Highlights

Lovely green 12/4 affectionately known as Olive
Owned by the same family since 2013
Driven to Austria in 2017 with the Austin 7 Club
Well-maintained with replacement head gasket and cylinder cleaned
Regularly used for drives and shows by enthusiast keeper
Factory standard car with no modifications

The Appeal

What a joy to behold a vintage classic that is still being used and thoroughly enjoyed as it approaches its 90th birthday. This lovely 12/4 Open Road Tourer, naturally known as Olive, passes that landmark on 1st May, and we have no doubt that the new buyer will be out and about celebrating because this great old lady is in fine order to drive and enjoy.

Finished in green with matching leather interior, Olive was acquired by the seller’s father in 2013 and is pleasingly standard and unmodified - just like the day it rolled out of the Longbridge works in 1935. The condition is impressive - there are some light indications of use, but you would expect that of a car like this. Arguably, they add to the gentle character of this stately motor.

Since acquiring the car, the current keeper has driven it to Austria with the Austin 7 Club and attended to the original engine. Work has included a new head gasket and cleaning the cylinders. We are told it has been well maintained throughout its life and that it starts first time every time.

There are some minor modifications to suit modern motoring, These include a lockable glovebox and a rear seat conversion to allow an Isofix child seat. We’re all for using classic cars, whatever their age, and Olive is ready for just that.

The vendor says:

“Amazed that Olive is 90 years old this year - well, most of it is. Olive drives well on all roads with 55mph well achievable. We have used it for a few weddings. It runs really well - just give it space for braking as it has 90-year-old brakes!”

The History and Paperwork

First registered 1st May 1935
DVLA records three registered keepers
Current keeper since 2013
Used regularly for drives, car shows and occasionally for weddings
Always garage stored by current keeper
Lots of history provided with the car
VIN number H20618
Car show display board as shown
DVLA records a 1,465cc engine but vendor states 1,535cc
1,535cc engine is correct for a 12/4
Driven to Austria in 2017 with the Austin 7 Club
New head gasket and engine cylinders cleaned 8 years ago
All receipts for work done are available

The Condition

Smart and lightly patinated green paintwork with black mudguards and wire wheels
Paintwork presents well with only minor points to note in photos
Bodywork is factory correct for an ORT and in well kept order with light aging
Exterior fittings including chrome, lights, mudguards and trim all well kept
Chromework present well with some light aging to note in photos
Wire wheels in black with Excelsior vintage tyres fitted appearing to be in good order
Black folding hood which vendor reports is waterproof but needs some attention
Green leather interior in very good order with matching carpets and door cards
There are some light marks to interior but nothing that is unsightly
Carpets present well with recent overmats helping to protect them Clean leather Additional metal bar in the back seat for an Isofix child seat
Electrics, dials and switchgear reported to be in fully working order
Chassis presents well with no issues advised by seller

The Mechanics

Vendor advises 1,535cc 12/4 engine fitted
4spd manual gearbox
No known modifications to the mechanical components
Driven to car shows last year without issue
Starts every time without issue according to vendor
Capable of 55mph but remember the 90 year old brakes!
Described as ‘well maintained’ by seller
Attention to head gasket and cylinders around eight years ago
No reported running or driving issues

BEFORE YOU BUY

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