- See Austin A40 for other A40 models.
The Austin A40 Farina was a compact car from British Motor Corporation in the 1960s.
Introduced in 1958, the A40 Farina should not be confused with the other models carrying this designation. The A40 Farina was designed by Pininfarina of Italy and was notable as the first hatchback automobile ever produced. The A40 Farina was also available as a 2-door sedan.
It replaced the Austin A35, and was quite a modern car. It shared the 948 cc A-Series straight-4 used in the A35.
An A40 Farina Mark II was introduced in 1961. It had more power (37 hp/28 kW) but was otherwise similar mechanically. This version lasted in production through 1967.
Engines:
- 1958–1961 - 948 cc A-Series I4, 34 hp (25 kW) at 4750 rpm and 50 ft·lbf (68 Nm) at 2000 rpm
- 1961–1962 - 948 cc A-Series I4, 37 hp (28 kW) at 5000 rpm and 50 ft·lbf (68 Nm) at 2500 rpm
Innocenti
Innocenti also produced A40s under licence from BMC. They began producing knock-down kit versions of the A40 in 1960 but soon progressed to produce the entire car in Italy. Innocenti's A40 Berlina and Combinata corresponded to the saloon and Countryman versions of the Austin A40 Farina.
The cars began using the larger 1098 cc engine in 1962, being renamed A40S at that time. Innocenti also designed a new single-piece rear door for the Combinata. This top-hinged door used struts to hold it up over a wide cargo opening and was a true hatchback. Though the regulat Austin A40 Farina is often credited as the first hatchback, the Innocenti A40S Combinata was recognizable as a truly modern hatch.
In the end, 67,706 Innocenti A40 and A40S cars were produced.
