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06/06/2020 6:22 am
Austin A90 woodie and record car
Following thread 28164 below I can add one or two notes to the story and it's not often I can say that!
The model was originally introduced by Minimarque 43 as their number UK36 with a limited edition of 300 in the correct Ensign Red; mine is #70. The label says 1950 as the date for the prototype.
As befits a prototype one off, information is sketchy though John Y has come up with much, including two photos I've not seen before. Thank you John. Looking at the photos the original MMQ43 model seems to have more realistic wood parts, without the heavy marbling effect of the newer MMQ/Illustra and it has the correct registration number-LYC414.
Mention was also made of the green record car with the red bonnet (hood). That came about when during one of the record runs a service stop was made after which, in haste, the bonnet was not securely fastened. As a result it flew up and was so badly damaged it had to be replaced. Unfortunately, there were no spares so the bonnet on the red support A90 replaced it.
The car was driven continuously for seven days and nights in bad unseasonal weather, stopping only for servicing, refuelling and a change of drivers. It covered 11,850 miles at an average speed of 70.54 mph, breaking 63 records previously held by American cars.
As John stated, the car did not succeed in the US, because of the 4 cylinder engine when for the same, or less, money people could buy a domestic V8. Also, the styling, made by Austin to perceived American tastes was rather over the top.
Figures I've seen suggest only about 350 were sold in the US of a total of just under 8000 made. Even a $1000 price cut didn't help. What price one now though!
For anyone wanting more on the story, and all the issues faced by the Austin team, one of the drivers, Alan Hess wrote a book 'The Indianapolis Records' in 1949.
I have six A90 models, three by Lansdowne (Brooklin); two open and one closed convertible, the record car by MMQ/Illustra and two MMQ43s, the estate and a cream Coupe.
Some of my favourite models!
06/06/2020 7:34 am
I enjoyed the story of the record.....
car, with the Red Hood.
Richard Briggs offered me that car, but I don't think he told me the whole story, Maybe he did, but it was 30 years ago, and I don't necessarily collect record or race cars, except for a few. As I said, I have all of the others, a total of 4, all MM43. They weren't exactly a bargain.
I will say, I liked the car very much, and have a few pieces of original sales literature. I think it was well styled, possibly a little ahead of the curve, like the Chrysler Airflow. Anyway, good post.