Approximately 88,000 Austin 12s, powered by a 1,660cc straight-four-cylinder engine, were manufactured between 1921 and 1939. The “12” designation actually refers to the vehicle’s fiscal horsepower-an early form of taxation-rather than its actual brake horsepower, which is 20. This particular Austin 12 boasts a unique history, having been originally delivered to New Zealand and remaining there for 51 years before returning to the United Kingdom.
“It is sad that vintage vehicles are decreasing in value and I probably wouldn’t get what I paid for it now. It’s a shame as it has a really nice Art Deco look,” said the current owner, a farmer, who purchased the vehicle at auction for £6,000 a year and a half ago. The owner is a fan of the marque, having previously owned a 1930 Austin 10.
This 1924 model Austin 12 includes front brakes, a feature not found on earlier versions.”My model is from 1924 and that was the year front brakes were added. A lot of vintage cars are able to get up to a decent speed easily enough but stopping them is the issue as they can be heavy, but this car feels quite safe,” he explained. “If someone in front has to make an emergency stop, I can do the same and pull up in time.”
