Austin A105 Westminster (1954-59)

The Austin A105 Westminster, produced from 1954 to 1959, was a solid middle-class saloon that combined a smooth six-cylinder engine with a semi-upmarket design. Here are some insights into common issues with the A105 Westminster:

1. Sloppy Road Manners: In its standard form, the A105 Westminster had sloppy road manners. Handling and ride quality were not its strong points.

2. Rust and Corrosion: Like many cars of its era, the A105 was susceptible to corrosion. Regular inspections and rust prevention measures were crucial to maintain its structural integrity.

3. Interchangeable Parts: While it may have looked similar to the smaller A40 and A50 Cambridge models, only the doors were actually interchangeable between the A105 and its smaller cousins.

4. A105 vs. A95: The A105 was part of a range that included the A95. The A105 was the star of the lineup, featuring twin carburettors, lowered suspension, overdrive as standard, and two-tone paint. The A95 gained a bit more power but didn’t have the same sporty features.

5. Vanden Plas Version: A badge-engineered Vanden Plas version of the A105 Westminster was also built. It boasted a wood and leather-lined interior, adding a touch of luxury to this solid saloon.

Despite its quirks, the Austin A105 Westminster remains a classic with a loyal following among enthusiasts

Generations
The Austin Westminster series included several generations of large saloon and estate cars produced by Austin from 1954 to 1968. Among these, the A105 was one of the variants. Here’s a breakdown:
1. A90 Westminster: The initial model, introduced in 1954 as a semi-upmarket saloon with a straight-six engine.
2. A95 and A105: In 1956, the Westminster became the A95 and A105. Both featured larger rear windows, squarer rear wing lines, and new grilles. The A105 was the star of the range, equipped with twin carburettors, lowered suspension, overdrive, and two-tone paint.
3. A110: The series continued through five generations, including the A99 and A110, before being replaced by the new Austin 3-Litre in 1968.
Overall, approximately 101,634 examples of the Westminster were produced during its lifespan.

Body Styles
The Austin A105 Westminster was available in two primary body styles:
1. Short-Tail Saloon: Introduced in the 1956 model year, this version had a shorter tail.
2. Long-Wheelbase Saloon: Most A105s were the long-wheelbase, long-tail facelift variety, which featured a larger rear window, squarer rear wing lines, and a new grille.

Versions
The Austin A105 Westminster had two main versions:
1. The first version was based on the A90 Westminster in 1956.
2. The next version came out in 1957 and was based on the A95 Westminster, which was also available as a Vanden Plas

Spares
If you’re looking for Austin A105 Westminster spare parts in the UK and Ireland, here are some options:
1. British Classic Spare Parts: They offer a range of parts for various Austin models, including the A105. You can find items like wipers, arms, switches, gauges, suspension components, lighting, and more.
2. Earlpart Longbridge Motor Spares: Their catalogue includes parts for the A90, A95, A105, A99, A110 Westminster, as well as the Princess Vanden Plas and other related models.
3. MEV Spares: While they specialize in clutch, brake, and hydraulic components, they might have some compatible parts for the A105 Westminster.
Remember to check availability and compatibility with your specific model
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Specialists
Here are some specialists in the UK and Ireland who can help with your Austin Maxi:

1. **The Cambridge-Oxford Owners Club**: This club offers support, parts, and advice for owners of various Austin models, including the A105i.
2. **Honest John Classics**: They provide reviews and information on classic cars, including the A105.
3. **Classic Cars for Sale UK**: A marketplace for buyers and traders of classic cars, where you can find parts and services for the A105i.

**NORTHERN IRELAND AUSTIN SPECIALIST LIST**

Austin specialist mechanics in County Antrim, Northern Ireland:
1. McMillan Specialist Cars: They offer a wide range of services including maintenance, repairs, and full restorations. They are located at Unit 10, Plasketts Close, Kilbegs Road, Antrim BT41 4NN. You can contact them at 028 9335 49111.
2. Nufinish: With over 18 years of experience, they handle smart cosmetic and light damage repairs. They are located at Unit 24, Antrim Business Park, Randalstown Road, Antrim BT41 4LH. Their contact number is 028 9446 60142.
3. D S Autos: This garage specialises in all makes and models of car repairs, including servicing, diagnostics, and more. They are based at 67 Church St, Antrim BT41 4BE. You can reach them at 028 9446 66623.

