Vehicle Description
For sale in our Detroit Showroom is this very unique 1938 American
Bantam Roadster. American Austin Car Company was founded in 1929,
in Butler, Pennsylvania, in premises that had belonged to the
Standard Steel Car Company.[2] Their intention was to assemble and
sell in the United States a version of the Austin 7 car, called
American Austin.[3] After some initial success the Great Depression
set in, and sales fell off to the point that production was
suspended. In 1934 the company filed for bankruptcy. In 1935, Roy
Evans, a former salesman for Austin, bought out the bankrupt
company, which was reorganized under the name American Bantam.
Production was resumed in 1937, and continued through 1941. Despite
a wide range of Bantam body styles, ranging from light trucks to
woodie station wagons, only about 6,000 Bantams of all types were
produced. This 1938 Bantam is a restored roadster that is in great
overall condition. The 50 cubic inch four cylinder engine is a
correct engine but not the original to the car, it makes 22
horsepower and is really fun to drive being mated to a 3-speed
manual transmission. The red exterior is in very good condition and
looks great with the black canvas convertible top and is a perfect
match to the two-tone red vinyl interior. Options on this Bantam
include: Manual Convertible Top, Vinyl Interior, Hub Caps, and Bias
Ply Tires. If you are in search of a very unique vehicle that is an
absolute blast to drive than this Roadster is worth taking a second
look at. To view this unique 1938 Bantam Roadster in greater detail
including over 100 HD photos and an HD video please visit
www.gatewayclassiccars.com or give us a call at 313-982-3100.