Vehicle Description
1933 Austin American
As the name implies, the American Austin was an Americanized
version of Sir Herbert Austin's Austin 7 introduced in 1927, backed
by American investors and manufactured in a former rail car plant
in Butler, Pennsylvania, 35 miles north of Pittsburgh. Also known
in its home country as the Baby Austin, the machine was small even
by British standards, and to American car owners it was downright
tiny. U.S. Production began in 1930, and for the first year or two,
sales ran at a sustainable rate. The American version's greatest
departure from the British original was in its exterior sheet
metal. Manufactured by Hayes Body Corporation of Michigan and
designed by the body maker's resident stylist, Count Alexis de
Sakhnoffsky, the styles included a two-seat roadster, a two-place
sedan that was really more of a coupe, and various open and closed
commercial bodies. The optional radiator mascot was a bantam
rooster.
For consignment, a micro car before the term was even known or
used. The beneficiary of a frame off restoration along with repair
invoices and receipts dating back to when this car was delivered
new in Philadelphia, PA. A 3/4 scale Model A if you will with room
for 2 and some luggage, great for jaunts around the countryside or
even to take the class win at nearly every show you attend. Big
things indeed do come in small packages and this example is
proof.
Exterior
When you think of Austin you think of England, right hand drive,
and her majesty the Queen. But following that mindset would lead
you down the wrong road. Starting life in a former railcar plant in
Butler, PA, the Americanization of the Austin happened. During the
frame off restoration a full repaint was applied to the body, which
is covered in a nice application of gray with complimenting black
curvy running fenders sans running boards. Nearly no faults can be
seen in the body, from the twin bar chrome front bumper to the
mustachio style headlamp tie bar all the way back to the rear
chrome bumper it's all looking just fab. A standard radiator cap
adorns the gray painted grille corral and sets off the black grille
nicely. The driver's door, left side folks this is 'Merica, is
dressed well with a small round chrome mirror on a stalk and up top
a black vinyl insert in the roof is seen, which is standard for the
technology of the day. Its miniature wheelbase, and large gray disc
style wheels add to the charm of this miniature motorcar from just
north of Pittsburgh.
Interior
Our left-hand drive version has new black vinyl seating and
presents nicely in full bench form. It gives the interior a touch
of class and character that matches nicely with the lightly worn
and most likely original black vinyl door panels and tarnished
cranks and handles. A simple black steel dash houses the staggered
layout of centrally mounted gauges and the headlight/ignition
switch which is housed in front of the driver. An original large
steering wheel in black bakelite, fronts the dash and is complete
with a black utilitarian horn button. A long shift lever protrudes
from the top of the transmission and reaches back to the driver's
right hand. Black rubber flooring is on for quick and easy clean up
and behind the front bench is a small storage area for your
overnight bag or picnic basket.
Drivetrain
The original and rebuilt 45.6ci 4-popper is under the long bonnet
and is attached to a 4-speed manual transmission. This tiny but
capable mill is fed by a Tillotson 1bbl carburetor and shows nicely
with light patina in the centrally hinged engine bay. A 3-speed
manual transmission is bolted to the back and sends power to the
5.25 geared rear axle via a hybrid torque tube driveline.
Undercarriage
While unable to span our lift we were able to get the money shot of
the undercarriage. Yards of clean black steel make up the framing
and suspension as well as supporting the clean wood and steel
flooring. Mechanical drum brakes are on both fore and aft and we
see a single exhaust system in charge of the exhale. Quarter
elliptical leaf springs provide the ride on the rear and up front
is a transverse leaf spring with friction dampers.
Drive-Ability
A tight squeeze even for my "athletic" frame, but I managed as I've
never had the pleasure of piloting such a vehicle. A quick starter
and smooth idler once warmed up. On our test track it performed
well with adequate, (for its abilities), acceleration, and apt
handling. Braking, as with any mechanical drum equipped car, must
be planned in advance but our example stopped straight and true.
Had my partner in crime and all around good guy not been with me I
would have acted out a few Buster Keaton's heroic driving skills.
Yes, The Great Stone Face Malec was a fan of the Austin
American.
An interesting piece of UK come American automotive history, and
with an unknown amount of examples still existing, a very
rare...let alone running examples which this one does so just
famously. A true Pennsylvania car its whole life that has been
restored well and looks just splendid. So, I'm hopping in for a
tool and I leave you with "Chip Chip Cheerio...and all that Rot!",
wait...its American so I'll take it on the heel toe.
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.
