Austin A50 Cambridge

1954 to 1957
Overview
Also called	Austin A50 Coupe Utility
Production	1954–1957 114,867
Assembly	England Australia  Japan
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door saloon 5-door estate (Japan)  2-door coupé utility (Australia)
Powertrain
Engine	1.5 L B-Series Straight-4 50 bhp
Dimensions
Wheelbase	99.25 in (2,521 mm)
Length	162.25 in (4,121 mm)
Width	61.5 in (1,562 mm)
Height	61.5 in (1,562 mm)
Curb weight	2,352 lb (1,067 kg)

Also introduced in September 1954, and with a body identical to that of the A40 Cambridge, was the A50 Cambridge which used a new 1.5 L (1489 cc) B-Series four-cylinder engine with single Zenith carburettor which was good for 50 hp (37 kW). It sold better and remained in production through to 1957 with nearly 115,000 made.

The de luxe version had a heater, leather seat facings, carpets replacing the standard rubber matting, armrests on the doors, twin-tone horns, a passenger sun visor, and some extra chrome including overriders.

Technical advances in the A50 Cambridge included an optional Borg-Warner overdrive unit for the top three (of four) gears. A semi-automatic transmission (branded "manumatic" and providing pedal-free clutch operation) was also offered, but it was unpopular with buyers.

A number of modifications were introduced in October 1956 including smaller 13 in (330 mm) wheels and increased compression ratio (8.3:1).

A de luxe version tested by The Motor magazine in 1955 had a top speed of 73.6 mph (118.4 km/h) and could accelerate from 0–60 mph (97 km/h) in 28.8 seconds. A fuel consumption of 28.0 miles per imperial gallon (10.1 L/100 km; 23.3 mpg_-US) was recorded. The test car cost £720 including taxes.

A radio and a clock were optional extras.

As with its predecessor the A40 Somerset, the A50 Cambridge was built under licence by Nissan in Japan; the arrangement ended in 1959.