1948' Austin

Well, well. Here is my beautiful 1948 Austin 16. These mega-rare old girls are fantastic vehicles and hardly ever seen these days.

TWO OWNERS FROM NEW. FIRST UNTIL 2003!

Officially named the Austin 16 BS1, this immediate post-war design was the first ever Austin to be treated to an overhead valve engine - and what a beauty it received! She is powered by a 2200 4-cylinder BMC unit which was later to find itself dropped into the early big Healeys as well as the A70 Hereford. She simply purrs and cruises with way more power than you would possibly imagine. A sheer delight on the open road.

Externally, she is gorgeous. Her cherry red contrasts perfectly with the black and she is such an imposing looking classic that you cannot go anywhere without people crowding around and asking about it. Body and paint-wise, she is as pretty as a picture. Rock solid underneath and with only 59,000 miles on the clock, I can only assume that she has led a sheltered life.

On my maiden voyage, I was unfortunate enough to be caught in the most horrendous downpour and was about 20 miles from home. On the plus side, I can now confirm quite categorically that the sliding sunroof does not allow as much as a drop of water in! And, by the way, it works as well. So you can have quite a degree of open top motoring! In fact there's even more old-style air-con available as the windscreen winds outwards too.

Her up-market (West of England I think) head cloth is perfect and everything fits nicely around the sunroof. All leather seats are clearly original. The rear seat is excellent as is the passenger's. The driver's seat could do with two small - and I mean small - repairs. The Bakelite dash is in extremely good order.

I think the photos tell the story here, although I have to say that I think she is even BETTER and more of an eyeful when you stand next to her and view in the flesh.

She is on the button and performs admirably with delightful gear changes within the 4-speed box. This is a car capable of keeping up with modern-day traffic. Well, you would imagine so wouldn't you with a 2200cc lump in there.

All my classic cars are treated as the equivalent of motoring antiques. This one, for example, is 71-years-old! They cannot be compared to the wife's six-month-old Chelsea tractor and they are bound to come with imperfections, quirks and bits and pieces that will need attention even if it is some time in the future. They do however come with oodles of charm, appeal and are there to be loved like a family pet. If you are new to the classic car scene, then please bear all this in mind. Most examples have clearly had work over the decades and I cannot predict how much or how little they will need in the future. That, I am afraid, is the nature of the beast in the world of classic cars. Motoring antiques is what they are. I love my Georgian dining table, but I can see all the scars and signs of previous woodworm. Had I wanted a brand new table, I would have gone to Oak Furniture Land. Well perhaps. Demand is outstripping supply these days and they don't make the old girls any more. So, make some allowances and drive away with a smile on your face. It goes with the territory, and therefore must be accepted, that they are always going to need on-going care, attention and repair. Don't tell me some way down the line that the full beam doesn't work or that you have discovered something I knew nothing about. They are bloody old. It happens. They come in and they go out. It seems as though I have become a "re-homer" of classic cars.

I accept all major debit cards and a ten per cent deposit is required at the point of sale with the balance due within three days. I can also assist with delivery and so please ask for a quote. Thanks for reading, Martin.