Highlights
- Much-loved ‘Gumdrop’ pre-war Austin model
- Detailed history file of ongoing maintenance
- Cooling system and carburettors recently overhauled
- Classic cream finish creates commercial opportunities
- Partial restoration by previous keeper since 2013
- Well kept, practical and reliable Austin 12 Clifton
The Appeal
The Austin 12’s durability, practicality and popularity makes it the quintessential inter-war classic. That it was the star of the famous long running ‘Gumdrop’ books - 25 written between the 1960s and 00s - has also helped its enviable legacy.
In period these cars were renowned for their reliability, the high build quality making them virtually indestructible. The Clifton Tourer broadened the appeal, offering full five seater drop top motoring.
Those qualities make this lovely ‘29 Clifton a tempting prospect as a weekend indulgence or perhaps a commercial wedding opportunity. The cream trim certainly suits either purpose. It is in very good order and has clearly been looked after. A very detailed handwritten record of work shows regular scheduled and preventative maintenance. Recently this has included attention to the coolant and fuel systems and the carburettor.
The result is a handsome example of these much-loved cars, one whose lovely details and commanding presence will surely entertain driver, occupants and passers-by wherever it goes.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered 11th March 1929
- Previously used as a wedding car between 2014 and 2022
- Reluctant sale due to ill health
- Previously painted maroon and restored in cream in September 1988
- Last MOT expired 1st July 2013 with no advisories
- Detailed written service history from 2014 to 2022 by previous owner
- This covers several pages and is worth checking in the photographs
- Photographs of repairs over the years
- Workshop lubrication guide
- Newspaper article featuring the car
- Old MOTs
- Partial restoration by previous keeper since 2013 summarised below
- Highlights of recent maintenance provided below
Restoration work by previous keeper since 2013:
- New soft top and side screens
- Rear seat retrimmed
- New carpets throughout
- Rebuilt rear axle to factory specification
Recent notable maintenance:
- Carburettors overhauled, coolant flushed, contacts cleaned and fuel hose replaced June 2023
- Front and rear indicators fitted May 2023
- Radiator record August 2021
The Condition
- Stylish cream bodywork with black wings in good condition and suitable for wedding work
- Well kept paintwork with only minor signs of age and use to note
- Bodywork presents very well with good panel fit and flush doors
- New soft top and side screens with good fit and no obvious damage
- Black spoked wheels in good condition with vintage specification tyres
- Well kept exterior fittings including brasswork, lights and rear luggage box
- Fitted with front and rear indicators for improved on-road safety
- Beautifully detailed interior with original Smiths dials, wooden dashboard and wheel
- Burgundy trim with retrimmed rear seats and recently fitted red carpets, all well kept
The Mechanics
- Later cars such as this would be factory fitted with the larger 1,861cc 4cyl Austin engine
- We are informed and DVLA states that the engine capacity is 1,798cc
- Manual gearbox with synchromesh on top two ratios
- Reported to start reliably and to drive well
- Used between 2014 and 2022 for light wedding work
- More recently used for local classic and vintage car shows
- Regular and ongoing maintenance including detailed notes since 2014
- Recent work to coolant system, fuel system and carburettors
- No reported running or driving issues
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
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or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected]
