In May 1964, BMC produced the third and final version of the Farina-styled Austin A99, calling it the A110 Mk II; at the same time they also produced the parallel model, the Wolseley 6/110 Mk II. Compared with the superseded A110, the only obvious external change was to the grille, which was of anodized aluminium mesh on the basic (i.e. non-Super de Luxe) derivative, although the expert might also have picked up the use of 13in instead of 14in diameter road wheels. Inside the car, the basic A110 MkII had a modified instrument layout and fixed-rake leathercloth seats, while the Super de Luxe version had wood-veneered facia and door cappings, leather seat facings and reclining front seat backs.

Under the skin, the engine was not changed, but there was a new four-speed gearbox (like that of the Austin-Healey 3000), behind which the Borg-Warner overdrive was no longer standard, but an optional extra. For this derivative the latest British-built Borg-Warner Type 35 automatic transmission became optional. Suspension changes centred around the use of larger-section tyres on small wheels, the lowering of the bodyshell to produce a 0.6in lower ride height, and the use of angled telescopic rear dampers instead of the lever-arm type of previous A99/A110 models; the transverse damper of the original A110 was no longer fitted. Thicker front disc brakes, an inertia-operated pressure-limiting valve in the rear brake circuit and yet another different exhaust system were all included in the latest package, but the overall performance was little changed. This car was replaced by the Austin 3-litre in 1968.

Austin A110 Westminster Mk II specification

As for A110 except for:

Produced: Longbridge, 1964-66. Cowley 1966-68. 26,105 Mk I and Mk II-type A110s built.

Engine and transmission: 120bhp at 4,750rpm; 163lb ft at 2,750rpm. 4-speed gearbox, no synchromesh on 1st gear; optional Borg-Warner overdrive; optional Borg-Warner automatic transmission.

Chassis: Rear suspension with transverse anti-sway hydraulic damper, no anti-roll bar. 7.50-13in tyres.

Dimensions: Wheelbase 9ft 2in; height 5ft 0.5in. Weight 3,470lb.

Distinguishing features from previous model: Restyled facia and interior and smaller road wheels.

Typical performance: Maximum sped 102mph; 0-60mph 13.3sec; standing 1/4-mile 19.4sec; overall fuel consumption 19mpg.

Launch Price: £997 (Basic Saloon model)

Derivatives: Wolseley 6/110 Mk II was mechanically identical, but with different nose style and interior trim.

Fate: Discontinued early in 1968 in favour of entirely different Austin 3-litre model.

 

Source: "The Cars of BMC" - Graham Robson (Motor Racing Publications, 1987)