Austin A40 Farina

vs

Austin Princess

United Kingdom vs United Kingdom — 1958 vs 1975

Austin A40 Farina (1958)
Austin Princess (1975)
Specifications
A40 Farina Mk1Princess 2200 HLS
Horsepower34 hp110 hp
Torque50 lb-ft135 lb-ft
Engine Size948 cc2,227 cc
0-60 mph36.5 sec12.0 sec
Top Speed72 mph106 mph
¼ Mile18.3 sec
Weight1,735 lbs2,789 lbs
Wheelbase2,108 mm2,670 mm
Length3,671 mm4,521 mm
Units Produced342,197224,942
Value (Excellent)$18,000$12,000
Collectibility3/103/10
Rarity5/106/10
The Verdict

Numbers favor the 1975 Austin Princess 2200 HLS with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1958 Austin A40 Farina Mk1 offers lighter weight, and has its own devoted following. For those who let their heart decide, either car delivers a rewarding ownership experience.

Overview

Austin has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1958 Austin A40 Farina Mk1 with the 1975 Austin Princess 2200 HLS highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 1975 Austin Princess 2200 HLS holds a clear advantage in raw power with 110 hp compared to 34 hp, a 76-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Austin A40 Farina uses a Inline-4 OHV (BMC A-Series) displacing 948 cc, while the Austin Princess relies on a Inline-6 OHC (E-Series) with 2,227 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1975 Austin Princess 2200 HLS edges ahead at 12.0 seconds versus 36.5 seconds. The Austin A40 Farina carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 1054 lbs lighter. Each of these machines offers a unique window into the era that produced it, making both worthy of consideration by collectors and drivers alike.