Austin A40 Farina Car Club Visit

The A40 Farina Club was founded in 1979 to assist owners of the models to keep their cars on the road, although of course the Club also warmly welcomes non-owners as well.

The Austin Motor Company was one of England’s earliest car manufacturers, being founded by Herbert Austin in 1905, on merger becoming first the British Motor Corporation, then British Leyland. The A40 Farina became the very last true Austin since later BL cars carried different marque badges depending on their levels of equipment and refinement.

The A40 Farina was developed between the years 1955-58 at Longbridge, employing one of the world’s most distinguished designers, the Italian stylist Battista Farina.

Mechanically the vehicle inherited much from the Austin A35; production commenced on 2nd June 1958 and by December about 400 units per week were being built. They began appearing on the public roads towards the end of 1958 and the standard model cost, including Purchase Tax, £676 7s 0d – a heater was £20 extra and, for another £13 or so, the new owner could have a passenger’s sun visor, opening rear side windows, and over-riders.

Come and browse the cars, enjoy a few vintage tram rides and explore our exhibitions, workshop viewing gallery, woodland walk and sculpture trail, and take a breather in our cafe or pub for a snack or drink!