Introduced in 1962, it was marketed under the Austin name in both four-door sedan and five-door station wagon body styles.

Using the locally built 2433 cc six-cylinder "Blue Streak" engine, it represented the first attempt by BMC to challenge the dominant Holden and Ford Falcon models in the lucrative six-cylinder family car class with a locally developed vehicle.

[2] Although more expensive than its opposition, the Freeway was well equipped by contemporary standards, offering features such as windscreen washers and a fresh air heater/demister.

The sedan combined a new full-width grille with the rear-end styling of the British MG Magnette and Riley 4 models.

[3] Declining sales saw the Freeway discontinued in 1965 [2] with production ceasing in September of that year after approximately 27,000 cars had been built.