Vehicle Description
This one is just too much fun to pass up. It only takes a quick
glance to know that this 1970 Austin America Restomod is not just
some classic British economy car. The bright red paint, wide
wheels, and raked stance are just a hint at the speedy VTEC motor,
five-speed manual, and custom sports suspension that lies
underneath. Expertly restored and packing a modern JDM punch, this
upgraded British classic is one of the coolest restomods that we've
ever featured. Successfully pulled-off with awesome results, this
ambitious build melds two eras and two continents together so
seamlessly, that we're thinking this may be the beginning of an
entirely new collector's niche.
Following the massive success of the Austin Mini, British Motor
Company (later called British Leyland) wanted to offer a larger and
more sophisticated vehicle to their line-up. From there came the
ADO16 line of vehicles. More commonly offered as the
Austin/Morris/MG 1100 models (among several others), the Austin
America 2-door was specifically developed for the States to come do
battle with the VW Beetle. This model might have certainly helped
put England on wheels, but it's a rare sight that attracts plenty
of attention at car shows on this side of the Atlantic. That's
because despite the widely disputed US sales numbers (some people
claim 59,000 units sold in the US between the '68-'72 production
years, but do you or your parents ever remember seeing one?), their
weak horsepower numbers and propensity to rust right off the boat
weren't exactly attributes that the American public was willing to
live with. Nevertheless, no one would argue that the look of this
car isn't fantastic, similar to a combo of the MGB GT and Mini, two
cars that entire world has always loved. The red finish is in
excellent shape and appears brighter than what came on the Union
Jack version, and the white hardtop provides just enough contrast
to make the car really pop. The bodywork is laser-straight, gaps
are excellent, and the fender flares give this early 'hot hatch' an
extra-aggressive look and allow for a taller tire to be wrapped
around those Minilite-style wheels. The trim, badges, bumpers, and
brightwork are all in excellent shape as well, and the awesome
Austin America grille is further enhanced by the fog lights mounted
on the bumper just ahead of it.
Part of what made British cars from this era so revolutionary was
that despite their relatively diminutive sizes (like the Mini),
pushing the wheels to the corners are far as possible meant four
people could genuinely fit inside. But while those roots are more
utilitarian, this one has been nicely upgraded to reflect its
classic status. Stylish high-back vinyl black buckets with cloth
inserts up front give it a sporty appearance, while the vinyl rear
bench even has an arm rest that demarcates the two seating
positions. And this look coordinates nicely with the carpeting,
door panels with aluminum handles, and restored dash to deliver a
very uniform and thoughtful feeling inside. This full restoration
has truly turned this cabin into a comfortable place to spend so
time. A Pioneer AM/FM/CD/AUX player provides the entertainment,
there's a tachometer mounted on the dash to monitor the added revs,
and the original three-spoke steering wheel and manual shifter in
the floor feel great in the driver's hands. Out back, the rear
hatch opens and reveals a relocated battery and jack set, and still
has enough room for golf clubs or travel bags.
Under the hood is the where the real story begins, with nothing
left from Britain in the engine bay except the build plate.
Instead, you're looking at a highly desirable and modified
1.8-liter DOHC Honda VTEC Type R that was fitted so expertly that
it almost looks like it was born there. Freshly built and in
excellent order, this peppy import block hammers down around 220
horses, and really moves the lightweight body of the Austin with
ease, with a quick scream off the line and an easy flick into the
corners, and thanks to the thick aluminum (or shall I say,
aluminium?) radiator angled in nicely, it stays cool up and down
the tachometer. You get full control over this speedy powerplant
thanks to the upgraded Type R 5-speed manual transmission with a
limited slip differential, transplanted from a late-model Acura
Integra. You'll love darting down the road in this one thanks to a
beefed-up independent front suspension and more substantial arms
and coilover shocks in the rear, and the front disc brakes help
this little Brit stop on a dime. Finishing off the look, aluminum
VTO Performance wheels give the car that Minilite look, and are
wrapped in grippy 185/55/14 Yokohama radials.
Everything about this Austin Restomod is impressive, including the
affordable price, so we know it will be leaving us soon. Call
today!!!
