ADO16 in South Africa
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BMC 11/55

Alongside the standard Austin 1100, South Africa also had an uprated, 55bhp version which was sold in Austin and Wolseley guises. Although this increased power output was equivalent to that produced by the twin-carb 1100s available in the UK, the 11/55 models took a different route to achieving their extra horses, having a single 1½in. carburettor, larger inlet valves, double spring valves and a modified air cleaner.

The car continued in MkII form until the early 1970s, when it was replaced by the Austin Apache.

This brochure shot carried the strap-line: "Powered by 55 full-blooded horses".

A unique feature of these South African variants is their front-mounted reflectors, which can be seen in all of these brochure shots.

BMC 11/55 pictures kindly supplied by Henk Schuuring

Austin Apache

The Austin Apache was designed by Michelotti in 1970, alongside the almost identical Authi Victoria, and was produced by Leyland South Africa at their Blackheath plant from 1971 until the mid Seventies.

Like the Victoria, the Apache is a well-disguised Austin 1300, with extended nose and tails sections grafted on. The centre section is virtually unaltered, howewever, so the doors are a bit of a giveaway. Not much more to say about it really, but here are some pictures for your viewing pleasure.

This splendid Apache is owned by Martin Williamson, who lives in Chester.

Copyright © 2002 Keith Adams