Austin 10 Litchfield

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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. The design of the car was conservative with a pressed steel body built on a cross braced chassis which was designed to give a low overall height to the car by dipping down by 2.75 inches between the axles. 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.

By 1933 the saloons had been joined by an Open Road tourer, a Colwyn Cabriolet and a 6-8 cwt Van. A sports model, the 65mph Ripley, and a Clifton 2-seater joined the range in the following year. 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 with a change to the radiator when the plated surround was replaced by one painted in body colour and was given a slight slope. Synchromesh was added to second gear and semaphore type indicators were standardised. The four-light saloon was given the name Litchfield and got a protruding boot which enclosed the spare wheel. It cost £155 and was capable of reaching 55mph with 34mpg economy, remaining in production until 1937.

This October 1934 registered Litchfield joined the Stondon Collection in 1992 shortly after being featured in Classic Car Weekly in 1991 at which point the mileage was stated to be just over 40,000 (also confirmed by an old MOT from that period). Road tested by CCW staffer Geoff Browne, he revealed that the car was affectionately known as ‘Clara’ and clearly enjoyed his time behind the wheel, stating: ‘It’s all about innocent enjoyment, whether it’s long term for the owner of a car called Clara or the transient pleasure of a passer-by who can enjoy a brief moment of nostalgia, reviving memories of everyday motoring years ago.’

Quietly resting at Stondon since her purchase for £4,500, the last 23 years have been very peaceful but Clara is now ready for a new owner to get her back on the road where she belongs.