Austin 10/4 Conway Cabriolet

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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.

A conventional car in all respects, it was powered by a four-cylinder side-valve 1,125cc engine producing 21bhp, the rear wheels being driven through a four-speed gearbox and open drive shaft to the live rear axle. Suspension was by half-elliptic springs all round and the brakes were cable operated. The basic model cost £155 and was capable of 55mph and 34mpg.

Mechanical upgrades for 1934 included a stronger chassis, synchromesh on the top two gears and 12 volt electrics. The first styling change came in late 1934 when the plated radiator surround was replaced by one painted in body colour with a slight backward slope. Synchromesh was added to second gear and semaphore type indicators were standardised.

In 1937 Austin gave the car a major makeover, bringing its styling in line with the times. The Cambridge as it was then called looked almost streamlined and was given Girling rod brakes, 16” pressed steel wheels and the engine was moved forwards to create more passenger space. By now it was good for 60mph.

Rarest of the bewildering range of body-styles on offer was the attractive Conway Cabriolet. Fitted with a full-length roll-back roof, it combined the benefits of the Cambridge saloon in terms of proper doors and side windows, with the option of open-top motoring.

Originally registered in the Lake District to R Smith’s Garage in Windermere on 14th December 1937, this charming Conway spent its first 34 years in Westmorland and Cumberland. Since the early ‘70s the car has remained within the active Austin Ten Drivers Club, its octogenarian vendor purchasing this example from an active club member in 2013. Serviced by Steve Hodgson in West Sussex prior to purchase, the vendor has continued to maintain and improve the car over the last two years.

The indicated 51,600 miles is reputed to be genuine and from the car’s originality and overall condition could well be correct, although there is insufficient paperwork to substantiate this figure.

During his ownership, the vendor has fitted four new Avon tyres and new wheel nuts. The well-tailored hood is the work of Coventry Hood and Tonneau Ltd and has been made in top-quality dark blue ‘stayfast’ material and the vendor (with the help of his kind neighbour) has replaced the rear axle oil seals. Most recently, a reconditioned petrol pump and filter have been fitted, the car starting instantly and running sweetly when driven out of the garage for the photographs.

The history file includes an original handbook and parts book, along with a number of older bills which show that the car had a full gearbox rebuild in 2007. The car comes with a number of useful spares, including a head gasket, new fan belt, fire extinguisher, ignition points and tools.

In nicely patinated and lovely original condition, this rare and appealing open model is ready for this season’s activities and is able to make the most of whatever the weather brings – come rain or shine.

AMENDMENT:Bidders are advised that there is no parts book included as catalogued above.