BACK IN THE GOOD OLD DAYS
- TONY IN AN AUSTIN 1100 MarkII -
Dubai 1970 - Austin Mark II - 1100 cc 4 door sedan - 4 cylinder inline transversely mounted engine - 4 speed manual floor shift gear 4F+1R - Petrol, single carburetor, front wheel drive, wide track.
Dubai 1970 - Austin Mark II - 1100 cc 4 door sedan - 4 cylinder inline transversely mounted engine - 4 speed manual floor shift gear 4F+1R - Petrol, single carburetor, front wheel drive, wide track.
This vehicle, my first - the Austin 1100 Mark II - was a real marvel - one awesome, simple and convenient form of transport, and a practical piece of engineering - front wheel drive, transverse engine, standard track, typical big steering wheel and easy to handle, with all round visibility and high maneuverability, and wide doors for its size. It seated five passengers including driver, with space for luggage behind the rear seats with a spare tire to boot.
Launched in 1962, it was Britain's best-selling car from 1963 to 1966 and from 1968 to 1971, built by the British Motor Corporation (BMC) and, later, British Leyland.
I enjoyed driving this vehicle immensely. Simply loved it. Drove it several times packed with seven guys in it. Had great fun driving to work, evening after work for a drive to Jumeirah, to Khawaneej, to the beach and picnic spots to Sharjah, Ajman and Umm al Quwain with my friends around Dubai.
These cars were popular in the late 1960's until the mid 1970's. It was a time when seat belts were not mandatory.
Seen in the background of the picture is Khan Creek, a typical Arab fishing village, where we often went for a swim during holidays, in between Dubai and Sharjah.
Austin 1100 Mark II, I miss it. Yes, I still do.
