Austin 8 Saloon

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Launched in February 1939 as a successor to the Austin 7, the Austin 8 kept the 900cc, four-cylinder, side-valve engine from the Big 7, now with a higher 6.5:1 compression ratio, but had a completely new chassis. 

This was halfway to full unitary construction in that the main member was a pressed steel floor-pan with a box section welded down each side of the car with three others going across the floor. The body was then bolted to this structure. Suspension was by semi-elliptic leaf springs with hydraulic dampers, allied to Girling drum brakes all round and a four-speed manual gearbox. Top speed was a respectable 60mph.

About 20,000 were made, mainly for military and government use, before production ceased in 1942. Of these, around 11,000 were two- and four-door saloons and 9,000 two- and four-seat tourers. Production resumed from late 1945 until 1947, but only in four-door six-light saloon form. Costing £149 new, it was a great post-war success and some 36,000 examples were sold .

First registered in Scotland in June 1947, this very late Austin 8 has had just four owners according to the V5 and has been in the current ownership since 2008. Retrimmed and repainted about six years ago, the car appears to be in good condition throughout and is also said to be in good mechanical order following a bout of fettling by Available Austins in October 2012 with a bill on file for £2,750. This included four new tyres, a new exhaust, brake overhaul, full service and an engine decoke resulting in good compressions on all cylinders (now averaging 108 ft/lb).

Taxed until February and no longer needing an MOT (the last one expired in March 2013) this smart old Austin is ready for immediate use.