Description
We are always pleased to offer some of the rarest cars here on Craner Classics. But this one is as rare as they get - an Austin Devon. Bought new in 1951 with part exchange on a 1956 Austin 16, this car has had only three former owners in almost 70 years, and is accompanied by the original Bill of Sale from Cocks of Cambridge and its manufacturer's Warranty Certificate.
VIN Chassis No.: GS3639079
First registered: 13. 11. 51
The car also comes with an extensive history file including photos, correspondence from the Austin Counties Car Club, and our personal favourite, the original Austin manual, which even details part numbers for absolutely everything on the car, rivets and all.
The car itself is like most cars of the time, but none the worse for it - its deep black gloss paint gives the car a real striking appearance, and it still bears the original glass rear lights, whereas a lot of cars of this age have plastic replacements made necessary over the years. It's a very stylish-looking car, great expanses of deep black panel, extravagantly flared wheel arches, and the 1930s-inspired rear end, plus the white piping and seams as well as the whitewall tyres and Austin-embossed hubcaps all combine to give this Devon a truly classy look. The car has been fitted with indicators for modern traffic.
But the real star of the show is its utterly magnificent interior - the luxurious carpets and original leather seats plus the old-style dashboard with its smart clocks and straightforward driving controls give the car a genuine upmarket 1950s ambience.
The engine is lovely - quiet as a mouse - and has in the last few days has a new water pump fitted for peace of mind, new regulator box, and the front overriders have just been re-chromed to finish off the car's stunning appearance. Everything works immaculately - freshly overhauled brakes and new wheel cylinders should reassure prospective of how well this car will perform. The 1200cc A-Series
engine keeps up with modern town traffic at a push, but all the stops and starts are not the best way to treat a car of this age and certainly not the best way to enjoy it.
The underside is 100% rock solid, as is the rest of the car. The car is currently Mot'd until 24th February, 2022.
Surprisingly enough, ride quality is very comfortable and smooth, and on a hot day there is even a sunroof so you can take in the fresh air as you roll through the countryside.
