Lot Ended
Description
A super example of this elegant and indestructible Vintage-era
saloon; imported from New Zealand in 1974 and few owners since; recent
sympathetic restoration; one for the Austin enthusiast!
Launched in late
1921, the Austin 12 was dubbed 'The Salesman's Joy' due to the way it fairly
flew out of the showroom, some 70,000 examples being sold by 1927, the peak year
of production. In combination with the immortal 7, it secured Austin's long-term
future and remained on sale for almost 20 years. During this time the 12 became
a byword for indestructibility thanks to its superb build quality and
fundamentally sound design.
The engine was a
five-bearing side-valve four, initially 1,661cc but soon replaced by a larger
long-stroke 1,861cc unit, for which the factory claimed 27bhp at just 2,000rpm.
This was sufficient for 40-45mph cruising, at which speed the 12 returned around
26mpg. It was a wonderful engine and so tough that it enabled Austin to capture
90% of the London taxi cab market. Effective four-wheel brakes meant that the
car coped with sudden emergencies better than many of its contemporaries.
Enduringly popular, the 12 remained in the
Austin catalogue until 1935, although a taxi version was available until 1939
and production of cars for the War Department continued until 1940. Tough and
reliable, it remains a favourite with Austin enthusiasts to this
day.
This particular 12/4 has the long-stroke 1.8
engine and handsome Windsor six-light saloon coachwork made in-house by Austin.
While there is no early history with the car, records held by the Vintage Austin
Register show that it was built in 1924 destined for the New Zealand market. It
came back to the UK in 1974 and had just two owners for the next 30+ years, both
VAR members.
Our vendor acquired the car in 2011
at which point it had been in storage for a considerable time. He has since
treated it to a sympathetic restoration which has resulted in the fine specimen
you see today. Although there are only a few invoices and photos to
show exactly what was done, the car speaks for itself.
On the inside, the seats and door cards were retrimmed in cloth, new
carpets were fitted and the woodwork was refurbished as
required.
On the outside, the original
maroon/black paintwork was somewhat faded so it was repainted in green/black
(the vendor did this himself and while the paint finish is perfectly acceptable
for a Vintage car, it is hardly show standard). Most of the interior and
exterior brightwork was professionally replated in nickel, a very costly job but
worth every penny because it looks absolutely wonderful. Even the grease points
and the wheel nuts gleam on this car.
On the
mechanical side, it had new suspension springs all round, the radiator was
recored using the correct honeycomb type, the dynamo was rebuilt and the 12v
electrics were refurbished as required, including the fitment of brake lights
and flashing indicators with buzzers so you can hear when they are operational.
A new battery box was also made and fitted. The original Calormeter radiator cap
is also present and in working order, along with an Austin 12 handbook and parts
catalogue.
The car
has been very lightly used during the current 13-year ownership, an old MOT
implying that it has only covered around 100 miles since 2010, the odometer
currently showing 4,828 miles. We are told that it runs and drives well, with
good oil pressure, and does not overheat.
Only
reluctantly for sale due to ill health, this is a really super old Austin that
no doubt has another 100+ years of useful life ahead of it. We like it a lot!
Consigned by James Dennison – 07970 309907 –
james.dennison@brightwells.com