Austin Ten Saloon

Click Here for Full Screen Image - Click Here to Download Image

Launched in 1932, the 10/4 was Austin's best-selling car in the 1930s and continued in production, with upgrades, until 1947.

Fitting between the 'baby' Austin 7 which had been introduced in 1922 and the Austin 12, the design was conservative with a pressed steel body built on a cross braced chassis which was designed to give a low overall height to the car by dipping down 2.75 inches between the axles.

It was powered by a four-cylinder side-valve producing 21bhp and driving the rear wheels through a four-speed gearbox and open drive shaft to a live rear axle. Suspension was by half-elliptic springs all round and the brakes were cable operated - all entirely conventional.

The gentleman from The Times newspaper, in period, said of the Austin 10: “one travels very smoothly and the car is undoubtedly stable”. He also said: “30-35mph is an effortless cruising rate” and “over 50mph takes distance and persuasion”.

Ideal, then for those quiet ambles along the roads less travelled in Wales and the Marches. This Austin is all present and correct, has a current V5C and should reward the fortunate new owner with many years of trouble-free gentle motoring.

It is, by no means, perfect but it is a perfect example of pre-war motoring for the masses and will be welcome at any classic car show, village fête, or country pub. PO 8640 has obviously had a great deal of restorative work at some time and has now mellowed to that ideal state of ‘not new but in good condition’ that most appeals to the enthusiast owner driver.