1934 Austin Ten Clifton Tourer *Sold £9,250*

Description

• Very good condition
• Dickey Seat
• Side screens present (please view video)
• Deceased estate
• Same owner for almost 25 years

The Austin Ten was launched on 19 April 1932. It went on to be Austin’s best-selling car of the 1930s. So successful, it continued in production until 1947.

The market for a number of classic vehicles of this era is flatlining. However, ‘specials’ like the Austin Ten Clifton Tourer are bucking the trend. They are coveted by enthusiasts, collectors and investors in equal measure. We are now seeing much younger owners taking in interest in these models. The Tens along with other models seem be having a well-supported renaissance.

History

Initially, there were just two saloon styles. But the range grew and models such as the Clifton, Cambridge and Lichfield were offered. As you can see, this is an exceptionally rare Clifton Tourer complete with Dickey seat.

This Austin Ten is from a deceased estate. Our vendor, Terry, is handling the sale for the family of his best mate Syd, who sadly passed recently. We understand Syd owned the car for 25 years, purchasing it in 1998. You’ll see from our Image Gallery, that this lovely Austin Ten speaks for itself, but we’ll do our best to answer any queries potential new owners may have. Please do not hesitate to contact us.

Outside

The design and construction of the Austin Ten was a conventional one. The Austin had a pressed steel body built on a cross braced ladder chassis. The overall design brief was to give the Austin ease of access. In order to achieve this, the chassis dipped down between the two axles, delivering a low ride height.

The Blue over Black coachwork is in extremely good condition.  This Austin retains its original black 18 inch spokes wheels shod with 4.50 x 18 cross-ply tyres complete with chrome centre caps.

The chrome on the doors, grill, bumpers, mirrors etc is very good. So good we suspect they are either new parts or professionally and expensively re-chromed. Either way you can see the chrome is very good.

Just like the rest of the exterior, the roof and roof and frame are in equally good condition. The side screens are present and can be viewed in the video.

Inside

The interior is a delight. The two seater Ten is pure simplicity, at the same time as being utterly charming.

The black, bakelite dash with chrome controls is of course the centrepiece – cast your eyes over those original clocks and dials. A master piece of design functionality that has stood the test of time nearly 90 years on.

The blue leather seats are in very good condition, and have been recovered in period style and we must admit they look very nice.

The wood on the dash could do with some varnish, as we’d expect from a classic car of this age. We’d be tempted to leave well alone to be honest, but that’s a decision for the lucky new owner.

At the rear is the Dickey seat, which is not only a terrific feature but is also in good condition.

Mechanicals

• 1125-cc four-cylinder side-valve engine.
• 21 brake horsepower
• Rear wheel drive
• Single plate, dry plate
• 4-speed with synchromesh on top, 2nd & 3rd
• Three quarter floating spiral bevel rear axle
• Worm and wheel steering system
• Suspension was provided by half-elliptic springs all round mounted on silent-bloc bushes and damped by frictional shock absorbers.
• The four-wheel mechanical braking

The whole package just worked back then and still does today.

Our view

Many of you will know this, but for those of you that don’t it is worth restating that vintage motoring is a wonderful scene to get into. Vibrant, friendly and great fun.

Beautiful, rare, period classic cars like this lovely Austin Ten Clifton are not meant to be raced from point to point. Expect a much more serene driving experience and be prepared to sit back and waft along with many admiring onlookers.

These cars are rare. In this condition, it’s difficult to say just how rare.

We are loathe to make comparisons. But it is reasonable to say this is one of the best Clifton Tourers we’ve seen for a number of years.

Good luck bidding. Please remember, our site uses anti-sniping software which ensures fairness to all bidders. So, if a bid for a lot is received in the last minute, the auction will go into a 2-minute overtime period for each subsequent bid.

Vehicle Location: Anglesey, LL65 – it’s the responsibility of the buyer to make collection / transportation arrangements directly with the vendor.

Have a question about this Austin Ten? Please contact the Evoke team at auction@evoke-classics.com and we will speak to the vendor on your behalf.

Guide Prices?

We’re different. But you know that. And we’re always honest. In a sector where no two classics are same, how does anyone put a ‘guide’.

Well, everyone knows the broad value of classic, let’s all be honest. So we don’t need to tell you what you already know, do we.

The ‘market’ decides and the old cliché that ‘it’s worth what someone wants to pay’ is no less true. So why kid everyone!

But, because we are different, if it really does matter to you, that’s fine, we want you to be happy. Just drop us a line at auction@evoke-classics.com and one of us will be delighted to ring you back and discuss, it’s what we do.

Tedious but it’s vital you read this, please.

We will always strive to offer the most descriptive and transparent auction listings available. However, we can’t claim to be perfect. Your own analysis is very important, and we are here to help and also answer any and all queries you may have prior to purchase.

We offer and positively encourage buyers to view or arrange inspections for each vehicle thoroughly prior to bidding.

If we do take a physical, as opposed to a remote, look at any of the vehicles on our platform, they are not those of a qualified vehicle inspector or other professional. Nor do they include a test drive unless expressly stated.

As with all vehicles of a certain age, localised paint repairs are common. This specifically applies with classics.

So, please, unless we state explicitly to the contrary, please assume that classic vehicles on our platform could have had remedial bodywork of any kind at some point in its life.

Two final comments on images and photos.

The vast majority are supplied by vendors. Camera technology has and continues to improve significantly, but please note and understand that image and sound quality does vary. If you would like vendors to provide more images please ask us and we will contact the vendor for you.

If you are at all unsure, just ask us. It is what we are here for.

Finally, finally, finally. Please note that vehicles are sold as seen and a returns policy is not applicable. This is the norm for used items acquired at auction.

Our Terms and Conditions are here and our FAQS can be found here or contact us: auction@evoke-classics.com

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