Vehicle Description
This 1937 Austin Boattail Speedster is a truly cool classic. It not
only has an interesting American and European heritage, but also
it's a top-quality build with a distinct and sleek style. And we're
even told a story on this of being a prototype where you'll only
need your hands to count its rarity.
This car has a beautiful look that instantly attracts attention.
We're told there was over 2,000 hours in its restoration, and the
quality presentation seems to be the proof. The panels lineup
nicely starting at the grille, and then moving all the way down the
body until you reach the distinct rounded end. As a true roadster,
there is a minimalist attitude, and so the elegance is in the
details. The cycle fenders have a two-tone look to coordinate with
the green body and lower black frame. And the yellow wheels are
also part for the color coordination with distinctive green
pinstriping. If you're not familiar with American Austin, it
started out as the Pennsylvania firm that set out to build an
Americanized version of the Britain's Austin 7. American Austin had
a tough time finding too much traction here, because the small car
that put much of the world on wheels was not quite the right size
for the USA. However, one way to really get attention is a sports
roadster with a sleek rear that paid tribute to the best cars from
celebrated automakers like Auburn and Mercedes. This has previously
been sold under the story that it's a 1 of 6 prototype built right
before the Bantam era. Over eight decades later, it is the only one
that remains. While these claims have not been fully verified, it's
an exceptionally interesting story that gives you the potential of
owning a true classic that has no other like it left in the
world.
The interior is clean, simple, and functional - just like a proper
roadster should be. The restoration was not about adding comforts
that came in the post- WWII era, and instead the money was spent in
getting feeling fresh and correct. The bench seat contours to the
rear's unique form, the side panels match the seat upholstery, and
the big steering wheel feels grippy in your hands. So you really
get the classic roadster experience. Every detail seems to be in
place, right down to the Stewart Warner gauges (they're an
institution that have been making readouts for well over a
century.)
Just like the rest of the car, the engine bay is ready to be shown
off. This is not about being overly flashy with polished
components. Instead, it's impressive for an almost factory-fresh
look with the clean/bright block, tidy wires, and correct component
that even still clearly have their tin tags. The roadster is a more
ideal paring for the Austin's 750cc motor and three-speed maul
transmission. After all, one of the reasons the Austin 7 was so
successful is this hardy powerplant, and so the lightweight setup
makes this both a rugged and nippy machine. And as you look at the
undercarriage photos, you'll see a clean and panted chassis that
was taken back to a day-one kind of status.
There was a lot of time, effort, and investment to get this rare
American Austin looking so distinct. So if you want to own the
small car that will steal big attention at the car shows, don't
miss this roadster. Call today!!!