Austin Specialists in County Armagh Northern Ireland
Here are a few options for Austin specialist mechanics in County Armagh, Northern Ireland:
1. McMullan Auto Services: They offer a range of services including car servicing, maintenance, diagnostics, and repairs. They are located at 85A Fergort Rd, Armagh BT60 3DN. You can contact them at 028 3753 17661.
2. Elite Motor Performance: This garage provides various auto repair services and is based in Armagh2.
3. Pittstop: Another option in Armagh, offering comprehensive garage services2.
If you need more details or have specific requirements, feel free to let me know!

Austin Specialist in County Down Northern Ireland
John Chatham Cars
• Location: Wellinghouse Farm, Moorhouse Lane, Hallen, Bristol BS10 7RT
• Services: Specializes in restoring, treating, and maintaining Austin Healeys and other classic British sports cars from the '50s, '60s, and '70s. They offer classic car restoration, servicing, and race preparation.
• Contact: You can reach them at 0117 950 1836. More information is available on their website.
Merlin Classic Cars
• Location: The Ropery, Unit 1C Redmoor Lane, Stockport SK22 3JL
• Services: Renowned for their restoration, maintenance, race preparation, and sales of all Austin Healey marques. They have over 30 years of experience in restoring classic and vintage vehicles.
• Contact: You can contact them at 01663 746499. More details can be found on their website.

Austin mechanic specialist in County Fermanagh Northern Ireland
1. Lochside Garages: While they are primarily Vauxhall dealers, they offer comprehensive servicing and repairs for various car brands. They are located at 22 Tempo Road, Enniskillen BT74 6HR. You can contact them at 028 6632 4366.
2. Enniskillen Motor Services: They provide a range of vehicle services, including diagnostics, repairs, and maintenance. They are based in Enniskillen.
3. Austin mechanic specialist in County Londonderry Northern Ireland

Austin specialist mechanics in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland:
1. Lloyd Cooke Motors Ltd: They provide expert vehicle maintenance and car bodywork repairs. Located at 53 Lismacarol Road, Londonderry BT47 3LZ. You can contact them at 028 7130 2100.
2. S M C Motors: Offering a range of garage services throughout County Londonderry.
3. Satnams Garage: Another reliable option for various auto repair services in Londonderry.

Austin specialist mechanics in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland:
1. KG Truck & Plant: Based in Dungannon, they offer mobile mechanics for plant machinery and hydraulic repairs. They provide 24/7 on-site services and have over 20 years of experience. You can contact them at 07771 904 505.
2. NR Trucks Ltd: Located at 70 Armagh Road, Dungannon, they offer a range of services for commercial vehicles. You can reach them at 028 8778 9775.
3. Tyrone Diesel Systems: Specialising in the testing and repair of diesel fuel systems, they are the only fully-authorised Bosch Diesel Centre in Northern Ireland. They are based in Omagh

These specialists should be able to assist you with parts, advice, and support for your Austin Maxi.
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Racing
The Austin A105 Westminster did take part in racing. Notably, it was involved in the inaugural year of the British Saloon Car Championship (now known as the British Touring Car Championship) in 1958. The A105, driven by Jack Sears, won the championship that year³. This victory marked the A105 as one of the early champions in British saloon car racing history.

The 1958 British Saloon Car Championship (BSCC) was the inaugural season of what is now known as the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC). Here are some key details:

- **Classes**: The championship was divided into four classes based on engine capacity: up to 1200cc, 1201-1600cc, 1601-2700cc, and 2701cc and above.
- **Points System**: Equal championship points were awarded in each class, meaning any driver could win the championship without necessarily winning races outright.
- **Notable Event**: The first round was held on December 26, 1957, at Brands Hatch.
- **Championship Decider**: The season ended dramatically with Jack Sears and Tommy Sopwith tied on points. The championship was decided by a unique shoot-out using identical Riley One-Point-Five works rally cars¹. Jack Sears emerged as the first BSCC champion.

This championship laid the foundation for what has become one of the most popular touring car series in the world.