Lot Ended
Description
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 in the style of a Mulliner Drophead Coupe and has Mulliner name
plates 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.
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.
Please beware that there is some micro blistering on the
paintwork but this does not detract on how this car looks
overall.
Contact
james,booth@brightwells.com