Austin A55 Cambridge Mark I
The quintessential 1950s British family saloon, bridging the gap to the Farina era.
- Power
- 51 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 27.0 s
- Top speed
- 77 mph
- Est. value
- $5k–$13k
About the Austin A55 Cambridge Mark I
The Austin A55 Cambridge Mark I, introduced in 1957, was a significant evolution of the A50, featuring a longer tail, a larger boot, and a wrap-around rear window. It was the last of the 'pre-Farina' Cambridges to use the traditional rounded body style designed by Dick Burzi before the shift to Italian styling. Powered by the dependable 1.5-litre B-Series engine, it offered modest but reliable performance for the middle-class British family. While short-lived, with production lasting only two years, it remains a charming example of post-war British motoring, valued today for its simplicity and period-correct aesthetics.
Austin A55 Cambridge Mark I specs
The Austin A55 Cambridge Mark I produces 51 bhp (38 kW) and 110 Nm (81 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 27.0 seconds and has a top speed of 77 mph (124 km/h).
| Make | Austin |
|---|---|
| Model | A55 Cambridge |
| Generation | Mark I |
| Trim | 1.5 |
| Years | 1957–1959 |
| Type | Classic |
| Body style | Saloon |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Engine | 1.5-litre BMC B-Series inline-four |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,489 cc (1.5 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 51 bhp (38 kW) at 4,250 rpm |
| Torque | 110 Nm (81 lb-ft) |
| 0–60 mph | 27.0 s |
| Top speed | 77 mph (124 km/h) |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1,029 kg (2,269 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 50 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 A55 Cambridge Mark I worth?
A typical Austin A55 Cambridge Mark I is estimated to be worth $4,500 – $13,000 (about £3,400 – £9,700).
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 A55 Cambridge Mark I rarity in CarSpot
The Austin A55 Cambridge Mark I 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 A55 Cambridge Mark I fun facts
- The A55 Mark I was the first Austin to offer the 'Manumatic' transmission, an early semi-automatic system that eliminated the clutch pedal.
- Despite its British roots, the A55 was extensively tested in the Australian Outback to ensure its unibody construction could handle harsh global conditions.
- The 'Mark I' designation was only applied retrospectively after the Pininfarina-styled Mark II was launched in 1959.