1950s Austin Devon art

"An Austin Devon four-door saloon, introduced by Austin in late 1947. It was a complete contrast to the Austin's which had gone before in terms of styling and engine design. Its flowing lines, lack of running boards and built-in headlamps stressed the break with the past, while the interior was room, though the boot was rather small. It was powered by a 1200cc ohv pushrod engine, and could attain a top speed of 65mph and give 30mpg. The engine was rated. at 40bhp and drove through a four-speed gearbox, with synchromesh between the upper three ratios. Excellent access to the engine compartment was provided by a rear-hinged bonnet. The model was so successful, especially in the USA, that by 1950 it had established itself as Britain's biggest dollar-earning car of all time. It was a comfortable and solid car, pleasant to ride in, but with a tendency to roll on sharper comers! It actually weighed just under a ton, but was only 13-feet long. Having also inspired a little sister, the Austin A30 and the larger A70 Hereford, the Devon was superseded in September 1954 by the Austin A40/50 Cambridge."

A Malcolm Root artwork, available commercially as a print.