Lot Ended
Description
Interesting
history; only two owners in the last 48 years; just recommissioned following a
period in storage; a fine old Austin that will outlive us all
Launched in late 1921 the brilliant Austin 12, in combination with the
immortal 7, secured Austin's long term future and remained on sale until 1935.
During this time the 12 became a byword for indestructability thanks to its
superb build quality and fundamentally sound design. Indeed a taxi version
remained available as late as 1939, such was the demand for this rugged machine
among cab drivers.
The engine was a super-smooth five-bearing side-valve
four, displacing 1,861cc in the Heavy 12 version (as here) 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 with reliability few could match.
Effective four-wheel brakes meant that the car coped with sudden
emergencies better than many of its contemporary rivals. Enduringly popular and
beautifully designed, the 12 remains a favourite with Austin enthusiasts to this
day.
This particular Heavy 12/4 has the handsome and spacious Burnham
six-light saloon coachwork with traditional chrome radiator surround. First
registered in Hull in March 1932, it was first owned by a Mr W Dibbs of
Beverley, the buff logbook showing that it remained in the East Riding until
1968 when it moved to Cornwall with a Mr J Stephens of Helston.
He kept
it until 1977 when it was acquired by a Mr D Doyle of Falmouth and it was to
remain in his family for the next 33 years. Mr Doyle was President of The
Cornwall Vintage Vehicle Society and the Austin was his pride and joy, attending
many shows. There is some touching correspondence between him and the daughter
of Mr Dibbs, the car's first owner. She sent him some photos of how it
looked back in the 1930s which are still in the file today (see last two
photos).
Although there are precious few maintenance records during Mr
Doyle’s ownership, the Austin was obviously kept in tip-top running order, with
no fewer than 28 old MOTs from 1976 – 2009 (all accompanied by the MOT tester’s
check list) plus numerous old tax discs. These show that the car covered 35,000
miles over this 33-year period – proof of just how durable these 12/4 Austins
really are.
Our vendor acquired the car from the Doyle family in 2010
and fitted a new set of tyres and a new set of blue Bedford cord seat covers
over the original (rather tatty) leather upholstery. The car was then put into
storage where it remained for the next dozen years.
Over the turn of
2023/2024 it was put in the care of Vintage car specialist Gerwyn Lloyd of
Herefordshire who treated it to a thorough recommissioning, as detailed in
invoices on file.
This included: new water pump; recored radiator;
electric fuel pump (Autovac still in place); electric petrol gauge; dynamo and
regulator; new wiring; taxi coil conversion; new timing chain; refurbished
Hobson tele gauge; new battery; thorough service plus much else
besides.
Fitted with a stainless steel
exhaust, it also comes with the original wind deflectors, rear passenger
foot-rests and picnic tables which are all wrapped up in the back of the car.
As you can see in the photos, this Austin Heavy 12 is in fine shape for
a 93-year-old and has been starting easily and running sweetly as we have moved
it around on site, with healthy 30psi oil pressure. Bearing in mind that it was
last in regular use 15 years ago, some running adjustments are to be
expected.
These big ‘30s saloons are a real bargain at the moment. This
sturdy and spacious Burnham is everything an old car should be and we have
no doubt that it will continue to provide faithful family transport for many
decades to come.
Properly maintained, there is no reason why it can't
soldier on indefinitely - although what the AI robots of tomorrow will make of
it is anyone's guess...
Consigned by James Dennison – 07970 309907 –
[email protected]