Austin 1800 and 2200 (1964 – 1975) Review

Austin 1800 and 2200 (1964 – 1975) At A Glance

4/5

+Fun handling and nice steering, exceptionally roomy and easy to see out of

-Awful gearchange, questionable switchgear, low values make restoration a matter of the heart

Following on from the Mini and 1100/1300 range, the 1800/2200 (or ADO17) models were designed in pretty much the same way - transverse front engines, front-wheel drive, and acres of interior room in relation to their compact exernal dimensions.

The 1800 and 2200 were expected to complete Alec Issigonis’ successful hat-trick of BMC front-wheel-drive cars, but they didn’t – and that was down to building the new car around the MGB-tune B-Series engine, which Issigonis exploited to make a larger car than was necessary - and this left the UK market's centre ground open to the Ford Cortina.

Despite the 1800 winning the Car of the Year award in 1964, sales were disappointing. Over-engineered and with Hydrolastic suspension, the unappealing looks (which have dated very well indeed) and the austere interior counted against them.

In 1972, the final new variation was launched - the silky-smooh E6-powered 2200, which was a surprisngly capable car. All ADO17s are best had with power steering.

Ask Honest John

What Austin marques have the same parts an 1800?

"Have you any idea what other Austin marques would have been fitted with the same wiper motor as a 1968 1800?"
Your car is what the British Motor Corporation referred to internally as ADO17. As well as your Austin 1800 version, it was sold as the Morris 1800, Wolseley 18/85, Austin 2200, Morris 2200 and Wolseley Six. Chances are it was a Lucas item but you can get a replacement from a specialist. Holden offer a suitable replacement,which costs £129 (not including VAT). Link: https://www.holden.co.uk/displayproduct.asp?sg=2&pgCode=040&sgName=Hardware&pgName=Washers+%26+Wipers&agCode=0708&agName=Wiper+Motors&pCode=040.151 Reader Timothy Perks add: 'There are many websites that provide a free download of Lucas parts, serial numbers and associated vehicles in the official Lucas catalogue. To name one, there is an MG enthusiasts web site which is easily located.'
Answered by Keith Moody
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