So, you thought Austin was dead and buried forever (and not a moment too soon)?
Well, think again because Nanjing Automobile Corporation -- the Chinese mob who bought MG Rover -- is contemplating resurrecting the venerable British brand, according to UK's Autocar magazine.
"It's a fantastic brand with an enormous worldwide appeal," Nanjing Automotive quality director Paul Stowe was quoted as saying by Autocar.
"Austin has a very different heritage to MG, and this allows us to develop and market a very different range of vehicles. For this reason I can definitely see the re-emergence of Austin in less than five years."
Autocar reports that NAC is due to recommence production of the 'TF2' roadster and the ZT (which will be badged as the 72) next month, with partial assembly of British-market TFs set to take place at the former MG site at Longbridge.
Interestingly, Stowe revealed that the replacements for the ZR and ZS would also wear Austin badges to broaden their mainstream appeal. The cars will benefit in the handling department from the involvement of Lotus in their development.
It's believed the 72 will be offered with a Fiat-sourced 1.9-litre diesel to maximise its potential in the Euro market.
"It is our intention to supply vehicles to a global market, and it expects a range of diesel engines, said Stowe.
CarPoint's more mature readers may be aware that the Austin Motor Company has a lengthy history that dates back to 1905.
One of its particularly well-known models was the Seven (believe it not, the late Peter Brock cut his teeth in one of these, bought for the princely sum of five pounds). The Seven enabled Austin to survive the worst of the 1930s depression and develop its range.
The next major milestone came in 1959 when the iconic Alec Issigonis-designed Mini was launched.
The principle of a transverse engine with gearbox in the sump and driving the front wheels was revolutionary at the time and it was subsequently adapted to larger Austins such as the 1100 (1963), the 1800 (1964), the Maxi (1969), the Allegro (1973) and the Metro (1980).
Trivia buffs may be aware that the Austin X6 Kimberley and Tasman were engineered in Australia to replace the locally manufactured Austin 1800. Their names were obviously chosen to emphasise their Australian origin by alluding to the Kimberley Mountain range and the Tasman Sea.
The X6 series were allegedly conceived to break into the booming Aussie six-cylinder family car market. Unfortunately, the X6 never hit the big time as it was plagued by quality issues.
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