c.1920 Austin Twenty Limousine

Lot details
Registration No: UN-REG
Chassis No: T3189
Mot Expiry: None

"The fact is that the Twenty wouldn't wear out. Its derivative, the Heavy Twelve, has been described as 'one of the hardest wearing machines of all time'. If that is true, then I would assert that the Twenty is the hardest-wearing" (Michael Worthington-Williams writing in The Automobile, July 1986)

Partially inspired by the Hudson Super Six which had served him as everyday transport during the latter stages of WW1, Herbert Austin settled on a one-model policy when peace dawned in late 1918. Charged with carrying the fortunes of an entire company, the resultant Austin 20hp had to be all things to all people. Highly versatile, its robust leaf-sprung ladder-frame chassis played host a wide range of body styles encompassing everything from sporting open two-seaters to heavy-set formal limousines by way of various commercial variants. Powered by a seemingly unburstable 3.6 litre, four-cylinder sidevalve engine, the big Austin was famed for its ability to maintain momentum almost regardless of load. Equipped with rear wheel drum brakes and a centre-change four-speed manual gearbox even those cars with substantial bodies could apparently reach 60mph.

Finished in maroon over black, this particular example wears open-drive limousine coachwork by an unknown maker. Riding on artillery wheels, it sports buttoned upholstery (black to the front, blue to the rear), fork-mounted headlights and a well-stocked wooden dashboard. On loan to the Osaka Sakai City Museum for the last fifteen years or so, the Austin has not run since being paraded through the city's streets and will therefore require recommissioning prior to use. An intriguing project, it is offered for sale with customs clearance paperwork.

PLEASE NOTE: This vehicle has been imported to the UK by Autofreight & Storage Ltd of Surrey. The C&E 386 has not arrived but will be forwarded to a successful purchaser.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to the absence of a registration document we are unsure as to this vehicle's exact year of manufacture.