1924 Austin 12 Boat Tail *Sold £5,500*

Description

• Charming, Charismatic, Captivating
• Private plate valued at £2,500
• Drum brakes
• Electric start

The Austin 12 Boat Tail conversion. Simple, affordable and great fun. If you fancy a pre-war classic that is great value and easy to own, then look no further than this classic Austin 12. In converted Boat Tail form, they are rather rare.

Background

Launched to the British public in late 1921, the Austin 12 was a huge success. It owed much of that success to Austin’s superior build quality and sound basic design principles. The Austin 12 became a by-word for reliability. The fact that this one celebrates its Centenary next year says everything really.

Our vendor encountered the Austin in North Yorkshire, where it had been stored for some time with other vehicles. It was running and road worthy at that time – and of course, still is.

The primary reason for the purchase was as a marketing tool for his business. As recently as 2022 he was still getting value from the Austin as he was asked to lead the Chesham Carnival Procession.

• With our vendor since 2018
• Private plate valued at £2,500 included in the sale

Outside

• Canary yellow coachwork
• Cycle-like wings
• Rear toolbox
• Luggage rack with basket
• Artillery wheels in matching body colour
• External brass fittings
• And the best bit? The honk-honk! manual horn

The chassis is designed to be robust and straightforward. These cars were built in the traditional way using a partly wooden-framed body with steel/aluminium.  Our vendor tells us:

“I believe the Austin was converted in the late 1950s using an ash frame, with wood fabrication that has stood the test of time”. Take a look at the image gallery, it tells the story much better than we can.

Interior

• Original four dial dash
• Black dials on white faces
• Two-seater bench seat
• Original steering wheel

Underneath, the cavernous rear space houses the battery and little else.

Mechanicals

• 1670cc engine
• Leaf spring suspension
• King pins/shackles (buy a grease gun if you win the auction)
• Steering box
• Four wheel drum brakes

Sources indicate coil ignition replaced the much less reliable magneto arrangement in 1935. From the images, any eagle-eyed enthusiasts will spot the engine on this Austin has that set-up. However, we know no-more about the engine. Which is not surprising given its mature years.

This Austin has the added benefit of an electric start. There is a switch mounted in the cubby hole. Flick that to on, depress the floor mounted starter to the left of the clutch pedal and happy days!

The Austin is low-geared and perky. Our vendor tells us on tick-over in first gear the Austin bimbles along quite nicely. If your journeys are short and you have an exploratory spirit, then it is very useable. The practicalities are all there. The gearbox is more forbearing than most of its contemporaries and it will run up to about 45-50mph, just. It has the conventional three pedal system.

The reality for most is the Austin will be bought as an occasional plaything, at this they excel and are great fun as you’ll see from the Gallery.

Bottom Line

Buy a two-seater. They are the best. The basic nature of the Austin 12 made it ideal for producing special-bodied sports models like this rare boat tail type conversion.

Reports from the club scene all agree prices have been appreciating over the past few years. The rarer two-seater specials outpace others. Prices have not gone bonkers; therefore, they remain very affordable.

Austin 12 owners do tend to love their cars. For that reason, they seem to hang on to them for a long time and cars often change hands within the clubs rather than on the open market. We suspect this one has been no different. It is great to see one come to market, and we’re delighted to host it on our platform. Best of all? The lucky new owner will have great fun attending rallies, events and of course this Austin 12’s birthday in the New Year.