Austin A90 Atlantic
A flamboyant British attempt to capture the American dream with jet-age styling.
- Power
- 88 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 16.6 s
- Top speed
- 91 mph
- Est. value
- $19k–$47k
About the Austin A90 Atlantic
The Austin A90 Atlantic was a bold, 'export or die' effort by Leonard Lord to crack the North American market. Its flamboyant styling, influenced by contemporary American trends and Pininfarina's Alfa Romeo 6C, featured a central 'cyclops' fog light and power-operated windows and roof—luxuries unheard of in 1940s Britain. Despite setting 63 stock car records at Indianapolis in 1949 to prove its durability, the four-cylinder engine struggled to compete with American V8s. Today, it is celebrated for its unique aesthetic and its engine's legacy in the Austin-Healey 100.
Austin A90 Atlantic specs
The Austin A90 Atlantic produces 88 bhp (66 kW) and 190 Nm (140 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 16.6 seconds and has a top speed of 91 mph (146 km/h).
| Make | Austin |
|---|---|
| Model | A90 Atlantic |
| Trim | 2.7 |
| Years | 1949–1952 |
| Type | Classic |
| Body style | Convertible |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Production | About 7,981 built |
| Original price | About $4,000 when new |
| Engine | 2.7-litre inline-four |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,660 cc (2.7 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 88 bhp (66 kW) at 4,000 rpm |
| Torque | 190 Nm (140 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 4,500 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 16.6 s |
| Top speed | 91 mph (146 km/h) |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1,321 kg (2,912 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 67 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 A90 Atlantic worth?
A typical Austin A90 Atlantic is estimated to be worth $19,000 – $47,000 (about £14,000 – £35,000).
Its original price when new was about $4,000.
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 A90 Atlantic rarity in CarSpot
The Austin A90 Atlantic is a Rare card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 49 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 A90 Atlantic fun facts
- The A90 Atlantic was one of the first British cars to feature flashing indicators rather than traditional semaphore trafficators.
- To prove its reliability to Americans, a stock Atlantic was driven for seven days and nights at Indianapolis, averaging 70.54 mph over 11,850 miles.
- The car's 2.6-litre engine was so robust it was later chosen by Donald Healey to power the first Austin-Healey 100 sports cars.