Austin Cambridge A60 - the bargain 60s classic car you'll love!

[@jovice9867]

Ah Steph. You brought back amazing memories of my lovely Uncle Cuthbert, or Cuth as we called him. He purchased an A60 in 1967 and drove from Hertfordshire to Devon to visit us once a year. The car i first fell for, loved it and have been a BMC man in my heart ever since. Sadly my uncle and the car are long gone but you made him come back this morning. Thanks you Steph. What a really gorgeous example too.

[@jameschesterman420]

Austin freeway in Australia

[@JohnSmith-it6hj]

i rode in loads of Cambridges and Oxfords as a kid, i'll never forget the smell from the interior.

[@davidhancock6018]

Can't forget my dad's Cambridge, , a white one with red interior , as you say the interior had a smell all of its own , , , great memories of holidays in Devon too in that car 😊

[@johnday6946]

We had a blue one in the late 60s. 3 of us on the back seat, no seat belts mum and dad smoking in the front going round the north circular to Clacton - no motorways. Them was the days.

[@stan-ut5gj]

Yes,kids had loads of fun flying through windscreens,taking mum and dad out on the way past,those were the days.😅😅

[@mw8653]

Lol I used to get told off if I opened a back window in our car, dad smoked a pipe mum was a 40 a day Park Drive tipped gal I was a passive smoker for years.

[@philhawley1219]

I visited Jamaica in 1989 and there were hundreds of these Austins still on the road, many used as taxis. A good simple solid vehicle and easy to service.

[@roymcneil6026]

In "Minder" (the original series) Terry McCann was a stand in minicab driver (episode 8) and he was lumbered with a really crappy example of one of these cars

[@markrossow6303]

[@r8118830]

I patched mine together with string, leather toe caps and bits of water cooler pipe from anything I could make fit.

[@timhannah4]

I would imagine India is awash them!

[@danieljames2015]

My Dad got a gorgeous deep red/red when I was a Tot. Seeing one still brings the new aroma back; hot oil, leather, carpet and glue very strongly. All the Farinas were very long in the tooth mechanically, but very attractive. Even as a tiny kid, on holiday in France I looked at Peugeot 404s and thought they looked strangely related, but not quite as pretty as the Brit Cars! Your Videos are like a nice hot Chocolate on a cold, grey Day. Well done, Steph, quality stuff.

[@NotMarkKnopfler]

Same! The aroma is unmistakable. Petrol, leather, and tobacco!😅 My dad had an Austin A40 back in the early 70s and it smelled the same!

[@kjpraman991]

I mostly agree with you. But I think that the Peugeot 404 and the 504 that followed were superior cars when it came to technology, comfort, dependability and speed. The 504 was a very different looking car.

[@chrishyde1216]

14:17 My father had a 1964 A60 in exactly that colour, though with a manual gearbox. The suspension in the back was stiff and bouncy even on apparently flat roads.

[@andyf750]

These were a common sight in the 70s. Even in a tatty state there was a serenity about them. Another great video Steph. Wishing you every success and happiness! ❤ x

[@brianwillis9673]

I've always considered the A60 as quintessentially British and also one of the most handsome cars ever made. They were everywhere in the 1970s and I recall many taxi journeys in these cars when we went on holiday so they are inextricably linked with summer, holidays and lovely memories.

[@TR4zest]

Nice one! I don't know how you are able to fix up the Standard, knock these driving reviews out and have a full-time job. Amazing effort.

[@michaeljensen5020]

Steph, your videos has given me a new appreciation for British cars! Growing up and living in the USA, I did not see or experience many British cars. We did have our share of Triumphs and the occasional Rolls... One of our neighbors when I was a kid in NYC had an Austin 1100! This is still one of my favorite body styles ever made; I would love to own one... Anyway, I very much appreciate your videos and the wonderful information you provide. I recommend your channel to other US car enthusiasts when I have the opportunity.

[@parkdigwig3447]

I own an estate version of this car. It is definitely the best car that I’ve ever owned. I drive it everywhere - sometimes 4-500 miles in a weekend without a fault. I wish I could find another.

