Highlights

• Exercised regularly and driving very well as a result
• Garaged and well maintained, undergoing several notable works during recent years
• Long-term current ownership: eight years
• Unrestored and highly original throughout
• 1935 MY example with synchromesh on 2nd, 3rd and 4th gears

The Appeal

Riding a wave of success that was started by the iconic '7' economy car, Austin weathered the wide-reaching effects of the Great Depression and found itself in a position to add models to its range throughout the late 1920s and into the '30s. The 12/4 Ascot was launched in 1933 and soon garnered a reputation for robust engineering and competent touring credentials, easily capable of a respectable 40-50 mph cruising speed.

All too often, motor cars of this era languish in garages and collections, seldom venturing out onto the road. That's where this delightful original example from 1935 differs; the vendor has used this Austin as regularly as possible, all while carrying out regular maintenance and minor repairs along the way. They've owned the car for eight years and have amassed a detailed history file documenting all the work carried out throughout their long tenure.

As the photographs show, the 12/4 remains very original throughout and is in lovely condition for its age. For those in search of a usable pre-war car, such regularly exercised examples are few and far between, so be sure not to let this superb opportunity pass you by.

The History and Paperwork

• Acquired by the present keeper in 2017
• Six previous registered keepers
• 75,370 miles indicated
• Some service history available prior to current ownership, while a detailed collection of paperwork has been amassed since purchase
• Always stored in a garage
• The car has made star appearances at the vendor's grandchildren's proms and several family weddings
• Exempt from road tax and MOT

The Condition

• Four-seater model in unrestored, well maintained condition; it presents exceedingly well for its age
• The bodywork is good and solid with no significant blemishes apparent
• The underside appears in very good condition with no sign of corrosion according to the vendor
• The exterior luggage rack/shelf allows flexible use of its capacity to carry additional luggage
• All wheels were removed, stripped, powder-coated in deep red, and refitted with new tyres in 2019
• The interior presents superbly, retaining period features including working blinds and footrests for rear seat passengers
• All door cards are complete with the original handbag-style pockets
• The headlining is complete with the addition of a map net
• The sliding sunroof operates with a light touch
• The front screen opens out, offering pleasant travel on hot days
• An interesting sun visor is fitted on the driver's side
• The carpets have been replaced with appropriate age-related carpets, including the Austin motif

The Mechanics

• 1.6-litre (1,537cc) 24bhp side-valve inline four
• Four-speed manual gearbox
• Later model with synchromesh on 2nd, 3rd and 4th gears
• The vendor reports that the engine starts well and runs smoothly with no unusual noises
• We're also informed that the gearbox is quiet and engages well, while the steering is correct, true, and easy to use and all brakes operate correctly
• The car is in regular use for short and medium journeys without any upgrades or non-standard additions
• Servicing and minor repairs have been done to keep the car in good usable condition
• A new battery was installed in 2019
• A new high torque starter motor was fitted in 2020
• A new bottom elbow on the engine block was installed in 2021
• A new exhaust silencer was fitted in 2024
• The vendor remarks that the Austin is an easy vehicle to drive with a comfortable average speed of 40 - 50 mph on the open road

BEFORE YOU BUY