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The British Hypcars

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alex Moulton’s Hydrolastic suspension revolutionised the ride experience by using flexible rubber elements that were hydraulically interconnected on either side of the vehicle. This innovative setup kept the car level while eliminating the need for conventional anti-roll bars. It was featured in the following British Leyland models from the early sixties to the late seventies:

  • ADO16 series, produced from 1962 to 1974, including the fantastic Austin/Morris/Wolseley/MG/Vanden Plas Princess/Riley Kestrel/Innocenti 1100 and 1300, Morris Nomad, and Austin Apache/Victoria.
  • ADO15 series, equipped with Hydrolastic suspension from 1964 to 1971, showcasing the iconic Austin/Morris Mini, Wolseley Hornet, and Riley Elf.
  • ADO17 series, produced from 1964 to 1975, featuring the so-called “landcrab” Austin/Morris 1800/2200, Kimberley/Tasman, and Wolseley 18/85. Notably, the Austin 1800 was awarded European Car of the Year in 1965.
  • ADO61 series, manufactured from 1967 to 1971, which included the Austin 3-Litre, the only hypcar that uniquely combined Hydrolastic suspension with self-levelling actuators.
  • ADO14 series, produced from 1969 to 1977 with Hydrolastic suspension before transitioning permanently to Hydragas, featuring the medium-sized 5-door Austin Maxi.

The Hydragas suspension, which was the evolution of Hydrolastic, used hydropneumatic spheres similar to those by Citroën. It supported the following hypcars throughout the seventies, eighties, and nineties:

  • Austin Allegro and Vanden Plas 1500/1750, produced from 1973 to 1982 (ADO67).
  • Austin/Morris/Wolseley/Vanden Plas 18-22, affectionately known as “The Wedge,” produced from 1975 to 1982 (ADO71).
  • Austin Maxi, featuring Hydragas from 1978 to 1981 (ADO14).
  • Austin/Morris/MG/Rover Metro and Rover 100, produced from 1980 to 1998 (ADO88).
  • Austin Ambassador, produced from 1982 to 1984.
  • MG F, produced from 1995 to 2001.

Our hypcar collection is graced by a breathtaking left-hand drive Wolseley 18 Princess, which is currently in the midst of a restoration journey. We’re excited to share our experiences with… her Royal Highness as soon as it’s back on the road!

In the meantime, if you’re eager to dive deeper into the fascinating world of Hydrolastic and Hydragas suspension systems and models, be sure to check out Hypcar History and AROnline.