Austin 8cwt
The 'smiley-faced' badge-engineered workhorse of the British high street.
- Power
- 48 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 24.0 s
- Top speed
- 74 mph
- Est. value
- $11k–$20k
About the Austin 8cwt
The Austin 8cwt Van is a badge-engineered version of the Morris Minor commercial, introduced in 1968 to replace the Austin A35 van. While the Morris version is more common, the Austin variant is distinguished by its 'crinkly' grille and specific badging, though it is mechanically identical. Built on a separate chassis rather than the saloon's monocoque, it features a 1098cc A-Series engine and heavy-duty rear leaf springs to handle its 8-hundredweight (approx. 400kg) payload. It remains a beloved icon of British motoring history, frequently seen in period liveries such as the Royal Mail or GPO. Driving one is a lesson in momentum, offering a charmingly slow but characterful experience with surprisingly communicative rack-and-pinion steering.
Austin 8cwt specs
The Austin 8cwt produces 48 bhp (36 kW) and 81 Nm (60 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 24.0 seconds and has a top speed of 74 mph (119 km/h).
| Make | Austin |
|---|---|
| Model | 8cwt |
| Trim | Van |
| Years | 1968–1972 |
| Type | Classic |
| Body style | Van |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Engine | 1.1-litre inline-four |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,098 cc (1.1 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 48 bhp (36 kW) at 5,100 rpm |
| Torque | 81 Nm (60 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 5,500 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 24.0 s |
| Top speed | 74 mph (119 km/h) |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 762 kg (1,680 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 63 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 8cwt worth?
A typical Austin 8cwt is estimated to be worth $11,000 – $20,000 (about £7,800 – £15,000).
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 8cwt rarity in CarSpot
The Austin 8cwt is an Uncommon card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 25 out of 100. Hot hatches and premium sporty cars. An Uncommon card is worth 20 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 8cwt fun facts
- The '8cwt' name refers to the vehicle's payload capacity of 8 hundredweight, which is approximately 406 kilograms.
- Despite being an Austin, the van was built on the same production line as the Morris Minor at the Cowley plant in Oxford.
- The commercial versions of the Minor used a separate chassis to allow for various body styles, including the van, pick-up, and even ice cream truck conversions.