R50/53 AUSTIN AMERICA - MINI OR NOT ?
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2nd Gear
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 83
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From: North Carolina
I had car called Austin America, model about mid sixties. As best as I recall, it was shaped similar to the old Mini. I questioned MINIUSA and was told that it was from the Mini family, however, others have told me that was not. Anybody know for certain? 
3rd Gear
Joined: May 2003
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From: Miami, Florida
Part of the BMC family in the '60s. Mini-like w/ hydro-whatever suspension, some came in four door styles. Think it had the same mini engine, but it had a trunk. I think it was also badged as an MG1100. Quality was lacking in every respect. I think the last was brought in to the US in 1968-69.
Hows that?
Hows that?
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 4,293
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From: Cincinnati, Ohio
ittybitty,
you're right. I checked the geneology of my MINI and it seems that not only is it related to the Austin America (2nd cousins, 3 generations removed on its mother's side) but also the the Austin Princess (4th cousins, 2 generations removed on its fathers side).
Seriously, Austin was a part of British Motor Corp. BMC, the Mini was one of its brands. BMC later became British Leyland and then BL, Ltd. BMW purchased the lot in 1994, and the rest as they say is history.
you're right. I checked the geneology of my MINI and it seems that not only is it related to the Austin America (2nd cousins, 3 generations removed on its mother's side) but also the the Austin Princess (4th cousins, 2 generations removed on its fathers side).
Seriously, Austin was a part of British Motor Corp. BMC, the Mini was one of its brands. BMC later became British Leyland and then BL, Ltd. BMW purchased the lot in 1994, and the rest as they say is history.
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2nd Gear
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 83
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From: North Carolina
>>Part of the BMC family in the '60s. Mini-like w/ hydro-whatever suspension, some came in four door styles. Think it had the same mini engine, but it had a trunk. I think it was also badged as an MG1100. Quality was lacking in every respect. I think the last was brought in to the US in 1968-69.
>>
>>Hows that?
Thanks and you are almost right-No quality! It was several years old when I purchased it, but was all I could afford at the time. My father taught me how to start it with a screwdriver, drove it for six months and it's death came at the local junk yard and they didn't give me a cent ! Also UGLY ORANGE! But we do what we have to in order to get around!!!!!
>>
>>Hows that?
Thanks and you are almost right-No quality! It was several years old when I purchased it, but was all I could afford at the time. My father taught me how to start it with a screwdriver, drove it for six months and it's death came at the local junk yard and they didn't give me a cent ! Also UGLY ORANGE! But we do what we have to in order to get around!!!!!
6th Gear
Joined: Oct 2002
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My Mom had a Austin America with an automatic. Could not pull the skin off a pudding.
Then we got a 4 speed Austin America. Excellent riding car, and amazing in poor weather.
The power was still a problem, so we bought an Austin Mini Cooper S. Problem solved!
All three cars were reliable, all bought used (don't aska about the Jag my Dad had!) and definitely related right down to the engine.
As previously stated, it was an MG 1100 rebadged.
Regards,
Red
Then we got a 4 speed Austin America. Excellent riding car, and amazing in poor weather.
The power was still a problem, so we bought an Austin Mini Cooper S. Problem solved!
All three cars were reliable, all bought used (don't aska about the Jag my Dad had!) and definitely related right down to the engine.
As previously stated, it was an MG 1100 rebadged.
Regards,
Red
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