Vehicle Description
Frame off restored by the former owner of 24 years with beautiful
results! Earned AACA 1st Place Award in May 2016 upon completion!
Very authentic and an excellent driver! Great collection and
conversation piece! Hard to find like this! More on our1938
American Bantam Deluxe Roadster that's for sale. 1938 American
Bantam Deluxe Roadster Background: In the years following the Great
Depression, finding ways to cut costs and save money was on the
minds of all Americans. Producers of automobiles already figured
out that buyers would find small, inexpensive modes of transport an
efficient way to still own a personal automobile. Along came
American Austin in 1930 with this very concept in mind. Under the
license of British Austin Motor Company, they produced a select
lineup of uniquely charming, fuel-efficient vehicles fitted on a
75-inch wheelbase powered by a 747cc Inline 4 cylinder engine.
Tipping the scales at only 1,200lbs and offering roughly 15
horsepower, the American Austin was an early success selling some
8,000 units during its first year. They promoted 40 miles per
gallon and a 50mph top speed that was completely adequate for short
commutes and just running errands. As sales faltered going into
1934, production of the Austin slowly came to an end with about
20,000 total examples produced. With bankruptcy filled, a former
salesman, Roy Evans, purchased the company and redesigned a host of
more attractive bodies with the help of original designer Alexis de
Sakhnoffsky who influenced the works of the Cord L29 Hayes and
LeBaron-bodied 1934 Packards. A new hood treatment, new grill &
radiator, new hood ornament, new headlights, and graceful full
fenders with rear apron carrying the spare tire at a rakish angle
brought a modern American Bantam to the market in 1937!
Mechanically, it received a reinforced chassis, more robust
transmission & differential, better engine crankshaft, as well as
Ross cam & lever steering for improved maneuverability. An improved
car through & through! Only 6,000 units of various designs would be
built before closure in 1940. Today, they serve as splendid
collector vehicles and excellent conversation pieces! They
represent the earliest of microcar offerings and an ideology of
efficiency that is extremely prominent once again in todays
marketplace! 1938 American Bantam Deluxe Roadster Info: We are
excited to offer this 1938 American Bantam Deluxe Roadster that
comes finished brilliantly in a classic Cream & Ivory two-tone
exterior combination with flat red imitation leather seating
upholstery! This remarkable example was treated to a high end,
frame-off restoration with stunning results! The smooth paint
finish carries throughout the car and bright chrome work highlights
it perfectly. Features on our example include a 3-speed manual
transmission, chrome bumpers with guards, rear mounted spare tire,
a black carpeted interior with rubber floor mats, full steel wheels
nicely pinstriped in vermillion red, chrome hubcaps & trim rings,
folding windshield with single vacuum wiper, and BF Goodrich
Silvertown whitewalls measuring 5.00-15. Quite literally rebuilt
from top to bottom, it starts with utter ease, and runs just
wonderfully! This includes a fully rebuilt engine & transmission
with new clutch, all new wiring, all new upholstery, new brakes,
tires, etc. The Auto-Lite 6-volt generator was upgraded by
specialist Tom Crotty to a 2-brush style with a voltage regulator.
A small restoration album of pictures will be included along with a
convertible top frame. The top material are side curtains are being
provided for template purposes but will require restoration. If
interested, please inquire about having this completed prior to
delivery. Having been in the same previous owners possession for
the past 23 years, and an American Austin Bantam Club member, he
followed the authenticity manual as best he could during the
restoration process. The finished car made its show debut in May
2016 at the AACA Greater New York Region event at Old Westbury
Gardens earning a 1st Place Award! This Bantams body lines are very
characteristic of the round, sweeping curve on the body sides made
famous by Duesenberg coach built bodies. Its a remarkable little
car that will win smiles at any show it attends! Please feel
welcome to call with additional questions or schedule an
opportunity to view in person. We look forward to working with you!
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