Project Austin A40 Somerset ‘Special’

[78Z]

I've been a low key member of this site for almost two decades (wow!). I've owned a few British cars along the way; 74 Triumph Spitfire, 69 Reliant Scimitar GTE, 1965 Envoy Epic (Vauxhall Viva), 1978 Triumph Spitfire, 1975 MG B and 1981 Triumph TR8.

I had embarked on a new project that might be of interest with a Austin A40 Somerset. I bought one that was beyond the point of economic restoration. So purists avert your eyes but its not too bad. I am going for a custom car but one that could reasonably fit in with others when new.

The story of its purchase here:

Project Austin 'Special': Acquisition of a 1952 Austin A40 Somerset - Curbside Classic

Like many car enthusiasts I have an automotive bucket list and near the top is building a custom car of my own. If you have read some of my COAL […]

www.curbsideclassic.com

 

[78Z]

It is/was in pretty terrible condition overall. Pretty much a shell. Lots of mouse debris to clean up as well as get the door working again.


The story of assessing, cleaning it here:

Project Austin 'Special': Assessment of the Car - Curbside Classic

In the last installment I purchased the starting point for the Austin ‘Special’ project. This time around we will take a deeper dive into what the starting point looks like. […]

www.curbsideclassic.com

 

[78Z]

Let's make it a 'special'.

The silver bits were from a 90s Honda Civic roof but the rest was re-purposed from the Austin. The ex-roof bit went to the trunk.

Its now a two door with a business coupe type vibe.

Full story of bodywork done so far here:

Project Austin 'Special': Four Becomes Two - Curbside Classic

In the last installment we took a closer look at the Austin A40 Somerset shell I bought. This time we will get started on customizing it into a special. Before […]

www.curbsideclassic.com

 

[waltesefalcon]

That looks like a serious project you've undertaken. I look forward to watching it unfold.

 

[DrEntropy]

Nothing could be said that hasn't been already said in the comments section. Remarkable, sir!

What's in the plan for a powerplant? A 1275 with a 5-speed would be do-able, methinks.

 

[78Z]

Engine wise it came with a 1.2L B-series. Not seized amazingly. Missing all the electrical bits. If anyone wants it then its free with a pickup in Alberta.

I have MG B front and rear suspension bought. I am swapping in the rear now. Then I bought a Toyota 20R engine to swap in. Sort of, kind of B-series like with a little more power and a 5spd box.

 

[DrEntropy]

Excellent! The 20R is a really stout engine. I was impressed with the size of the crank and big-end bearings. Built to last!

 

[drooartz]

Sweet project!

 

[JPSmit]

great imagination and great project! keep us posted

 

[78Z]

The power train write up > Project Austin ‘Special’: Planned Mechanical Upgrades <

 

[78Z]

Rear suspension with MG B axle was tacked in place. Then I removed the frame from the body to more easily remove the engine/transmission (which is stuck together). Then finish final welding on the rear suspension.