Austin A40 Devon Pick-up

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In 1947 Austin launched its first post-war family saloon range, the A40 Devon and A40 Dorset. Both cars were built on a separate chassis but with modern saloon body styles and overhead valve 1200cc engines rated at 40hp (hence the A40 name).

The Devon proved to be the more popular of the two cars, its four-door body being ideal for small families, in fact by 1951 Austin had decided to drop the two-door Dorset from the range. Other A40 Devon variants were also available including a Countryman estate car, Van and Pick-up as well as a Sports version.

The Devon served well during its production run, earning much needed export orders from around the world, but was eventually replaced in 1952 by the larger, more bulbous A40 Somerset range. However, the Devon-based Pick-up remained in production until the end of 1956, the rear load bay being made in aluminium by Jensen of West Bromwich.

First registered in January 1957, this particular Pick-up is one of the last examples made and was supplied new by Pikes of Exeter, as is evidenced by a plaque inside the passenger door. It was to remain in Devon for the next 52 years, eventually forming part of the Ken Wills collection in Crediton, only being sold off after his death. The vehicle was sympathetically rejuvenated and recommissioned, a process which included a new radiator and kingpins.

Purchased by the vendor through ourselves in 2010, its Heritage Certificate shows a build date of 10 May 1956 and its subsequent dispatch to P Pike and Company specified in tweed grey with brown trim less a heater and overriders.

Sometime after purchase, the vendor noticed a small crack had developed in the engine block and was lucky enough to source a low mileage Gold seal replacement through the Austin Counties Car Club. This was fitted, along with a new clutch, petrol pump and ‘new old stock’ carburettor (£237). The newly fitted water pump on the old engine was transferred across and a new thermostat fitted. The cost of the work, less engine purchase was £943 and it is now in super running order again.

The vendor has decided that he needs to downsize his collection, choosing to spend more time at his recently acquired holiday home hence is offering this vehicle for sale. These Devon Pick-ups were never produced in great numbers and tended to lead quite hard lives so are few and far between these days. This well presented example, with its sweet replacement engine is ready to show, or would make an ideal and practical promotional vehicle.