1927 AUSTIN HEAVY TWELVE VAN Registration No. TP 6039 Chassis No. 4TC 11440 Engine No. 37338L Brown body with red wings and brown interior. Engine: four cylinder, 1861ccm 12.8hp, five bearing crankshaft, side valves; Gearbox: four speed manual; Suspension: semi-elliptic leaf springs; Brakes: four wheel drum. Right hand drive. After the First World War, Austin produced a 3.6 litre side-valve, four cylinder "Twenty", which initially came close to bankrupting the company but subsequently proved a great success and was produced until 1929. Despite all these difficulties, in 1921 Austin introduced the 1661cc "Twelve", described in Georgano's Encyclopedia of Motorcars as "... their second great vintage design, one of the hardest-wearing machines of all times ". It was enlarged in 1927 to 1.9 litres, stayed in production until 1936 (and even into the 1940's as a taxicab) and latterly immortalized in the childrens book series " Gumdrop ". Austin also produced a small number of commercial vehicles on the "Heavy Twelve" chassis, including a handful of vans as on offer today. These were produced in small numbers as they were expensive to build and customers often opted for the cheaper alternative offered by Morris. This particular example was produced in 1927 and was used to carry in-mates to and from Lewes Prison! It retains its original body, and was the subject of a major restoration in the mid 1970's. The work undertaken included a general overhaul of the mechanics and restoration of the bodywork, during which time the small curved window behind the doors was fitted to improve the aesthetics. After nearly ten years of ownership, it passed to the current vendor in 1982. Since that time it has been regularly maintained, although it has seen little use except for occasional family outings to the local polo field! The condition is good throughout and the paintwork is of a presentable standard being finished in brown with red wings and black coach lines. The drivers compartment is by nature rather spartan and features brown vinyl seats and a very basic dashboard. The rear storage compartment is particularly attractive and features polished wooden panelling halfway up the sides of the body and a neatly panelled roof. At the time of going to press there was no opportunity of hearing the vehicle running - although it is evident that the cylinder block has been repaired in the past, possibly due to frost damage. The van is currently sign written with "Dewhurst Master Butchers" but this could readily be replaced with another company's identity if appropriate. Commercial vans from this period are particularly sought after due to their rarity and eye-catching presence. This original example would make a fine addition to any collection and would be also be ideal for promotional work.
1927 AUSTIN HEAVY TWELVE VAN Registration No. TP 6039 Chassis No. 4TC 11440 Engine No. 37338L Brown body with red wings and brown interior. Engine: four cylinder, 1861ccm 12.8hp, five bearing crankshaft, side valves; Gearbox: four speed manual; Suspension: semi-elliptic leaf springs; Brakes: four wheel drum. Right hand drive. After the First World War, Austin produced a 3.6 litre side-valve, four cylinder "Twenty", which initially came close to bankrupting the company but subsequently proved a great success and was produced until 1929. Despite all these difficulties, in 1921 Austin introduced the 1661cc "Twelve", described in Georgano's Encyclopedia of Motorcars as "... their second great vintage design, one of the hardest-wearing machines of all times ". It was enlarged in 1927 to 1.9 litres, stayed in production until 1936 (and even into the 1940's as a taxicab) and latterly immortalized in the childrens book series " Gumdrop ". Austin also produced a small number of commercial vehicles on the "Heavy Twelve" chassis, including a handful of vans as on offer today. These were produced in small numbers as they were expensive to build and customers often opted for the cheaper alternative offered by Morris. This particular example was produced in 1927 and was used to carry in-mates to and from Lewes Prison! It retains its original body, and was the subject of a major restoration in the mid 1970's. The work undertaken included a general overhaul of the mechanics and restoration of the bodywork, during which time the small curved window behind the doors was fitted to improve the aesthetics. After nearly ten years of ownership, it passed to the current vendor in 1982. Since that time it has been regularly maintained, although it has seen little use except for occasional family outings to the local polo field! The condition is good throughout and the paintwork is of a presentable standard being finished in brown with red wings and black coach lines. The drivers compartment is by nature rather spartan and features brown vinyl seats and a very basic dashboard. The rear storage compartment is particularly attractive and features polished wooden panelling halfway up the sides of the body and a neatly panelled roof. At the time of going to press there was no opportunity of hearing the vehicle running - although it is evident that the cylinder block has been repaired in the past, possibly due to frost damage. The van is currently sign written with "Dewhurst Master Butchers" but this could readily be replaced with another company's identity if appropriate. Commercial vans from this period are particularly sought after due to their rarity and eye-catching presence. This original example would make a fine addition to any collection and would be also be ideal for promotional work.
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
