1929 Austin 'Heavy' 12/4 Burnham Saloon

Registration No: UX 5192
Chassis No: 58650
MOT: Exempt

• Provided with a full restoration around the turn of the century to a high standard
• Believed to retain much of its original interior
• Handsome and spacious factory built Burnham Six-Light Saloon coachwork
• Still presenting very well today and due to be driven to the sale

Introduced in late 1921, the Austin 12 (later known as the 'Heavy 12/4') became a legend within its own production lifetime. In many ways a scaled-down version of the existing 20/4 model, it was based around a sturdy ladder-frame chassis equipped with drum brakes and all-round semi-elliptic leaf-sprung suspension. Powered by a 1661cc sidevalve four-cylinder engine, the newcomer could be had with a variety of open or closed body styles and even saw service in the carriage trade. Updated in 1927, the 12 gained a longer-stroke 1861cc powerplant, higher scuttle and wider track. Renowned for its durability and dependability, the Austin has long held a special place in Vintage car circles as a very capable pre-war car.

Chassis ‘58650’ was clothed from new in the handsome and spacious factory built Burnham six-light saloon coachwork in which it still presents today and was first registered by Vincent Greenhouse Garages of Shrewsbury in 1929. Known to have been a resident of the Welshpool area during the 1950s, the Heavy 12/4 re-surfaced again in the mid-60s when purchased by a previous owner as a restoration project. Partly stripping the car over the ensuing three decades, eventually the Austin was passed on to a long-term friend, who is understood to have been a well-known Shrewsbury car collector in 1997. This owner subsequently completed the restoration, which is believed to have included new front and rear wings, although it is thought that the body was left undisturbed. The body was then fully re-painted, the fabric roof was re-covered, and the 12/4 completely re-wired.

Understood therefore to still be highly original, the interior still boasts what is thought to be the beautiful original leather upholstery and headlining. Mechanically the restoration included an engine overhaul including new white metal, with the Austin starting readily and running excellently during the recent photography session. In lovely condition throughout, this fine original example entered the vendor’s ownership through auction in 2013, and since then has been used on local runs around Derbyshire, as well as for shows and events, including being the mode of transport for a camping expedition! Offered with a buff logbook and current V5C document, the ‘Heavy’ is due to be driven to the sale.

For more information, please contact:
Paul Cheetham
paul.cheetham@handh.co.uk
07538 667452