1933 Austin 10/4 Cabriolet

Lot details
Registration No: AGN 771
Chassis No: G12962
Mot Expiry: July 2012

Herbert Austin had been the manager of the Wolseley Tool and Motor Car Company and founded his eponymous Austin Motor Company in Longbridge in 1905. It quickly expanded from a workforce of 2,500 to some 22,000 during WWI in order to fulfil Government contracts for everything from artillery to aircraft. After the war, a failed one model policy forced the company into receivership, but it rose once more following much needed financial restructuring. Smaller cars were then introduced to expand Austin's market share, and the ubiquitous Seven was among the first to seek volume sales, the successful results of which helped the company weather the worst of the depression and regain its lost profitability. However, it was the Austin 10 that was the company's best-selling car throughout the 1930s, slotting in between the Seven and the larger 12 model. Introduced in 1932, it remained in production until replaced by the A40 in 1947, by which time 290,000 had left the production line. The 10 was of relatively conservative design, comprising a contemporary pressed steel body mounted on a traditional-style cross braced chassis. It was powered by an 1125cc four-cylinder sidevalve engine mated to a four-speed manual gearbox. Suspension was semi-elliptic springs all round and the drum brakes were cable operated. The electrical systems were initially 6 volt. A large number of body options were available during the model's lifespan and included: four-door, 'Lichfield', 'Sherbourne' and 'Cambridge' Saloons; two and four-seat Tourers; 'Ripley' Sports; 'Colwyn' and 'Conway' Cabriolets and a Van. Popular with the general public, the Austin 10 also found favour with all branches of the armed forces.

The Austin offered is an original looking 10/4 Cabriolet produced in April 1933. The vendor has no official paperwork for the car but believes the body was restored in the 1980s. The engine and gearbox were apparently overhauled around two years ago and the four-seater interior refurbished very recently. He further informs us that the venerable Austin "runs and drives well" and that it is recognised by the Austin 10 Drivers' Club. Finished in Green over Black and trimmed in Green leather, this rare and charming Austin is MOT'd into July 2012.