They were previewed by the UK press at the Paris Motor Show on 22 October 1947, who expressed immediate disappointment at the car's conservative appearance.

Both the Devon and Dorset were body-on-frame designs with modern bodies and a 1.2 L straight-4 OHV engine producing 40 bhp (30 kW) at 4200 rpm.

[1] They featured front coil sprung independent suspension but retained a rigid axle and semi-elliptic leaf springs at the rear.

[1] Commentators also commended the "excellent (floor lever controlled four speed) gear change" (on the early models) with smooth clutch action.

[6] During production, A40 Sports bodies were built by Jensen and transported to Austin's Longbridge plant for final assembly,[7] with approximately 4,011 examples manufactured.