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1939 Austin Eight
Highlights
- Imported to Britain from New Zealand around 1987
- Part of a larger collection and dry stored for many years
- Won as a competition prize by the current owner in 2023
- Highly original throughout
- Attractive colour combination
The Appeal
Introduced in 1939 - and in production throughout the 2nd World War - the Austin Eight was an unusual example of a car that thrived through wartime, and found great use with British military personnel. In Australia, it became a particularly common sight - the country had introduced a tax on imported cars, but a chassis? That cost pennies to bring in. As a result the 'Austin Wasp' became particularly popular in Oz.
This particular example was an Australia-built car, shipped to New Zealand and then, in 1987, arrived on British soil - where it entered a large, dry-stored collection. Following this collector's passing, the car was snapped up by a company who offered it as a competition prize. Sadly, our current vendor - the lucky winner - is unable to drive the vehicle.
With all that in mind, we're sure we've raised your interest - and offered a particularly rare example of a wartime motor car that's managed to cross the world!
History and Paperwork
- Built in Australia in 1939
- Here, it was sent to New Zealand, where it spent the next 48 years
- In 1987 it was purchased by a British collector, who had it imported to the UK
- Here, it was largely kept in dry storage as part of a large collection
- It remained here until 2020 when the collector passed away
- In then entered the possession of a private company
- This company offered the car as a competition prize in 2023
- The current owner won the car in August in 2023
- Sadly, they've been unable to drive the vehicle, hence the reason for sale
- Currently indicates 25,530 miles on a five-figure odometer
- Sadly we can't verify this milage
- We sadly have no paperwork with the car save for the V5c document
- It's worth noting that How Many Left indicate only 34 examples on the road!
The Condition
- Attractive peacock blue paintwork with black arches
- False venting to the sides with orange infill
- Minimal imperfections to bodywork and underside
- We can't spot any excessive signs of corrosion
- Some light patina to the chromework
- Tyres appear to be relatively new
- Original brown leather interior
- Black dashboard, possibly leather-covered
- All instruments are legible
- Some wear throughout - unsurprising for the car's seniority
- Ultimately, this amounts to a charming level of vintage patina
- Original carpets
The Mechanics
- 900 cc 4-cylinder side-valve engine
- 4-speed manual transmission
- Battery and fuel pump were replaced circa 2022
- Car drives well with no known mechanical issues
- We've no reports of leaks, knocks, bangs or smoke
- For an 84-year-old car, it ultimately appears to be a remarkable survivor
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:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ 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.
✓ UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1939
- Make Austin
- Model 8
- Colour Blue
- Odometer 25,530 Miles
- Engine size 900
Listing Details
- Seller type Private
- Town Plymouth
- Location Devon
- Country United Kingdom
The Gallery
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