Austin 3-litre

In 1967 Austin (BMC) launched its last, large "executive" saloon to be badged as an Austin, bringing to an end an Austin tradition spanning over sixty years, the new model was called simply the Austin 3-Litre. The 3-Litre followed on from the ageing A99/A110 range using a new, improved version of the 2912cc, C-series engine which it shared with the new MGC launched at the same time.

The 3-Litre was a strange blend of old and new Austin designs, the cars bodyshell was a larger version of that used for the 1800 saloons,

indeed some body panels were interchangeable. Unlike the 1800 the 3-Litre used a conventional North/South facing engine/rear wheel drive layout, conflicting with its more modern, front wheel drive layout appearance.

The Austin 3-Litre failed to sell, possibly due to its bland "down market" appearance and lack of imaginative marketing, sadly the 3-Litre fell victim to the British Leyland corporate axe and died quietly in 1971, by then only 9992 cars had been built.