Would you believe that the 1950 Austin A90 Atlantic Convertible was conceived as part of an economic program? Economic conditions were so bleak in England following World War II that the country adopted an “export or die” program to attract foreign currency — mainly U.S. dollars. One of the results of this policy was the new Austin A90 Atlantic, a convertible designed with the American market in mind. Riding a 96-inch wheelbase, it arrived in 1949 and rode into 1950 unchanged, save for a lower $2,634 price tag. The Austin A90 Atlantic Convertible was powered by a 2660-cc (162.2-cid) ohv four. With 88 bhp and 140 lbs/ft torque, it whisked the A90’s 2,800 pounds from 0-50 in 11.2 seconds and up to 92 mph. No matter, the Atlantic has earned its place in Austin history.
