Seller's comments about 1935' Austin Austin 12/4 12/4
1935 Austin 12/4 Hertford Saloon Reg. no. DZ 2148 Chassis no. 79121 Engine no. 79704 Previously general manager of Wolseley, Herbert Austin resigned in 1905 to form his own company. Production of Austin motorcars subsequently began in 1907, and by the start of the Great War the company had acquired a deserved reputation for quality. During the war, Austin had a Hudson Super Six as his personal transport, and saw in the American car, several features he admired. His first post-war car therefore, the 20, was very much inspired by the Hudson, featuring a central gearchange and right-hand accelerator – both viewed as American features, but which have of course proved lasting. 1922 saw the introduction of one of the company’s most successful designs, the Heavy 12/4 – in many ways a scaled-down 20. It featured a side valve mono-block engine of 1661cc, later 1860cc. These cars were renowned for their strength and reliability, and continued in production until 1939, in their latter years finding great popularity as taxis. This 1935 example spent all its life in Northern Ireland before 2014; in December 2014 it was purchased by the then owner and over the next four years much work has been undertaken. All five wheels have been reconditioned and fitted with new tyres, the engine has had new pistons and rings and a new timing chain, and the dynamo, starter, carburettor, Autovac, distributor and voltage regulator have all been renewed. The car has been partially rewired, a new stainless steel exhaust and new exhaust manifold have been fitted, and the headlining and front carpet have been replaced. Flashing indicators and a 12v power socket have been fitted to help in the modern world. This is an excellent example of one of Austin’s greatest models that is now offered with a V5c.
This and 60 other classic cars and motorcycles will be sold on June 15th at Allington, near Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN14 6LJ. All enquiries to 01249 444544 or look at the fully illustrated catalogue online at richardedmondsauctions.com