[@chrisstoddart2308]

I'd love to find an Oxford estate, but they're so rare and expensive now.

[@robertp.wainman4094]

Did you ever hear Terry Wogan's lovely comment about them?

[@chrisstoddart9625]

@@robertp.wainman4094 No, I haven't heard that one. What did he say?

[@kenstevens5065]

If you empty the boot you'll get another 5 mpg! Learnt to drive in my Dad's 1962 model, it did only plod along, cornered on the door handles and was thirsty. Rusted away steadily, a typical BMC Friday afternoon/ Monday made car! Very comfy though, lots of room, very pretty. He chopped it in for a new Hillman Imp for us both to use. The Cambridge was like a Roller though compared to that heap. Happy motoring.

[@fozzie221]

When I was a child in the 60s my father had a blue one with white stripes. And was a very reliable car

[@kevthedynamo]

I always preffered the look of the front grille of the Austin Cambridge to the Morris Oxford.

[@a11csc]

BMC left us such a legacy of cars Steph

[@tonydry8189]

lovely, my dad had one of these A60s when he was Advertising Manager at Beatties Wolverhampton in 1962-68, his first work provided car. Memories of holidays in Borth & the old drovers road from Rhyader to Aberystwyth, me, and me 2 sisters with mum and dad...I was 11 in 1965.....enjoyed the video and subscribed for more....thanks for taking me back to my childhood !!

[@grayfool]

Another true classic, they were everywhere. I knew a guy who fitted and 1800 from an MGB into his. With around 90BHP it was quite good fun. No rocket but it did take a few people by surprise.

[@nickcoppard5335]

Yes mine had the 1,8 b with overdrive box and wire wheels wish I had it now bjk 840d

[@johnbrereton5229]

I remember my father hiring this car model around 1957-8 and driving us on holiday to St Osyths. I still remember the red leather seats that my sister was sick on, much to the consternation of my parents. In the 1960s my uncle bought a new one in turquoise green which my father borrowed to drive us up from Kent to Chiswick in London for a family reunion. Happy days 👍😊

[@stevecarr3019]

My dad had a couple of these and an A55 back in the 60’s. We had a black one with a cream stripe. Lovely car at the time, he traded it in for a hillmam hunter which was a proper pile, he only had that for about 6 months before he lost patience with it and bought an 1800. 😂

[@Lobo-ih3bh]

Thanks, I really enjoy your videos! These Farinas were just lovely. We had the ‘blue streak’ 6 in Australia in the Austin Freeway

[@idriveaclassic]

Oh lovely!

[@Mercmad]

The Freeway was unique to Australia ,being wider (for big Australians...) and the six was a Australian design based on the B series with extra cylinders. 😊😊

[@ianbower7756]

My paternal grandparents had one in the same colour. A handsome car.

[@leakoe3797]

The smel of the lovely interior seats.. Sweet smell always pleasent..

[@r8118830]

I had a Morris Oxford. It was ancient when I had it. I loved her with a passion.

[@davidcole8268]

My raffish uncle had one in the 60s. Impossibly glamorous to us. The first in the family to go on holiday in Spain, my Dad wore his hand-me-down suits, you get the picture.

[@Mr_CMH]

My Dad had two of these. Brings back the memories.

[@zaneclone]

I love the A60's in all their forms- saloon, estate, manual or auto... Just look at those rear lights !! Exquisite...

[@rogerburrows2429]

In 1968 my dad hired a black Cambridge(with the fins 1961?model) for our family holiday to North Wales from Hampshire. Seven up and luggage,it never missed a beat,even going up Gt. Ormes Head. I was 11yrs old . Fast forward to 1977,l worked briefly as a gofor at a local crash repair garage and the garage hack was an Oxford estate! What a cracking motor that was. The funny thing was,l used to always lay cardboard over the rear floor to minimise any damage from the oily bits l collected(l learned that from my dad) as a lot of us did,from helping our dads fettle and polish the car on a Sunday morning. T-cut,Turtle wax,Simoniiz polish,Solvol Autosol,tyre black etc all requiring elbow grease. Happy days indeed.

[@PJD_55]

My dad had a ‘59 Consul with exactly the same wind deflector. It worked really well.

