The Austin Motor Company was founded in 1905 by Herbert Austin, a pioneering British engineer who had previously worked with the Wolseley Tool and Motor Car Company. Dissatisfied with the limitations of his role there, Austin established his own company in Longbridge, Birmingham. With a keen eye for innovation and practicality, Austin set out to produce affordable, reliable cars for the British public. The company's first model, the 25/30 hp, was introduced the same year and laid the foundation for future developments.

During World War I, Austin’s factory shifted focus to support the war effort, producing aircraft, military vehicles, and munitions. After the war, the company faced significant financial challenges but bounced back in the 1920s with the introduction of the Austin 7 in 1922. Often referred to as the "Baby Austin," it was one of the first truly affordable cars for the masses and played a pivotal role in motorizing Britain. The 7's design was so influential that it was licensed and copied by several international manufacturers, including BMW and Nissan.

Throughout the 1930s and into World War II, Austin expanded its range to include a variety of saloons, tourers, and light commercial vehicles. The company again converted to wartime production in the 1940s, contributing significantly to the war effort. Post-war, Austin returned with updated pre-war models and launched new vehicles like the A40 and A70. In 1952, in response to increasing competition and government encouragement, Austin merged with the Nuffield Organisation (makers of Morris cars) to form the British Motor Corporation (BMC), the UK's largest car manufacturer at the time.

Under BMC, Austin played a major role in producing iconic vehicles, most notably the Mini in 1959, designed by Sir Alec Issigonis. Though branded as both Austin and Morris, the Mini became a British cultural icon and one of the best-selling cars of all time. However, the company faced growing financial troubles, leading to a series of mergers and rebrandings: BMC became British Leyland in 1968, which was later nationalised in the 1970s due to its declining performance.

The Austin name was gradually phased out during the 1980s, with the final Austin-badged car, the Montego, discontinued in 1989. While the marque itself disappeared, Austin’s legacy remains deeply ingrained in British automotive history. From humble beginnings to revolutionary models like the Austin 7 and the Mini, the company was instrumental in shaping the automotive landscape in the UK and beyond.

Timeline Summary

• 1905 – Herbert Austin founds Austin Motor Company in Longbridge.
• 1922 – Launch of the Austin 7, a landmark in affordable motoring.
• 1952 – Austin merges with Morris to form British Motor Corporation (BMC).
• 1959 – Launch of the Mini (Austin and Morris versions).
• 1968 – BMC becomes part of British Leyland.
• 1989 – Austin marque officially discontinued.

NZ History

Austin cars were imported into New Zealand almost from the company’s earliest days, thanks to the country's strong ties with Britain and its appetite for reliable, affordable transportation. The first Austin vehicles are believed to have arrived in the 1910s, with local interest growing rapidly after World War I. During the 1920s and 1930s, models like the Austin 12 and the legendary Austin 7 became especially popular in New Zealand. The Austin 7, in particular, was a game-changer, offering New Zealanders an economical alternative to larger, more expensive American imports.

As demand grew, local agents and dealerships sprang up across the country. By the 1930s, Austin was one of the best-known British car brands in New Zealand, with vehicles tailored to local conditions. Some models were even assembled locally from CKD (completely knocked down) kits at plants in Petone and later in Otahuhu, Auckland. This practice, encouraged by import tariffs on fully built cars, allowed for more affordable pricing and supported New Zealand's growing automotive assembly industry.

After World War II, the popularity of Austin vehicles surged again, aided by the pent-up demand for cars and the reputation Austin had earned during the war. Models like the A40, A70, and later the A30 and A35 were common sights on Kiwi roads. The Mini, introduced in 1959, was a particular hit in New Zealand, echoing its global success. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, British Leyland (which now owned Austin) maintained a strong presence in the country, though competition from Japanese brands began to erode its market share.

Austin’s presence in New Zealand gradually faded through the 1980s as British Leyland was broken up and the brand phased out. However, many Austin vehicles—especially the 7s and Minis—remain in active use or restoration by classic car enthusiasts across the country. Clubs and events dedicated to the brand ensure the legacy of Austin motors remains alive in New Zealand’s automotive history.