1929 Austin 12 Clifton Tourer

Highlights

Much-loved ‘Gumdrop’ pre-war Austin model
Detailed history file of ongoing maintenance
Cooling system and carburettors recently overhauled
Classic cream finish creates commercial opportunities
Partial restoration by previous keeper since 2013
Well kept, practical and reliable Austin 12 Clifton

The Appeal

The Austin 12’s durability, practicality and popularity makes it the quintessential inter-war classic. That it was the star of the famous long running ‘Gumdrop’ books - 25 written between the 1960s and 00s - has also helped its enviable legacy.

In period these cars were renowned for their reliability, the high build quality making them virtually indestructible. The Clifton Tourer broadened the appeal, offering full five seater drop top motoring.

Those qualities make this lovely ‘29 Clifton a tempting prospect as a weekend indulgence or perhaps a commercial wedding opportunity. The cream trim certainly suits either purpose. It is in very good order and has clearly been looked after. A very detailed handwritten record of work shows regular scheduled and preventative maintenance. Recently this has included attention to the coolant and fuel systems and the carburettor.

The result is a handsome example of these much-loved cars, one whose lovely details and commanding presence will surely entertain driver, occupants and passers-by wherever it goes.

The History and Paperwork

First registered 11th March 1929
Previously used as a wedding car between 2014 and 2022
Reluctant sale due to ill health
Previously painted maroon and restored in cream in September 1988
Last MOT expired 1st July 2013 with no advisories
Detailed written service history from 2014 to 2022 by previous owner
This covers several pages and is worth checking in the photographs
Photographs of repairs over the years
Workshop lubrication guide
Newspaper article featuring the car
Old MOTs
Partial restoration by previous keeper since 2013 summarised below
Highlights of recent maintenance provided below

Restoration work by previous keeper since 2013:

New soft top and side screens
Rear seat retrimmed
New carpets throughout
Rebuilt rear axle to factory specification

Recent notable maintenance:

Carburettors overhauled, coolant flushed, contacts cleaned and fuel hose replaced June 2023
Front and rear indicators fitted May 2023
Radiator record August 2021

The Condition

Stylish cream bodywork with black wings in good condition and suitable for wedding work
Well kept paintwork with only minor signs of age and use to note
Bodywork presents very well with good panel fit and flush doors
New soft top and side screens with good fit and no obvious damage
Black spoked wheels in good condition with vintage specification tyres
Well kept exterior fittings including brasswork, lights and rear luggage box
Fitted with front and rear indicators for improved on-road safety
Beautifully detailed interior with original Smiths dials, wooden dashboard and wheel
Burgundy trim with retrimmed rear seats and recently fitted red carpets, all well kept

The Mechanics

Later cars such as this would be factory fitted with the larger 1,861cc 4cyl Austin engine
We are informed and DVLA states that the engine capacity is 1,798cc
Manual gearbox with synchromesh on top two ratios
Reported to start reliably and to drive well
Used between 2014 and 2022 for light wedding work
More recently used for local classic and vintage car shows
Regular and ongoing maintenance including detailed notes since 2014
Recent work to coolant system, fuel system and carburettors
No reported running or driving issues

BEFORE YOU BUY

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