[@gilbertnorris4342]

I recall around 1965 ,my two friends mike and Clive spent a week's holiday in Devon ,I slept in the boot and Clive and mike slept inside , fantastic! Unfortunately the A60 was written off the following year , an excellent vehicle.

[@desgardner7169]

I had a A60 the same as the the one in the video in 1970, it was in mint condition and was a lovely car, I kept it until about 1974....I changed it for a Daytona Yellow Cortina which was very flash in those days! Your video bought back some lovely memories...Thank You.

[@dangerman01582]

My dad had one in the late 60's , same colour. I loved it

[@IanRosie1]

June Brown probably just glared at the Type 35 and it changed for her. I really enjoyed that review. Thanks. The local taxi, back in the day, was a black one of these. The driver wore a suit and a chauffer's cap. Not having a car in the family, you did indeed feel like royalty on the rare occasions we used it. Or at least a boy of 8 did.

[@robertp.wainman4094]

How could anyone be a loud mouth aggresive driver in one of these beauties - lovely family cars! I so agree with you about the dashboard having everything you need - even in 2024!

[@allanmollison6971]

Classic 60s car. Love the GB badge on the back. I have the same one on my Morris Minor.😊👍

[@mikecleasby709]

Fantastic memories! Auntie Cath had one of these when I was a little kid back in the mid-late 70’s….. same colours and spec but a manual……I can still remember how comfortable it was, the smell is still a vivid memory too….. Magical Steph, thank you! ❤

[@MrModelworx]

Not ashamed to say this has always been one of my dream cars, this or an A110 Westminster, I've loved them since I was a child. Also seen 100s banger raced over the years too 😮 Great video as always Steph, my Sunday morning ritual, cup of tea and watch Stephs vid. 😊

[@roberthoey8944]

Well done absolutely love these cars ..keep up the great work .

[@idriveaclassic]

Glad you like them!

[@captainklutz3427]

My Dad had one as a company car in the early sixties. When the motorways opened he, and lots of other A60 drivers had issues with the sustained high speed, which of course they were not designed for. You used to see them on the hard shoulder with the bonnets up steaming away. Used for the roads they were designed for they were a very nice car. Dad was relieved when they upgraded him to a Wolseley 18/85. I really liked that car.

[@tonyparris1743]

I bought an Austin Cambridge from my father and it was over 10 years old at the time

[@devonbikefilms]

I remember driving in my grandfather’s green and green one of these when it was new. It seemed such a big car to a five year old. Always thought it was so posh compared to my mum and dad’s mini estate. I think he also had a mono green estate model later. Little brother and I loved travelling in the rear of that. Different times.

[@phillipdonnelly6430]

My father had one back in the 60s, brand new in that colour scheme. Lovely car.

[@frankfurter726]

My dad had one of these in the same colour bought new in 1963 and handed down to my sister. Rusted away sadly. This brought back some happy memories, thanks Steph

[@Mariazellerbahn]

Quarter lights in the back also means that the wind down windows go all the way down instead of just halfway.

[@mrbigarms]

Another good one, I know this car and it's owner always a pleasure to see them at the shows!

[@The4over]

That was my first car an Austin Cambridge back in 1972 ❤

[@awolwakefieldyorkshire]

I'd be quite happy following this car at low speed just to admire it and bring back memories from my childhood.

[@VincentLander]

I love BMC Farinas. Cheers from 🇨🇦!

[@idriveaclassic]

Me too! They’re great x

[@JeffKing310]

I had forgotten about these - fun cars, very cool.

[@alancoomes2797]

I still own an A55II

[@stevehayward1854]

I had a A40 Farina, there was so much slack in the steering wheel that you had to turn the wheel before you got to the corner, it was a bit of an art to driving it

[@alancoomes2797]

@@stevehayward1854 correctly maintained there should not be that much play in the steering.

[@MarkGFRex]

Happy Memories from my childhood here. A fab car that my Dad ran into the ground. Reluctantly replaced with a Marina.

