Austin 10/4 Saloon

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

It fitted in between the 'baby' Austin 7 which had been introduced in 1922 and the Austin 12 which had been updated in 1931. It was powered by a four-cylinder side-valve 1125cc engine 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.

The basic saloon cost £155 and was capable of 55mph and 34mpg with commendable reliability for its day. It was soon followed by cabriolet and tourer versions but, to this eye at least, the saloon is the best proportioned of the lot with beautifully restrained and elegant lines.

This particular car was first registered in May 1933 and is a nice early model with the chrome radiator that was painted in later versions. Not much is known of the history of the car but it has clearly been well restored at some point in the past with excellent chromework, good paint and a nicely retrimmed interior. Another pleasing touch is the original smoker’s hatch in the rear compartment which was an optional extra on the non-sunroof cars.

The current Irish owner has had the car since 2009 and states that it runs well and has had a recent brake overhaul. MOTd and taxed until December, it comes with a current V5C and is ready for immediate use.