“In case you probability upon a brand new Austin with overseas numberplates, it isn’t actually probability in any respect. For for the reason that warfare tens of hundreds of Austins have gone overseas. Why so? Two causes primarily.
“First, as a result of Austins are very correctly referred to as the reliable vehicles. Second, as a result of there’s one thing younger and really full of life about them.”
These phrases are from Might 1957, however not phrases written by Autocar, moderately Austin itself, in an advert that includes the Swiss scene pictured above. Had been they truthful?
For the reply, flick by the identical journal to discover a ‘impartial evaluation’ of British vehicles’ overseas prospects by Swiss journalist Robert Braunschweig.
He wrote: “For quite a few post-war years, the British business’s export figures have been far greater, each in absolute figures and in proportion to their complete manufacturing, than these of their opponents.
“The spectacular rise of the German business and, recently, the very a lot elevated export exercise of the French and Italian companies have modified the state of affairs in lots of markets the place British companies had loved freedom of motion. As well as, many economical and political obstacles have been erected in international locations which previously absorbed British vehicles with out restriction.
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“The very successes of the post-war years created issues for the British companies. Whereas the final shortage of vehicles made gross sales very simple, their high quality and sturdiness was not at all times completely passable. Non-British [cars], with which these have been changed within the early Nineteen Fifties, didn’t endure from these defects. Even at the moment the after-effect of this era has not been overcome completely.
“The British business alone affords practically as many alternative fashions as all its opponents taken collectively. Not all classes appear equally effectively represented, nonetheless, and there’s a notable absence of automobiles able to holding their very own in opposition to the [burgeoning] new minicar class.
“There’s one other lack of selection within the gentle medium-sized class, the place solely two British fashions have to hold the burden of battle in opposition to seven Continental fashions. However in all different courses, the British business is numerically effectively represented.
“It appears the varied nationwide industries have a tendency to enhance options during which they’ve at all times excelled [and] discover it rather more troublesome to make progress in [other areas]. Thus the facility, candy operating and reliability of British engines have much more improved of late.
“The inside dimensions and the appointments of the medium-sized British automobile are unsurpassed at the moment as a lot as up to now. [But] a unique state of affairs prevails [regarding] dealing with and using. Past any shadow of doubt, the behaviour of [British cars is] a lot better of their native floor than anyplace else.