[@michaeltreadwell777]

What fantastic condition that car is in ! Sturdy old cars and great comfort. An old work colleague had the Estate version of one of these and I borrowed it when I moved out of home in 1977 - it was cavernous. A great review Steph, obviously - keep them coming. Take care 🙂 X X

[@Vince_uk]

Lovely car, I always liked these, and a great video Steph.

[@alanyoung5344]

My father had a ‘69 H reg A60 auto. I took it over for a number of years, absolutely loved it! The B.W. auto box was amazing, you couldn’t hear, or feel the gear change, unless you accelerated hard. The ride was comfortable, quiet, and felt substantial. I’ve owned about 20+ cars, and I haven’t had one since which gave the same lovely experience.

[@TalesFromTheBlahSide]

My Grandpa bought an A60 brand new in 1966 from Arden & Bull in Altrincham, having in previous years had an A55 which he sold to my Dad. It was the first car I'd seen with seat belts although of course no one ever used them. Had a lovely smell of leather and felt very nicely appointed.

[@NorthDevon-d5y]

My very first car.. aged 17…. GYD 695D same colour…. I had the head skimmed 60 thou. Polished and ported and twin MGA carbs and MGB exhaust manifold… I loved it !

[@stan-ut5gj]

And then making it unreliable!

[@FRFRANKIE]

Thanks!

[@craigcottingham35]

These cars where very popular as Taxis in New Zealand in the 60s.

[@LouDeVere]

I remember my brother having one of these around 1968. Whilst he was doing some maintenance, he removed the front passenger door linings and found sponges located low down in the door. He deduced that the only reason they were there, was to absorb water and keep the area of the steel permanently damp - don't forget it rains nearly all the time in the UK - so that the panels would rot out quickly. He went around all the doors and removed all of these sponges. Otherwise, a great car and very comfortable to drive with a lovely interior.

[@kellybrickey4300]

I can't believe all the work they put into that radio blanking plate! It is exquisite. I'd rather have that than any radio. 🙂 I always call the instruments and switch gear the car's "jewelry". This is some nice jewelry.

[@glenjarnold]

My goodness! I was dreaming about one exactly like this last night whilst I was in bed, same colour too - how uncanny! My dad had two, a blue saloon and a red estate - I loved those cars.

[@rbnhd1144]

Wow what a beautiful review and drive thanks, My Dad had a 1964 A60 in those very same colour's, it was a quality car and so good looking, his was a standard transmission although he also had a 62 Riley 4/72 with that same Borg Warner automatic, I do remember so many things about the A60, it was spacious and great for going on our holidays, I could sense the heaviness of that glovebox lid as you closed it, The smell of real Leather was amazing, thanks again Stephanie.

[@fluffybadger9832]

There were loads of these & other Farina models around in the sixties, sadly in the seventies a great many ended up on the banger racing circuits & demolition derbys, because they were so strong! At the end of the racing they were among the only survivors!

[@davidhinkson8856]

Yes, I remember in 1997 I saw one in an accident with a much newer Suzuki van. The Cambridge barely had a scratch while the van was a write off!

[@RobertStorey-ik9bo]

Dad said she's as faithful as the spaniel dog loved it.

[@derekcomer4858]

Hi Steph, loving the channel, brings back so many memories Of parents cars and some of my own. Also I’ve just watched the video about your gastric sleeve, I’m blown away by your courage and bravery, what a journey you’ve had. Please keep doing what you are doing, you are enriching many people’s lives. Very best wishes. Derek.

[@stewartw.9151]

I bought, sold and ran many of these cars as well as the Morris Oxford equivalent, an identical car except for badging. Nobody ever thought of them as "beautiful" but they were hugely practical, roomy, perfectly comfortable and tough as old nails!

[@Susan-c1q]

Loved this trip down memory lane. My father owned one of these classics and also an Austin Westminster. I can smell the leather seats still.

[@RobertHaynes-kw2sk]

Love that car Steph!. I last remember seeing an Austin Cambridge A60 in the recent TV adaptation of the Len Deighton spy novel "The Ipcress File", driven by actress Lucy Boynton as Jean Courtney. The A60 was a very popular choice for taxi operators up and down the country, no wonder it lasted throughout the entire decade. Loved the Countryman estate car as well. Great seeing you last week at the NEC. By the way, did you like my drawings of classic cars that I brought in with me?

