the time, the A40 Sports was more of a stylish cruiser than a true high-performance machine. Its comfortable seating, well-appointed interior, and refined design made it a popular choice for drivers looking for an elegant yet practical open-top car. Production was limited to around 4,000 units, making it a rare and collectible classic today, admired for its combination of Austin reliability and Jensen craftsmanship.