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On November 26th, 1953, the second millionth car was despatched and plans were well advanced for the production, in co-operation with Fisher and Ludlow Limited, of Birmingham (which later became a B.M.C. plant), of an American light car for the Nash Company of the U.S.A. This new model, which Nash were anxious should make use of as many A40 parts as possible, including the engine, was ultimately announced on March 19th, 1954, as the "Metropolitan". Its reception in the North American Continent where it was to be exclusively marketed, was at once most encouraging. Another product which had also established itself as a dollar earner, was the Austin-Healey Hundred, which, at the Utah Salt Flats in 1954, achieved a speed of 192.6 m.p.h. over the measured mile. On September 28th, 1954, the successor to the A40 Somerset was announced. It was a completely new car, of unit construction, with sweeping lines, and a choice of 1200 c.c. or 1500 c.c. engines. Named the "Cambridge,"' the new car was at once in great demand. It was shortly followed by a new six cylinder car, the A90 Six Westminster. On the commercial side a range of light vehicles from 5 to 10 cwts. was displayed at the Commercial Motor Show and on March 9th, 1955, newly designed 2/3 and 5 ton trucks with normal or forward control and petrol or diesel engines, were in production. This, then, in brief outline, is the story of the Austin Motor Company's first fifty years. Its present Chairman, Sir Leonard Lord, who was created a Knight of the British Empire in the 1954 New Year Honours List, is carrying the torch handed on by Lord Austin. Under his inspiring leadership we await the future with eagerness and optimism.
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