{{short description|Australian car model}} {{Use dmy dates|date=June 2017}} {{Use British English|date=June 2017}} {{Infobox automobile | image = Austin Freeway (14917133090) (cropped).jpg | caption = Austin Freeway Sedan | name = Austin Freeway | manufacturer = [[BMC Australia]] | production = 1962–1965 <ref name=AussieCars>Tony Davis, Aussie Cars, 1987, page 84</ref> | assembly = [[Australia]] | aka = Morris Freeway (New Zealand)<ref name=bluestreaksix>[http://www.bluestreaksix.com/history.htm The Morris Freeway, www.bluestreaksix.com] Retrieved on 10 November 2012</ref> | class = | layout = [[Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout|FR]] | body_style = 4-door [[Sedan (car)|sedan]] <br> 5-door [[station wagon]] | engine = 2,433 cc [[Straight-six engine|I6]] | transmission = 3-speed manual <br> 3-speed automatic | length = | width = | height = | wheelbase = | weight = | predecessor = | successor = [[Austin 1800 (ADO17)]] | related = [[Austin A60 Cambridge]] <br> [[Wolseley 24/80]]<ref name=AussieCars/> }}
The '''Austin Freeway''' is an [[automobile]] which was developed by [[British Motor Corporation (Australia)|BMC Australia]], based on the British [[Austin A60 Cambridge]]. Introduced in 1962, it was marketed under the [[Austin Motor Company|Austin]] name in both four-door [[sedan (car)|sedan]] and five-door [[station wagon]] [[car body style|body styles]].
Using the locally built 2433 cc six-cylinder "Blue Streak" engine, it represented the first attempt by BMC to challenge the dominant [[Holden]] and [[Ford Falcon (Australia)|Ford Falcon]] models in the lucrative six-cylinder family car class with a locally developed vehicle. The engine was a direct development of the [[British Motor Corporation|company's]] [[BMC B-Series engine|1622cc B-series unit]], cylinder dimensions in the six-cylinder unit being identical to those of its four-cylinder counterpart.
An upmarket variant, the [[Wolseley 24/80]] sedan was also offered.<ref name=AussieCars/>
Although more expensive than its opposition, the Freeway was well equipped by contemporary standards, offering features such as windscreen washers and a fresh air heater/demister. The sedan combined a new full-width grille with the rear-end styling of the British [[MG Magnette]] and [[Riley 4]] models.<ref name=Kenwright>[https://www.tradeuniquecars.com.au/feature-cars/1203/aussie-originals-bmcs-last-stand Joe Kenwright, BMC's last stand: Aussie Originals, www.tradeuniquecars.com.au] Retrieved 29 January 2017</ref> The station wagon utilised the [[Austin A60 Cambridge]] rear-end styling.<ref name=Kenwright/> 3,090 units were sold in its first year but volumes fell well short of those of its [[Holden]] and [[Ford Falcon (Australia)|Ford Falcon]] rivals and of the much more powerful six-cylinder [[Chrysler Valiant]], introduced in Australia earlier the same year.
The original Freeway (designated ADO40) was replaced by the Freeway Mk II (YDO3) <ref name=Building_Cars>Building Cars In Australia, BMC-Leyland Australia Heritage Group, 2012, pages 214-215</ref> in October 1964.<ref name=Kenwright/> The revised model featured a more powerful engine, power brakes, improved rear suspension and improved seating.<ref name=Kenwright/>
Declining sales saw the Freeway discontinued in 1965 <ref name=AussieCars/> with production ceasing in September of that year after approximately 27,000 cars had been built.<ref name=bluestreaksix/> The Freeway was replaced by the [[Austin 1800]]<ref name=Kenwright/> with Australian production commencing in 1966.<ref name=Building_Cars/>
<gallery widths="200" heights="150"> File:Austin Freeway (15734916159) (cropped).jpg|Austin Freeway Sedan File:1964 Austin Freeway sedan (6106068152).jpg|Austin Freeway Mk II Sedan File:Austin Freeway Wagon (15906711417).jpg|Austin Freeway Station Wagon File:Austin Freeway Wagon (15284367353).jpg|Austin Freeway Station Wagon </gallery>
==New Zealand market== The Freeway was marketed in [[New Zealand]] as both the Austin Freeway and the Morris Freeway, allowing the separate Austin and Morris dealerships in that country to sell the model.<ref name=bluestreaksix/>
The Freeway name was subsequently used on the New Zealand market for the [[BMC ADO17]],<ref>[http://www.aronline.co.uk/blogs/the-cars/bmc-18002200/also-known-as-bmc-18002200/ Also known as : BMC 1800/2200, www.aronline.co.uk] Retrieved on 10 November 2012</ref> (with the BMC brand instead of Austin or Morris this time around).
<gallery widths="200" heights="150"> File:1967 BMC Freeway, front right (NZ).jpg|1967 BMC Freeway 1967 BMC Freeway rear left (NZ).jpg|1967 BMC Freeway </gallery>{{-}}
==References== <references/>
==External links== *[https://web.archive.org/web/20081205033022/http://www.users.bigpond.com/jimjarron/24_80_freeway.html The Austin Freeway and Wolseley 24/80] Retrieved on 8 May 2009 {{British Motor Corporation cars, 1952-1966}}
[[Category:Austin vehicles|Freeway]] [[Category:Cars of Australia]] [[Category:1960s cars]] [[Category:Cars introduced in 1962]] [[Category:Cars discontinued in 1965]] [[Category:Rear-wheel-drive vehicles]] [[Category:Sedans]]