Lot 037: Austin 16/6 Hertford Saloon

Although the first Austin car was marketed as early as 1906, it was really not until the 1922 season that the company established itself as perhaps the number one player in the domestic car market. This was due largely to the phenomenal success of Austin's 7hp and 12hp models which gained an immediate reputation for utter dependability at an affordable price. By 1932 they had been joined by another outstanding model, the 16hp, a particularly lively 6-cylinder machine which helped cement the firm's reputation as the car maker for the masses. This particular 16/6 started out in life as a Gloucester taxi cab and was used to ferry passengers about the city during the war. Little is known of its subsequent history but it was rescued from storage at the back of a large garage by the current vendor in the late 1980s. Joining a small collection of other vintage cars, it was gradually returned to roadworthy condition over the next 15 or so years. This included some localised body repairs, a new headlining and a thorough mechanical overhaul including a full engine rebuild by Merediths of Welshpool since when the car has covered less than 1,000 miles. Said to drive very well indeed, the car started up promptly on the occasion of our visit and ran very smoothly while being manoeuvred for our photos. The leather upholstery is all totally original and, while being perfectly serviceable, is obviously now looking somewhat 'lived in' as you would expect after the passage of 70-odd years.The car comes with its original owner's handbook and a fair quantity of spares including a back axle, two gearboxes and a set of wire wheels. It also still has its original MG 4188 number plate which is bound to draw envious glances from owners of another well known make of car!