This unique Austin is the Big Four with a 40HP engine. Dated by the VCC as a 1911 car it was originally ordered as transport for shooting parties, hence the double tyres at the rear to carry the vehicle through forests and onto moors. With a claimed top speed of 65mph, this Austin is truly a landmark vehicle. Retaining its original coachwork this is a fabulous opportunity to acquire a significant piece of British automotive history.
Austin is one of the most famous names in British Automotive history. With a career spanning nearly eight decades,the Austin name was synonymous with quality and reliability. Founded in 1906 by Herbert Austin at Longbridge in
Birmingham, the Austin marque went on to develop a host of different models including the iconic Austin Seven. During
both the First and Second World War, Austin produced vast numbers of shells, heavy guns, trucks, aero engines and
even complete aircraft like the Stirling, Hurricane and Lancaster. Austin would continue to manufacture cars as an
independent company until 1970, at which point it became part of British Leyland and then became known as the Austin-Rover Group. In 1989, after producing over 10 million cars bearing the Austin badge, the name was dropped and the Austin models were given Rover badges.
This Austin is one of the Big Four 40HP cars. Powered by a 5,838cc four cylinder engine it is just one of two known to be left in existence. The other is a Laundalette in the possession of the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust. The
unique Shooting Brake body was commissioned by a Captain Bruce Vernon-Wentworth of Wentworth Castle in Yorkshire to serve the purpose of being transport for shooting parties. After Vernon-Wentworth’s death the car is understood to have been passed to a L.V. Grimes Esq for services to the Captain. 1955 sees the car in the ownership
of a J.M Oddie Esq until 1963 when the Austin was sold to John Clayton Esq, who in turn sold the car in the early 1970’s.
The car featured as an important piece in a Motor Museum for many years before being obtained by the current owner
in the mid-1990’s. The Austin retains the original coachwork unique to this example and is presented in excellent
condition throughout. This Austin has a wonderful air of character and charm and when combined with its unique
identity, creates an incredibly attractive opportunity for anyone in the market for a Veteran car.
