Beschreibung:

Intended by Austin boss Leonard Lord to rival the contemporary Bentley, the luxurious Sheerline and Princess models arrived in 1947 boasting coachwork in the then fashionable 'razor-edge' style, complemented by luxurious wood and leather trimmed interiors. A new Bentley-inspired mascot in the form of a flying 'A' was introduced, and in the Sheerline's case the traditional radiator grille was flanked by a pair of magnificent Lucas P100 headlamps. Unlike Longbridge's up-market models of pre-war days, the newcomers were aimed at the owner-driver rather than the carriage trade, though the coachbuilt (by Austin's newly acquired subsidiary, Vanden Plas) Princess was available as a Touring Limousine with division. A conventional separate-chassis design incorporating independent front suspension and hydraulic brakes, the newcomers were powered by Austin's new 3.5-litre overhead-valve six, though this was soon enlarged to 4.0 litres. Delivered new to Belgium, this particular Sheerline is unusual in having a coachbuilt body rather than the standard factory item. It was commissioned in 1949 from the famous Belgian coachbuilder Vesters & Neirinck in Brussels by Mr Gillet of the eponymous motorcycle manufacturer Gillet-Herstal. Originally founded in 1920 as Vesters, the Belgian company quickly established a reputation for fine workmanship and stylish design, bodying numerous high-quality makes including Minerva, Rolls-Royce and Bentley. Although its output diminished after WW2, the firm bodied a couple of Delages, a Delahaye and this Austin Sheerline before concentrating on commercial vehicles. The only one of its kind, the Sheerline's Vesters & Neirinck body resembles the work of the French coachbuilder Saoutchick. Its Art Deco style wooden dashboard is particularly worthy of note. In June 1976 the Austin was exported to France where it was purchased by the current and only second owner in June 1986. Since acquisition the car has been displayed in the owner's 'Musée Automobile des Voitures de Chefs d'États' at the Château de Montjalin, Avallon. It has been partially restored with no expense spared: the engine, carburettor, fuel pump and ignition system being completely overhauled and the brakes, exhaust and whitewall tyres renewed. The body and paintwork are original, untouched and rust free, while the seats have been re-trimmed and the door cards refurbished. Noteworthy interior features include a glass partition between the compartments (hand cranked and in working order) and three seats to the rear with two dividing armrests. We are advised that the car is in generally very good order, though the electrical components do need to be overhauled. With fresh paint and re-plated brightwork, this unique car would be a possible contender for honours at Pebble Beach and represents a potential entry ticket to many other major concours events. It is offered with maintenance instructions and Belgian registration papers dating from 1961. No Reserve