SO MUCH TO OFFER…

The 1800/2200 Landcrab, so named for its unconventional dimensions, highlights the best and the worst of the British Motor Corporation. On its launch in 1964 it was the UK's largest front-wheel-drive car with remarkable interior space. The Landcrab was also reputedly Alec Issigonis's favourite design, but internal policies prevented the model from realising its potential.

BMC first devised Project ADO17 as a replacement for the Austin A60 Cambridge/Morris Oxford, but eventually decided it should be an additional model powered by a 1798cc version of the B-Series engine. BMC unveiled the Austin 1800 on 13th October 1964 as their third front-wheel-drive product after the Mini and the ADO16 1100. The standard version, aimed at fleet buyers, cost £768 17s 1d, while the £808 14s 7d De Luxe was transport for the ambitious middle manager. The launch advertisements proclaimed: 'It's the great BMC idea sized up! So much about the new Austin 1800 is new, and outstandingly new, that it's worth several long chapters in any connoisseur's history of motor car development. Chapter 1 could talk about the engine alone.' The Landcrab was also declared Car of…

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Classics World (Digital) - 1 Issue, October 2024

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