Description
1913 Austin 10/ 12hp Charlesworth cabriolet, a unique car in very good condition. History from new, originally owned by a magistrate and sheriff of Kildare. A reliable car with a nice driving position and right hand accelerator, weather tight when the hood is up. Needs a new custodian with more time to use her, pictured on the Isle of Man TT circuit two years ago. 35 mph cruising speed, dimensions for a trailer to distant events - length 3. 5m x 1. 5m x 1. 75m high with the hood down.
Five bearing crank with excellent oil pressure, complete with spare block sleeved to the correct bore. VCC dating certificate and brass plaque. A visit to The National Library of Ireland tells that IO800 was registered in the name of William T Kirkpatrick, magistrate, estate owner , mountaineer and author ( Alpine Days and Nights). Residing at Donacomper, Celbridge, WT Kirkpatrick was also head of the local recruitment board, WW1.
The second owner, GVB Cooke ( employed by Lincoln and Nolan, Dublin Austin agents) purchased the car in 1935, using her in the first Dublin
“Old Crocks run” and, after moving to Caistor, VCC events in England.
Third long term keepers were the Westerman family of Chilwell, who did refurbishing work including engine white metalling. Used in many rallies ( including a Hull to Scarborough run on YouTube) until eventually put in hibernation.
The car then returned to Ireland in the hands of the Mckendry family, the fourth owners, who started a complete rebuild.
This rebuild subsequently stalled and I purchased the car in 2013, completing restoration work and used locally for VCC regional events.
Handbook and Austin service notes included with the history file.
Ps. The Shamrock on the back of the car is also the symbol of the Irish 16th Division, token acknowledgement to the cars early history.
Garaged 10 minutes from Liverpool airport.
