Austin 10/4 Cabriolet

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Launched in 1932, the 10 was Austin's best-selling car in the 1930s and continued in production until 1947. It fitted in between the little Austin 7, which had been introduced in 1922 and the Austin 12hp, which had been updated in 1931.

Powered by a 1,125cc four-cylinder side-valve engine producing 21bhp, it had a top speed of 55mph and could do 34mpg. Drive was through a four-speed gearbox and open driveshaft to a live rear axle. Suspension was by half-elliptic springs all round and the brakes were cable operated. Initially 6-volt, the electrical system was upgraded to 12-volt in 1934. The basic model cost £155 and was capable of 55mph and 34mpg.

A bewildering range of body-styles were offered, one of the most attractive being the Cabriolet, as here. Fitted with a full-length roll-back roof, it combined the benefits of the saloon in terms of proper doors and side windows, with the option of open-top motoring.

Dating from 1933, this Cabriolet appears to have been supplied new by Reys Motors, their plaque being still affixed to the dash. Our vendor acquired the car in 1999 and has kept it in good running order and has used it regularly, old MOTs showing that it has covered some 3,000 miles in the last 15 years. Work in the current ownership has included a cylinder head overhaul, rebuilt carburettor, new wheel bearings and new brake linings.

On offer here from a deceased estate, it has not been driven for a year or so and would no doubt benefit from a precautionary check-over before venturing forth once more. Documentation includes a V5C, various old MOTs, technical literature about the model and a Pitman book on the Austin Ten.