Without the Austin 16 there would be no Austin Healey 100. It first showcased the highly regarded BS1 engine used in Donald’s masterpiece, but there are plenty of other reasons to love Austin’s first post-war design.
Nicknamed the ‘Tough Austin,’ the torquey 16 had a reputation for doing what other cars couldn’t - like ascending steep hills, even with a trailer, and simply going on and on and on without endlessly breaking down like many of its contemporaries.
This characterful black Austin 16 was one of the last built and wears its 75 years with considerable dignity. The black paintwork, drizzle of chromework and chocolate leather interior evoke an era of woodbines and foggy London streets, when cars like this were the staple of Britain’s roads.
As a solid and complete car it allows the buyer to retain that historic patina or move it towards a shinier, restored state. It would work just as well as either. Practical and eminently usable in modern traffic - there is 67bhp on tap after all - this is a rare and charismatic post war classic.
The History and Paperwork
First registered 2nd April 1949
Only six registered keepers recorded by the DVLA
Current keeper since June 2021
Austin’s first all-new post war design
Displaying 37,275 miles
Vehicle went through small mechanical overhaul 5 years ago and it has been stored ever since
The Condition
Solid and complete car with patinated interior and exterior as shown
Black paintwork in unrestored condition but retains its two gold coachlines
Due to the age of this vehicle we recommended checking the photographs carefully to capture the condition
Bodywork appears straight with good panel fit but unrestored and aged
Exterior fittings appear to be complete and generally well kept
Chromework shows tarnish as visible in photographs
Glasswork complete, appears undamaged and is fitted with side wind deflectors
Sits on factory steel wheels in black with matching spare and tarnished hub caps
Chocolate brown interior in well preserved original condition showing some patina
Interior appears to be complete with cream-faced dials and good dashboard
The Mechanics
BS1 2,199cc 4cyl OHV 67bhp petrol engine
4spd manual gearbox
We have no reported of running or driving issues
Due to the age of the vehicle some mechanical checks should be anticipated
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s Terms and Conditions.
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted. Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it's always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. If requested we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected]
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More about buying with us
1949 Austin 16
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