[@wessmith3161]

There would be a lot more of these and the Morris versions around these days but as they were so strong and robust they were the go to vehicle on the banger racing scene in the 70's and 80's.

[@colvinator1611]

My 58 Cambridge has a 1622 engine fitted. I really do prefer the pre Farina with the bigger boot, but this car looks really smart. Thanks a lot Steph.

[@RodgerMoore-m3r]

My mate's dad had a fleet of these in the early 70s for his taxi firm, we were only kids, the drivers would park them in a field with the key's in so we drove them around the farm , there was only one estate car so we used it to play Daktari on the tailgate 😁😎

[@stephenricketts7764]

A friend of mine (now passed away) had one of these back in the day. He was a rep for a number of companies so this would have been one of the company cars. You mentioned taxis at the start of the video and I remember they were everywhere in the City I lived in (Southampton) all with cream coloured bonnets to tell you they were taxis. These are good solid cars so perhaps that is why you will see so many at car shows along with the Oxford of course. A great review Steph and so nice to see a car with such an interesting history that can be traced back to the time of purchase. 👍👍

[@mrewavygravy]

Referencing a 1489CC & 1622CC harkened me back to the MGA and MG Magnettes series, right good solid heartily robust motors, but detune from those models as I noted the A60 is a single carburettor. Indeed, what a lovely classic car, thank you for (yet another) magnificent and educational motoring adventure!! All the BEST❣

[@terraplane49]

In my neck of the woods again. I had a 1967 manual estate, and I could get 34mpg on a run, at a steady 50mph. It carried all the band's gear , apart from the drums, a marvellous memory. I'd have another, if only I had somewhere to put it.

[@alestout5632]

Love your videos my first car was the early 1960 1500cc you brought back some memories I could almost smell the interior

[@markhealey9409]

Beautiful cars!😍😍These Austins were also sold in The USA & Canada,this 60s generation,& the previous 50s gen. Over there,they were badged as Austin Cambrians.

[@AngloAm]

Even into the 1970s these were really common and people seemed very satisfied with them. Meanwhile what a lovely drive on a lovely day with a lovey driver. :)

[@chrispenn715]

Nice to see this one escaped the dreaded banger car racers. Looks lovely

[@bradpeters2781]

Hi Steph from Canada: Great review!! My Dad had a 1959 Oxford which I guess is basically the same car. I was only 9 or 10 at the time. All I remember was the beautiful deep burgundy color and the rich red leather interior. The creaking sound and rich smell that you only get with rich leather Interior will live with me forever. Unfortunately we didn't have it for long, cracked block sealed it's fate.😢😢

[@phantom62]

I was taken to school in one, back in the late 60's/early 70's :)

[@ChrisStumer]

These Austins were beautiful luxurious cars, considered in many circles to be as prestigious as the Holden Premier, Valiant Regal and Ford Falcon Futura. There was a similar version in Australia with a six cylinder engine called Austin Freeway. The three speed Borg Warner Type 35 automatic transmission was used in many cars, even in our Australian built Ford Falcon for quite awhile.

[@johnbarker2677]

Your videos are always interesting. I live in the USA. You introduce us all to cars that were never available in the USA. Always interesting. Thank you.

[@gazonatrike7005]

I had one (yawn I know 😅 )a scrap yard buy for £150 9 mths test on it those were the days. Loved it. You need the Riley one now twin carb get up and go.

[@rbnhd1144]

My Dad had a 4/72, they were nice too.

[@simon.easton]

Interesting facts, particularly about the diesel, and run down of the history of this car. Thanks for showing us the car, it has some lovely features

[@notwocdivad]

My wife and I had the "TRAVELLER" version of the Cambridge back in 1971nwhen we were courting, Boy was it handy!!! A beautiful old car just wafted you along no matter what load you asked it to lug about!The only problem I had was with the lever arm suspension wearing out the bushes and seals allowing the damping oil to run out, and of course Tin Worm ate it out from under us at the finish, This was replaced by my favourite car AFord Consul Classic 315 1500cc 4 door with column change, what a brilliant car that was too!!!

