1946' Austin 16

Wow. Here is my 1946 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.

Still very much driven by a pre-war appearance, and with that American looking gangster-style front end, the Austin 16 is the sort of classic that has them falling off the pavement in astonishment as you cruise by. Back in the day, this would be a car that very few would have been able to afford. And, to this day nearly 75 years later, you are still practically overcome by the smell of the leather the instant you open a door. I know. Hard to believe. Anyway, she is a really sound old girl and looks to be very good underneath. She sounds beautiful and moves through the gears with great ease. She really is a pretty old girl and I don't think that cosmetic imperfections here and there detract from her overall beauty. Likewise, the leather shows some wear (well, it would wouldn't it?) but I think most would be happy to live with it.

All my classic cars are treated as the equivalent of motoring antiques. This one, for example, is 74-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.