Mystical - from someone who set out to resurrect the most practical ADO16
Isn't it? This Austin 1100 looks exactly as it should have been, with a practical tailgate and sublime use of space.
Only, there was never a "hatchback" during the entire production period of the ADO16 series (1963-1974)!
In fact, the Austin 1100/1300, which was also sold as an Innocenti, Morris, MG, Riley, Wolseley or Vanden Plas, only ever had a small hatch as access to the trunk (shown in the picture on the left). Only those who opted for the station wagon, which was called Traveller or Countryman depending on the brand, received a large tailgate. However, the three-door model was more of a small utility vehicle for tradesmen and less geared towards comfort. While Autobianchi and Renault proved that there was a demand for practical everyday cars with a large tailgate, British Leyland remained stubborn.
A small Austin/Morris dealership in Somerset recognized the gap in the market. The company was called Creech Motors. Under the management of Gerald Fry, a special version of the four-door Austin 1300 with a large rear hatch was created at the customer's request. The design, which was given the type designation "The Mystique", was created by simply integrating the rear end of the MGB GT into the rear of the Austin. There was no lack of elegance in the well-designed Fusion, and the two-door version was particularly impressive. No wonder, as both the Austin base and the MG rear end benefited from Pininfarina's design skills.
The Creech-Austin hatchback version featured an interior with a sporty touch. It offered a folding rear seat, optional bucket seats and sports fittings. Light alloy wheels were also an option. Only one example is said to have retained the spartan standard equipment and the modest 1100cc engine.
By the mid-1970s, around six more cars had been built, as an Austin or Morris and even an MG. It is not known whether any survived. Around 2000, the MG was apparently spotted once in Scotland.
The intelligent concept also convinced ADO16 fan Christian Rutishauser. After an unsuccessful search for an original vehicle, he decided to have the car rebuilt on the basis of an Austin 1100. A talented tinsmith integrated the rear door of the MGB GT into the Austin rear end, just as it was back then, and the interior was adapted accordingly. The result is completely convincing.
Anyone who would like to see the converted Austin 1100 for themselves, as well as the many other variants of the ADO16 series, is invited to visit the special show "Tiny Great Cars - Morris/Austin 1100 & family" at Autobau Romanshorn from May 30. The special show will run until August 31, 2024. Rating: Worth seeing!
