27th Feb, 2008 0:00

The Centaur

 
  Lot 39
 

1938 Austin 12/4 Heavy Low Loader Taxicab

Sold for £9,000

(including buyers premium)


Lot details
Registration No: UN-REG
Chassis No: T.B.A.
Mot Expiry: None

Prompted to enter the London taxicab market in 1929 by a generous order from dealers Mann and Overton, Austin soon upset the status quo. Based on the redoubtable 12/4 chassis, the Longbridge manufacturer's 'High Lot' model was cheaper, easier to maintain and more reliable than its Morris Commercial and Beardmore opposition. Updated in 1934 as the 'Low Loader' or 'LL', the Austin may have been a little less Top Hat-friendly but it boasted ample luggage space next to the driver and four seats to the rear compartment (though, two of these were of the 'fold down' variety). Some five pounds more expensive than the standard Vincent body, the optional Jones Brothers Landaulette coachwork with its retractable rear roof allowed passengers to make the most of any clement weather. Famously durable, the 12/4's 1861cc sidevalve four-cylinder engine was allied to an equally stoical four-speed manual gearbox both of which promised years of faithful service. Determined to maintain its sales advantage, Austin introduced a streamlined version of the 'Low Loader' during the late 1930s. Unceremoniously nicknamed the 'Flash Job' by drivers, such wind-cheating 'Low Loaders' are few and far between today.

Finished in blue over black with blue leather upholstery, this particular example is variously described by the vendor as being in "fair" (electrical equipment, paintwork, wheels / tyres), "very original" (bodywork), "good" (engine, gearbox, interior trim) or "very good" (chassis) condition. After retiring from active duty in London, we are informed that the Austin "was bought by the Ritz Hotel in Paris during 1959 for ferrying clients around the city". While, in later life it is said to have "belonged to a Sailing Club in the South of France". Not currently UK registered, this appealing and very rare streamlined 'Low Loader' is thought to still retain its original paintwork, upholstery, meter and interior fare tables.

 

All successful bids must be paid in full by midday the day after the auction at the latest.

You can collect your new pride and joy from our venue until 1pm the day following the sale or our partners are on hand to help arrange safe transportation:

               

Auction: The Centaur, 27th Feb, 2008

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