Lancaster Insurance Pride of Ownership finalists 2024

This is the oldest and rarest car in this year’s display, and of the two or three made, this is the only survivor, making it a special treat for enthusiasts of this historic British car maker.

Leaving the factory as a rolling chassis, the body was designed by Pass and Joyce, the leading Austin dealership in London’s West End and was retained by its original lady owner for 32 years. It passed through several hands, including younger owners who, despite its aging condition, drove it to Spain on two consecutive years.

Nick was browsing an internet auction site when he came across the Austin and says that the unique Weymann body and the extensive history file ticked all the boxes, and he couldn’t resist putting in a bid.

“I’ve owned it for five years and love that it has a fascinating history” says Nick. “It was restored over 23 years in a domestic garage. Only some panelling and interior trimming was contracted-out and the restorer sprayed it in the Art Deco colours you see today”.

Nick has met the self-taught, talented restorer, Gareth Jones, and they have become friends. When discovered, the car had just skeletal remains of the coachwork and it took 18 months of research to discover its origins. Following a fantastic restoration, the car simply needed recommissioning by specialist, Jonathan Wood, following a period of non-use by the previous owner.  

The original restoration work was fully documented, and Gareth has subsequently compiled a full owner history. The condition you see it in today is 20 years from that restoration, and in 2005 it was driven 140 miles to Longbridge to represent all 1930 Austins in the Centenary Cavalcade. Since then it has won many awards in Austin shows and other prestigious events.