May 2025
1947-1952 Austin A40 Devon & Dorset

The Austin A40 Devon and Dorset were like a breath of fresh air in the post-war automotive world. Between 1947 and 1952, these British beauties hit the road, setting the stage for the next wave of car design.  Its rounded body shape, integrated headlights, and improved interior space reflected the changing tastes of post-war consumers. 

They were Austin's way of saying, "Hey, we're back, and we've got some nifty ideas!"

The A40 came in two main flavours: the Devon, a classy four-door saloon, and the Dorset, its two-door sibling with a bit of flair. They were powered by a modest but reliable 1.2-litre engine that cranked out 40 horsepower—just enough to get you where you needed to go without gulping down fuel. And while they had that classic body-on-frame design, the streamlined look was a nod to modernity, leaving the boxy pre-war styles in the rear-view mirror.

The Austin A40 models were named after English counties. These included the A40 Devon, A40 Dorset, A40 Somerset (4-door saloon and 2-door convertible), and A40 Cambridge (4-door saloon). The A40 Countryman was a 2-door estate car. 

Production-wise, the Devon was the star of the show, with over 270,000 units rolling off the assembly lines.  The Dorset, on the other hand, was more of a rare gem, with fewer than 16,000 units produced. That scarcity has made it a bit of a collector's dream today.

Australia, with its vast distances and rugged terrain, welcomed the A40 Devon and Dorset with open arms. These cars became a hit in Australia not just because of their reliability but also their versatility. Local ingenuity led to the creation of open-top Dorset models—perfect for soaking up the Aussie sun while cruising through the countryside. Whether navigating city streets or tackling rural roads, these cars proved themselves as dependable companions for Australian drivers.

Today, the Austin A40 Devon and Dorset are cherished by classic car enthusiasts who see them as symbols of resilience, innovation, and timeless design. They might not have been flashy, but they had character—and that’s something you just can’t put a price on.