1935 Austin 12/4 Shooting Brake

Introduced in 1934, the revamped Austin 12/4 range was distinguished by new more flowing wings, a sculpted radiator cowl and vents (in place of louvres) on its bonnet sides. Underpinned by a sturdy ladder frame chassis equipped with semi-elliptic leaf-sprung suspension and drum brakes all round, it was available in a variety of open and closed guises - eg Tourer, Saloon, Estate, Van etc. Powered by a torquey 1,535cc four-cylinder side-valve engine mated to a four-speed manual gearbox, most 12/4s were capable of achieving around 65mph flat out. 

Our vendor believes that the work to convert this Austin 12 Saloon into a 'Woodie' was commenced some years ago and apparently never finished or possibly stripped for restoration. Its previous registration number, we understand, was JP 689. After many years languishing in a large collection, it was purchased by our vendor in September 2020 at auction and since then he has refitted all the glass and been through the car mechanically but not cosmetically. We understand that it's running well and he has suggested that he would have no hesitation in jumping in it and driving to Scotland!

The rear passenger doors are permanently closed, so effectively the car is a two-seater with a long load bay. With its new found reliability and substantial carrying capacity, it's a bit like a 1930s Volvo Estate!