The Austin 3-Litre was introduced in 1967 as a large executive saloon aimed at the upper end of the British Leyland range. It was designed to provide a more luxurious and spacious alternative to the Austin 1800, featuring a stretched version of the same “Landcrab” body with a longer wheelbase and a more traditional three-box design.
Under the hood, it was powered by a 2.9-liter (2,912 cc) C-Series inline-six engine, producing around 124 horsepower. The car utilized a rear-wheel-drive layout, distinguishing it from the front-wheel-drive Austin 1800. It also featured Hydrolastic suspension with self-leveling at the rear, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride.
Despite its spacious interior, refined ride quality, and comfortable driving experience, the Austin 3-Litre struggled in the market. It was overshadowed by more established executive models from Rover and Jaguar, both of which were also part of British Leyland. Production lasted only until 1971, with fewer than 10,000 units built. Today, the Austin 3-Litre is a rare and somewhat overlooked classic, appreciated for its comfort and smooth six-cylinder engine.