1930 Austin

In Butler, Pennsylvania, a group of ambitious industrialists set out to build the first successful American micro-car.  Inspired by the stunning success of the mighty Austin Seven of England, they established relations with Sir Herbert Austin and founded the American Austin Car Company.  The plan was to build a stylish and sensible, companion car for those with cars who needed something more practical and nimble than the imposing luxury sedans of the day.  With promises of great fuel economy, tight turning radius, sporty handling, and smart looks, this car was intended to serve a single person or duo on their adventures. 

Despite strong public reception, the American Austin was introduced just as the Great Depression was tightening its grip on the American economy.  From nearly one hundred thousand pre-orders, demand dropped precipitously and over five years only 20,000 examples were made.  At the onset, these cars were loved by high profile entertainers such as Al Jolson, Stan Laurel, Oliver Hardy, Buster Keaton, and many others.  Offered as coupes, roadsters, panel trucks, pickup trucks, vans, roadster pickups, and others; Austin had a car attractive for every buyer.  Sadly, you could by an Austin for about the same price as a new Ford, and the purchase just didn't make sense for a lot of buyers.

While American Austins shared some mechanical similarities with their English cousins, few parts interchange.  Nowhere do the cars diverge as sharply as they do cosmetically.  Working for Hayes Body Company, Count Alexis de Sakhnoffsky lent his artistic vision to creating the attractive packaging of the American Austin.  With limited chrome and carefully placed body moldings, the American Austin is one of the only little cars that doesn't look small.

This 1930 American Austin was among the first 6,000 cars built by the factory in butler.  Featuring coachwork by Hayes, this coupe is a fine example of the only body style offered in the first year of production.  This is the car that captured the hearts and imagination of so many Americans.  Although factory records have not survived indicating what engine, frame, and body numbers correlate; the proximity of the numbers of the three correlate well enough to indicate the three left the factory together.  As legend has it, this car was delivered originally to a buyer in Ontario, Canada.

In the 1990's, as a well preserved survivor car, this coupe was treated to a complete restoration by Bill Lloyd of Canada.  This car was completed just prior to the release of the Authenticity Manual which catalogs most elements a car needs to be factory correct.  Even without this guide, Mr. Lloyd did a terrific job keeping true to what a correct Austin should be.  At the 2000 Bartow, Georgia American Austin Bantam Club meet; this car won the "First Place - Closed Austin" award in memory of Frank Cheaney.  After that show, Mr. Lloyd enjoyed this car for several years before the car passed through a couple of collections, eventually spending ten years in the previous owner's collection.  This car has been lovingly kept and sparingly driven.

About this car:

In recommissioning this car, it has been treated to a freshly lined fuel tank, a radiator recored with the correct style honeycomb core from Universal Carnegie, a dry cell battery from Jim's, new radiator hoses, a clear Gano filter, new shock absorber links, shock absorber bushings, driveshaft fabric coupling, and some other parts.  The carburetor has been rebuilt and a new fuel line has been installed.  Fresh, factory correct, spark plug wires have been installed.  The car also features a fresh leather spare tire strap made to factory specifications.  Mechanically, she runs strong and drives nicely but would benefit from a tune up at some point.

Although I have not taken it on any long trips, I have driven around the neighborhood and find that this car still captures the attention of people 91 years after being built.  If you are okay with having people smile and wave at you, this is the car for you.

For being an older restoration, this car has held up well.  The sheet metal is remarkably straight overall and the paint still shines.  However there are number of chips and scratches.  The previous owner mixed up a small amount of blue paint to clean up these blemishes, however I did not attempt any paint corrections.  The worst paint issue is at the bead where the hood meets the cowl on the driver side.  You can see these issues in one of the photos.  There is some light surface rust at the top edge of the canvas top where the black paint has worn thin.

From 10 feet away, this car is absolutely beautiful.  For a 91 year old car with a 30 year old restoration she is beautiful.  However, please note she does have a few imperfections and is not perfect.

This car is being sold in as-is condition with no warranties of any kind.  Buyer to arrange shipping and handling including pickup and all transportation of this car.  This vehicle must be picked up within 10 days of auction end unless other arrangements are made in advance with the seller prior to auction close.  Please note that this car has a narrow track.  Deposit of $500 via paypal due within 24 hours of auction close.  Remainder of payment is due and must clear prior to pickup.  Remainder to be paid via cash, bank check, or cashier's check.

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask! You can reach me at (845)293-0937.  This vehicle is also for sale locally and may be inspected by appointment.

Thank you for looking!

Also published at eBay.com

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