Austin Cambridge - was it the original people carrier / SUV?

The last of the Austin Cambridge’s drives past in Dublin in the early 80s. Because of the cars interior space and popularity with large families at the time some might say it was the original people carrier / SUV. To meet family requirements spacious five / six seater, four door bodywork came as standard. The Austin Cambridge also had “19 cubic feet” of easily loaded “big enough for any holiday” boot which opened from bumper level. The 1600cc versions (from 1962) were always a popular choice for caravaners and farmers because of their towing power. They were pleasant cars in which to travel over long distances not least because the windows provided a large glass area offering a light and airy interior. Due to Irish Government policy cars for the Irish market from 1933 had to be imported as parts and assembled locally by Irish labour. Lincoln & Nolan had the franchise for the Austin Motor Company so they assembled them in Ireland. Italian car designer Pininfarina developed the distinctive ‘tailfin’ look of the Austin Cambridge which was powered by a 55bhp engine. They had a top speed of 75.5mph and a 0-60mph acceleration time of 24.5 seconds and an average fuel economy of 31.5 mpg (Motor magazine 1959 road test). Lincoln & Nolan merged with Ireland's Morris assemblers Brittain's in 1966. To read more about the Austin Cambridges in Ireland go here https://bit.ly/3xOTLUQ It would be great if you could like this page or you can go to our Instagram https://www.instagram.com/irlmade/ and follow us there. Do you have an Irish made project old or new you would like us to feature? Email us here info@irelandmade.ie Photos British Leyland Chronicles FB, Capuchin Archive, je245 Flickr, National Library of Ireland Video Eric Deschoenmaeker / Vimeo. #AustinCambridge #the60s #SUV #60smotoring #morrisoxford

Added 30 Mar 2026