1963 Austin 1800 (ADO17) Pre-Production Prototype

Once development of the BMC 1100 was well-established and heading rapidly towards production, the question of producing a mid-range car to replace the Farina range raised its head again. Unlike in the past, when BMC would have re-bodied an existing car and launched it in a multitude of badge-engineered variations, the idea this time, with the ADO17, was to produce an entirely new car from the wheels-up. In terms of configuration, the set-up of the new mid-sized car would follow the same transverse engine and transmission-in-sump arrangement as the BMC Mini and 1100. Obviously the larger car would be built around the 1.5-litre B-Series engine (subsequently 1.8-litre) and, as such, would directly replace the 1.5-litre Farinas and boost the popularity of the mid-range BMCs as the Mini and 1100 would prove to do in the small car market.

The nickname of 'Landcrab' was given to the car by some Australian enthusiasts and was derived from the car's unusual proportions, being much wider and lower than most other cars in its class. It was just a joke but the name has stuck forever.

This particular Austin 1800, 531 NOF, the World's oldest 'Landcrab' is thought to be the only pre-production 1800 (ADO17) that still exists. After the first two cars were hand-built, production was moved to the Car Assembly Planning Department of BMC at Longbridge. The first prototype is believed to have hit the road in May 1962 with this particular example, Chassis #17, arriving later in 1963 after further development but remaining unregistered until 1964, shortly before that year's Earls Court Motor Show. It was noted that the keeper at the time was Arthur White, one of the heads of the Longbridge Experimental Department, and the car remained in his keepership for some time to be used as a test bed for future development of the 'Landcrab' and the larger ill-fated Austin 3-litre cars. It was also pressed into action at various publicity events, most notably the Press Launch at Garvin in Scotland alongside Sir Alec Issigonis.

Subsequently, the Austin was used in all manner of tests and development ideas and, at one point, was converted to left-hand drive explaining why, until recently, it was the only Landcrab to have the wipers parked on the left. Records show that the first registered keeper did not relinquish ownership until 2002, some 39 years after being built. It subsequently moved to Stockport, but only for a short period, before changing hands once again prior to a comprehensive and detailed rebuild resulting in the splendid example that we are delighted to offer here.

The ADO17 Landcrab was voted Car of The Year in 1965, and 531 NOF is a very important part of Austin/BMC/Longbridge history that would be welcomed at any classic event or will stand proudly in any BMC collection. Your early inspection is welcomed and encouraged to fully appreciate this important part of UK and the Midlands motoring history.