Around 2.1 million ADO16s were built between 1962 and 1975. ADO16? This was a British Motor Company series that was sold under various brand names - Austin, Authi, Morris, MG, Innocenti, Riley, Wolseley and Vanden Plas - and in various body styles - two-door, four-door, estate.
With such a large number of units, one might expect them to be omnipresent as classic cars today, but these extremely practical and spacious compact cars have largely disappeared from our roads.
Enthusiasts and fans are still flying their flag, however, and one of them is Christian Rutishauser, who created the special exhibition at the "autobau erlebniswelt". Rutishauser has been collecting special and unusual ADO16 variants himself for around ten years and has not only built up extensive knowledge, but also a considerable network in the ADO16 scene. Because he would like to pass on his experience and bring the cars back to a wider audience, and in particular get the next generation interested in these easy-to-maintain cars that are perfectly suitable for everyday use, he approached Fredy Lienhard and presented him with the idea of a special exhibition.
He himself has fond memories of the ADO16, having started his racing career with an Austin 1100 Speedwell. This was followed by an intensive six-month preparation phase and on May 30, 2024, the special exhibition was finally opened in the "Classic Salon" of the car showroom.
One model, many versions
Over a dozen ADO16 variants are on display at the Autobau special show.
In addition to the more common models such as the Austin 1100 or Morris 1300 GT, there are also very special rarities on display such as the Innocenti IM 3S, the Authi from Spain, the luxury variants from Vanden Plas or the versions from Riley, Wolseley or MG tailored to specific customer groups.
Almost a world premiere are two cars that did not exist ex works, namely an Austin 1100 with a large tailgate (from the MGB GT) and an MG 1100 as a station wagon.
Not just cars
Christian Rutishauser's special exhibition is not just about the cars. Many information posters, as well as the lettering on the vehicles, explain the circumstances and environment of the vehicles. A small (free) brochure has even been designed to place the ADO16 in the international competitive environment.
And in one corner, technology and restoration topics are documented and shown. The many advertising illustrations, factory photos and contemporary documents surrounding the vehicles should not go unmentioned.
Above all, stories
Christian Rutishauser said at the opening of the special exhibition that he was particularly interested in the stories and surroundings of the cars. He got to know the previous owners of many of his cars and learned about their journeys and backgrounds. This was incredibly enriching and interesting for him.
Of course, Rutishauser could have collected other cars, but the ADO16 has appealed to him since his childhood. Apparently, his mother's friends drove various ADO16 variants and it was always the most fun in the back of these vehicles, while he simply didn't like his uncle, who owned a Beetle.
A worthwhile visit
You should take your time when visiting the special exhibition, which runs until August 31, 2024 and is also accompanied by a number of special events, in the basement of the car showroom. Christian Rutishauser and his team have gone to great lengths to comprehensively document not only the cars themselves, but also their surroundings, the company history from individual manufacturers such as Austin, Daimler, Riley or Triumph, which ultimately led to British Leyland, and badge engineering.
If you are interested in even more, you can also buy a documentation folder specially designed for the special show, the cover of which is reminiscent of the service booklet cover "The 1100 Companion".
In summary, it can be said that the ADO16 special exhibition may not be large, but it is certainly a great success.
Further information about the museum and opening times can be found on the website of the car dealership.
