Austin 16/6 Berkeley Saloon

Launched in 1927, the 16/6 slotted neatly into the Austin range sitting above the 7hp and 12hp models but below the 3.4-litre 20hp. It was powered by a new six-cylinder side-valve 2.3-litre engine with a timing chain at the rear of the block, mated to a four-speed gearbox. It shared it’s chassis with the Heavy 12/4 from which it was distinguished by the ‘Austin Six’ script on the radiator and wire wheels. 

‘Autocar’ particularly liked the six-cylinder engine reporting that it ran “very nicely indeed, smoothly, quietly and with a real willingness to get going if the driver chooses,” recording a top speed of 60mph and 21mpg economy. Periodically updated and restyled, the Sixteen lasted in production until 1936.

This particular 16 was supplied new by Canterbury Motor Co in December 1932 and still bears their nameplate on the dash and its original Canterbury registration number. Not much is known of the subsequent history of the car but for many years in more recent times it belonged to a gentleman in Tenbury Wells.

A desirable Berkeley-bodied chrome radiator model, it looks most dignified in dark blue and black and has a beautifully mellowed original tan leather interior. The vendor states that it drives exceptionally well with a lovely torquey engine and is happy to bowl along at a comfortable 50mph. It certainly fired up readily on the occasion of our visit to take these photographs and ran most sweetly. With an MOT until June 2012 and taxed until next May, it is ready for immediate use and still retains its original owner’s handbook.

Rugged and dependable, Austins of this era are among the easiest of vintage cars to own and maintain and are supported by an enthusiastic owners’ club who are fond of saying that “while William Morris made money, Herbert Austin made cars”. Drive this one and you may judge for yourself…