History
The Austin A40 Somerset Model GS4 Coupe was introduced in 1952. Virtually a scaled-down version of the A70 Hereford, this model was mechanically similar to the preceding A40 Devon but with various detail improvements including a slight increase in performance from the 1200-cc engine. The new body styling was well planned with wider rear doors giving better access to the rear seats, more passenger space and better soundproofing.
Car bodies were contracted to build a drop head coupe of the A40 Somerset in place of the Jensen built A40 Sports model. The top could be used in three positions, i.e. fully raised, ‘coupe de ville’ or stowed behind the rear seat. The rear quarter windows could be swivelled down into the body sides.
In 1952, a Somerset coupe was used by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II to tour the island of Malta.
7243 Somerset Coupes were sold, mainly to export markets. According to the Austin register there are less than 10 coupes still registered and on the road in Australia with only 101 worldwide.
This particular example was used as a demonstrator vehicle before being sold to Paul Stewart of North Arm Queensland on 25th March 1954. Having spent most of its life in Queensland, the A40 was in the custody of only two owners. The second owner, an active member of the Austin Motor Vehicle Club of QLD, re-painted and trimmed the car in 1996. After the passing of his wife the car was put in storage for many years
Purchased by the current owner in May 2010 with 44000 miles on the clock; the Austin was shipped to central Victoria where over the last few years the has undergone a mechanical electrical and drive train restoration; In 2015 the Coupe caught fire due to an electrical fault all the wiring, dash board , gauges and some trim was re-placed or restored.
