Austin 3-Litre
The 'Land-lobster': BMC's ambitious but ill-fated executive flagship.
- Power
- 125 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 14.5 s
- Top speed
- 100 mph
- Est. value
- $8k–$23k
About the Austin 3-Litre
The Austin 3-Litre was BMC's final attempt at a traditional large executive saloon, intended to replace the Westminster. Despite sharing its central body section and doors with the front-wheel-drive 1800 'Landcrab', the 3-Litre featured a unique rear-wheel-drive layout and a sophisticated self-levelling Hydrolastic suspension system. It was praised for its exceptional ride quality and refinement, yet it failed to find a market due to its dated styling and the internal competition from Rover and Triumph following the British Leyland merger. Today, it is a rare and quirky choice for collectors, valued for its smooth straight-six engine and impressive interior space.
Austin 3-Litre specs
The Austin 3-Litre produces 125 bhp (93 kW) and 213 Nm (157 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 14.5 seconds and has a top speed of 100 mph (161 km/h).
| Make | Austin |
|---|---|
| Model | 3-Litre |
| Trim | 3.0 |
| Years | 1967–1971 |
| Type | Classic |
| Body style | Saloon |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Production | About 9,992 built |
| Engine | 2.9-litre C-Series straight-six |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,912 cc (2.9 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 125 bhp (93 kW) at 4,750 rpm |
| Torque | 213 Nm (157 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 4,900 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 14.5 s |
| Top speed | 100 mph (161 km/h) |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1,500 kg (3,307 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 83 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is an Austin 3-Litre worth?
A typical Austin 3-Litre is estimated to be worth $7,500 – $23,000 (about £5,600 – £17,000).
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Austin 3-Litre rarity in CarSpot
The Austin 3-Litre is a Rare card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 45 out of 100. Performance cars, typically worth around £50,000 to £100,000. A Rare card is worth 40 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Austin 3-Litre fun facts
- The car earned the nickname 'Land-lobster' because it looked like a stretched version of the Austin 1800 'Landcrab'.
- It was the first British production car to be fitted with 70-series radial tyres as standard equipment.
- The project originally began as a collaboration with Rolls-Royce to create a smaller Bentley, codenamed the 'Bengal'.