1938 Austin Light 12/4 Pickup

• Based on a 1938 Austin Ascot Light 12 Saloon
• Powered by a 24bhp, 1535cc 4-cylinder side-valve
• Superb interpretation of a 1940's workhorse
• Excellent attention to detail throughout
• Ideal for business promotion or to be enjoyed on the show circuit
• This car has formed part of a large collection with little or no use. An element of recommissioning is to be expected to return it to the road once again

Austin introduced their new Light 12/4 in late 1932 to fill the gap between the 10hp range and the larger 12.8 and 16hp models. It was to prove highly successful, being economical, reliable, robust and well finished in true Austin tradition. Saloon and open tourer versions were available, but it was the comfortable and spacious Ascot saloon that was to prove the most popular offering style, pace and modern features to customers rapidly becoming more sophisticated.

This beautifully converted right-hand drive Austin Ascot 12/4 saloon was, unfortunately, fire damaged some years ago whilst being repainted towards the end of its restoration. Its owner then lost heart with the project and left the car to deteriorate for some time before it was discovered and rescued by the owner prior to our vendor who was determined to breath new life into the ailing saloon. He had the forethought to see a future in the project and so the rebuild commenced. As the back of the saloon had sustained the most damage, he came up with the brilliant idea of converting it into a 'flatbed' truck and three years of painstaking work resulted in his interpretation of a period commercial vehicle that once would have rattled around the cobbled streets in the 1940s. It has been delightfully finished in Maroon over Black with 'porthole' windows complemented by a smart red interior, all completed to a very high standard, however, the 'jewel in the crown' is the iron-strapped pickup bed, handcrafted in the correct manner and looking totally period correct, even down to the trunk and cargo net in the rear. Sitting on its correct artillery-style wheels, it's now ready to be pressed into action once again, be that on the show circuit or as a mobile advertising hoarding, whichever route is chosen, it will most certainly be turning heads once again.

In recent years this car has formed part of a large collection and as such has received little or no use and an element of recommissioning is to be expected to return it to the road once again. Your inspection pre-sale is welcomed and encouraged to appreciate the potential of this rarely offered motor car.