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1954 Austin A40 Somerset

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Grannieannie

Grannieannie

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My husband is about to begin a restoration of this 1954 Austin Somerset. It appears to have a small oil leak from the O ring seal. He is looking into an oil filter adapter, and whether it should/ could be used on this car. I saw one on Ebay in the Uk, but am looking for something in the US. Thanks in advance for any advice. (Bear with the time stamp, it's wrong).
 

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I am not sure but I think that engine parts for the '54 A40 is the same as that for the '54 Morris Minor (which is FAR more plentiful in this country). I think that this would be the "flathead" engine and not the one in the later Morris/Sprite/MG Midget (I think) so be wary of that.
Moss should have the parts you need but as Morris Minor parts.
BillM

--if someone knows that I am wrong PLEASE correct this--
Bill
 
Bill, I just did a bit of Googling and it looks like the A40 Somerset used the first incarnation of the B-series engine (1200cc).

https://www.austinmemories.com/page8/page1/page1.html

This would make it more in common with the MGA/MGB. Really don't know how much is compatible, though.

Grannieannie -- you might want to contact Moss Motors (https://www.mossmotors.com) directly and see if they can help. They're generally quite knowledgeable and may be able to steer you properly.
 
Yes- I think that you are right. It appears to be the same engine as in the Nash Metro (1200cc) and is just a small-bore/stroke version of the engine in the MGA/MGB so those are the parts that should fit.
BillM
 
Interesting to see a right-hand-drive example over here, this one looks pretty decent as is unless you've hidden a few details...

And there are lots of these Somersets up here in Canada, typically left-hand-drive export cars of course...

There is this fine example out west here in Saskatchewan...
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A fairly well known car at a well known ghost town on the prairies, not my photo as I haven't made it that way yet...
 
As others have said, this overhead valve, 1200cc engine is an early version of the BMC "B series" engine (used in MGBs and other British cars). Quite different from the Morris Minor engine.

I would look at the filter adapter on an MGB and see if it looks similar. You are in sports-car country, near Watkins Glen, so it shouldn't be too hard to find someone with an MGB. Many of them have been converted to the new style filters.

By the way, my first car (in 1966) was an A40 Devon (see below)

nial_a40-4.jpg
 
Thanks to everyone for your replies. The information is great. Yes, it is a right hand steering wheel with a left hand four speed shift on the column. It appears to be in very good condition. I had assumed it came from Canada due to our location, so it is interesting to hear about the Somersets there. It was driven about 30 miles to our home and seemed to run well with the exception of a small oil leak. I understand the Devon was it's predecessor, nice pic!
 
Cool! I had an A40 Somersault when I was in high school, back in the Pleistocene. They were relatively common in Victoria then, which was the Canadian centre of Anglophilia in those days. I know that many driveline parts were common with the Metro, as I scavenged a bunch from a Metro that was in the local wreckers.
 
Lovely car - a fellow I know has a number in his backyard (I think) most are decomposing but if you are stuck for parts he may be able to help.
 
I a very intrigued with your friends parts (oops that didn't sound right) We are looking for a left hand original mirror. Would be willing to talk to him if he has anything! Does anyone know anything about the "crank" system??
Thanks!
 
Grannieannie said:
I a very intrigued with your friends parts (oops that didn't sound right) We are looking for a left hand original mirror. Would be willing to talk to him if he has anything! Does anyone know anything about the "crank" system??
Thanks!
Click to expand...

I'll ask
 
Considering your location, you might be interested in contacting the Adirondack Triumph Association. Despite the name, we are an all-British car club, and many members have extensive and varied experience well beyond the typical Triumph - MG - Austin-Healey realm! We also host the annual British Motorfest car show at the Saratoga Auto Museum every August.
 
Hi! I am working on a long term A-40 project......what is your question on the cranking system? I have mmy engine on a stand right now and am looking at the rear main oil sealing, given that my engine leaked oil back to the clutch! Turns out there is no rear main seal; rather, the crank is scribbed (machined) to flow and escaping oil back the shaft to a well in the bearing cap, which then feeds back to the sump. That appears to be the design, but mine does not work so well, so I am trying to determine if I can add an after-market seal, which does not look feasible given the available space. Anyway, I am digressing! What was your question on the crank?
 
Pete Brown said:
Does your friend still have these cars? I'm desperately seeking a windscreen. Thanks....Pete
Click to expand...

He does, and, IIRC both still have intact windscreens. He is located in Prince Edward County - between Toronto and Kingston - I can put you in touch.
 
Soooo how's this for a conincidence. Less than 24 hours after my last post a member of my club in Toronto (British Saloon Car Club of Canada) posted that they are contemplating ording some new Somerset windshields from England if anyone is interested - am in transit just now but will PM the contact info for those who might be interested.
 
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