Lot Ended
Description
1933 Austin 12/4 Berkeley Saloon
NOT
SOLD
Older restoration in lovely condition throughout; in
regular light use; a cracking example of this sought-after
model
Launched in late 1921, the Austin 12 was dubbed 'The
Salesman's Joy' due to the way it fairly flew out of the showrooms, some 70,000
examples being sold by 1927, the peak year of production. In combination with
the immortal 7, it secured Austin's long-term future and remained on sale until
1935 although a taxi version was still available as late as 1939. During this
time the 12 became a by-word for indestructability thanks to its superb build
quality and ruggedly simple design.
The engine was a five-bearing side-valve four, displacing
1,861cc (from 1927) for which the factory claimed 27bhp at just 2,000rpm. This
was sufficient for 40-45mph cruising, at which speed the 12 returned around
26mpg. Effective four-wheel brakes meant that the car coped with sudden
emergencies better than many of its contemporary rivals. Enduringly popular and
tough as old boots, the 12 remains a favourite with Austin enthusiasts to this
day.
This particular 12/4 has the handsome and spacious
Berkeley six-light saloon coachwork and was first registered in Northumberland
in May 1933. A DVLA print-out indicates that it has had just five owners since
c.1950, the current acquiring it in 2015. Although there is little history with
the car, it has clearly been well restored at some point in the not-too-distant
past.
A letter from Malcolm C Elder & Son of Oxon dated July
2010 states that JR 414 "has undergone a thorough restoration to a high
specification and is in superb condition throughout including bodywork,
paintwork, brightwork, interior and mechanical condition", concluding with the
recommendation that "this motor car be insured for the sum of £16,000". It would
seem that little has changed since then and the car still presents very well
today.
Our vendor has used the car only lightly during his
five-year ownership, mainly attending local shows, and reports that it has been
a delight to own and drive. Given a check-over by those excellent chaps at Much
Marcle Garage shortly before the auction, it was then driven some 30 miles to
Brightwells with no problems whatsoever and has continued to start easily and
run nicely as we have moved it around the site.
Documentation includes a V5C, the aforementioned ownership
history, an original owner’s handbook, an invoice for five new Excelsior tyres
and Michelin heavy duty inner tubes in May 2004 which cost £605 and an invoice
for four new Champion D16 spark plugs in March this year. The fuel tank has also
recently been professionally refurbished. There is also a copy of an old MOT
from 2004/05 at which point the mileage was 0926, the odometer currently
displaying 4,430 miles. A box of spares are included if desired (including
headlamps) but these will need to be collected from the Much Marcle area.
A most pleasing old Austin all round, this sturdy saloon
has plenty of space for all the family and doubtless has another 80+ years of
faithful service ahead of it.
For more information -
contact James Dennison 07970 309907
* All charges are subject to VAT