[@johnster1964]

6k views in 6 hours - impressive ! Great video, great car

[@michaelwright2986]

I guess it's a sign of my age, but I still think of something like the A60 when the idea of a car comes into my mind. But not to be too fuddy-duddy: the fuel consumption, and the auto gearbox, reminds us that things have got better. Thank you for taking me for a drive.

[@peterhoare1039]

Wow I was lucky enough to own a 1968 4 speed Manual A60 from 1975 to 1978 it Was such a lovely Car to drive and easy to maintain

[@giovanni2668]

Always had a love for these. Such a shame so many were lost through banger racing. Still hankering for one ever since my dad had one on loan when his Vauxhall Victor was in for repair back in the early 70's. I remember feeling gutted when the Austin Camebridge went back. I was 8 or 9 years old. These things started my love of cars. Thanks for the great vlog & great memories.

[@russbringhurst9972]

Always the best videos on KZbin!

[@ronaldwolstenholme969]

Hi Stephen. I loved the Austin Cambridge but I noticed when you was driving you was using your left foot for the on the brake pedal and that's is not good practice but I still love your program. Ron

[@georgejohnson1498]

I never knew that there was the option the automatic box on these. It suits the car well. This lovely example simply oozes quality, even with its wood grain painted dash board. Lovely sounding engine. You can hear the un-fussy low revving old thing when you started it up. That is in tip-top condition. So different from the Ford Cortinas of the era. Best wishes from George

[@alancoomes2797]

The A60 was listed as having the automatic option from it launch,. Was never an option on the A55II

[@georgejohnson1498]

@@alancoomes2797 Thank you for straightening out my sketchy knowledge of these underrated cars!

[@stevenottage1456]

Lovely car and an enjoyable video. My favourite feature of all BMC cars of this era is the little green light on the end of the trafficator stalk! How simple and how pleasing. ❤

[@Bettys_Eldest]

Dad had the blue one with the cream stripe down the side. A 1966 model bought in 1976, which he ran until 1982. It felt so luxurious after the Victor which had preceded it. At this time of year he would be placing a pair of 56lb Avery weights in the boot to improve traction on the hills of Yorkshire over the winter. He was twice questioned by West Yorkshire police, as it was thought that the Yorkshire Ripper was driving one.

[@davidluck4608]

When I worked in the “AEC” (Builders of London’s Buses 1912 to 1979) factory at Windmill Lane Southall Middlesex during the 1970s, the Electrician I was paired with as an apprentice drove this type of vehicle. Terry Major loved his AUSTIN Cambridge and told me how before going on his summer hols, adjusted the carburettor for a lean mixture to increase his range❤️

[@anthonytallarida4192]

Great video as always Steph

[@normandunckley3926]

My father had 2, I learn't to drive in an A60. Including how to crank start, they came with crank handles & change tyre there's a cover piece mid section between the doors. Spare tyre you have to crank down under the boot. both were manual column " pull out lift & across" for reserve. Both had the clock and radio blanking plates. That dash exactly the same and the sound when you started it, probably smell the same, So long ago, were a good car. Far better than the 1800

[@Adam_T]

Exactly the same as my dad had, same colour, interior and auto box. I was about 4 or 5 when he had it (so that’d be 1968/69) so it was a few years old but loved it..

[@williamtaylor874]

Loved this review I learned to drive in my dads beige Oxford 1971 j reg luxury Britains finest

[@neilbedford5082]

Grandad had an Oxford Cambridge, but basically the same. Blue body and white roof - lovely car.

[@martinowl]

Lovely car

[@johnkeepin7527]

Good to see another well restored one! It appears to have a ‘flexible’ speedometer though. A lot of it reminded me of one of Dad’s old cars in the 1960s, which was a Riley 4/68 - grey paint finish with red leather seats. Incidentally, they are quite a bit narrower than many modern cars - only 1.6, wide.

[@Apollo949]

A lovely old car and a great presentation. Thanks Stef. I drove one about 50 years ago when I was 18. A bit scary then. It seemed so big.