Lot Ended
Description
Rare
Mulliner Drophead Coupe, thought to be one of just two surviving; lots of
history; in regular use and driven 20 miles to the sale; an impressive example
of this powerful and dependable Austin
Austin
introduced its big 20hp model in 1919, a car heavily influenced by the Hudson
Super Six that Herbert Austin drove during the war.
Incorporating many of
the Hudson features that had so impressed the Austin boss, the Twenty was
powered by a 3.6-litre four-cylinder engine with a cast-iron block, a detachable
cylinder head and an aluminium crankcase. Driving through a four-speed gearbox
it developed 45bhp at 2,000rpm and could lope along at a genuine 70mph providing
the bodywork wasn’t too formal.
Immensely durable, it was considered by
many to be at least the equal of the contemporary Rolls-Royce 20hp and, with
light enough coachwork, it could even give a Bentley 3-Litre a run for its
money. Popular as a hire car, it was not unusual for a well-maintained Twenty to
clock up over half-a-million miles in its working life. This made it a
particular success in export markets where road conditions could be quite
demanding. It remained in production until 1930 by which time around 15,000 had
been sold.
First registered in London in January 1927, the chassis of
this example was manufactured in 1926 as a ’27 model and was originally a
four-seat Tourer. We are told that the motor car was requisitioned during World
War II and fitted with extra strength rear road springs for use as an ambulance.
Post-war, XL 2299 was rebuilt to its present form by coachbuilders
Mulliners of Birmingham with their name plates still fitted to the door shuts.
In 1965 and with only 3,000 miles showing on the speedo, a Mr J Greenaway of
Southampton restored the Austin. By 2000, ownership had passed to a Mr J Harris
of Salisbury and the 20/4 was now finished in cream and beige.
Eleven
years later, Mr R Allin of Folkstone became custodian, a motor engineer who
refurbished the Austin as a retirement project. Work included a thorough
mechanical check, rebuilt carburettor and an overhaul of the engine top end and
the braking system. The shock absorbers were also renovated, and the
leather-bound road springs rebuilt. Mr Allin resprayed the car in its present
maroon over black colour scheme and installed a useful petrol gauge which is
hidden in the glove box.
Due to ill health, ownership then passed to an
active and long-term member of the Vintage Austin Register who had new side
screens fitted in 2015. Our vendor acquired the car in 2022 and has enjoyed
driving around on high days and holidays but lack of suitable storage space
means that he has now decided to let the next chapter of this Austin 20’s life
be with someone else.
One of just two Drophead Coupes thought to survive,
this rare and powerful Austin remains in very good order and is surprisingly
easy to drive, having been driven 20 miles to the auction. It has had a number
of successful rally outings in the past; notably, in 1990 it was awarded second
place in the Victor Ludorum Concours d’Elegance Veteran Car Club Diamond
Jubilee Rally.
The extensive history supplied with the Austin includes
photographs, a handbook, technical data, wiring diagrams, a copy of a 1925
Autocar road test report, some road tax discs, invoices, sundry MOT
test certificates and the V5C registration certificate.
Contact james,[email protected]