Descrizione
1938 Austin 10 “Cambridge” Saloon
A remarkable, time-capsule example with fascinating early history, presented to top show condition.
Not to be confused with the usual offerings, this totally unmolested specimen looks like a museum showpiece and runs like a Swiss watch.
Normally cars of this age are rebuilt from wrecks, but this was never the fate of FAU290, due to a succession of conscientious owners going back to its very first keeper, one Gertrude Whittaker, a farmer’s daughter from the Derby area, who kept it for over 40 years. However, at the age of 80 she was advised by her Doctor not to drive, so the car was laid up for about 8 years, prior to which, it had 5 new tyres and was fully serviced. The mileage was reported then to be 32, 500 miles. In 1979 Gertrude sold it to a Mr E. A Stewart, of Derby who rewired the Austin and fitted new side lights. He sold it to Ian Prestbury of Ashby de-la-Zouch who states that the car was in good original condition with 33, 000 miles on the clock. Ian sold it in 1985 to Ray Wood of Ashby, who says the body was very good, only needing the door bottoms welded, seats repairing, new headlining and carpets. Amazingly, the bumpers were still showing traces of white paint from the WW2 black-out era, so were duly rechromed. In 1987, Ray sold it to Glyn Jacobs of Ashby, who states it was his pride and joy as his very first car was also an Austin 10 and he passed his driving test in same. Glynn did a few thousand miles in the Austin and eventually sold it to Ted Barker. At some point in the eighties, the engine was replaced and the new engine block number was recorded in the 1985 Log Sheet. In 1993 the mileage was recorded on the MOT certificate as 39, 153 and the mileometer currently reads 39, 923, which would appear to be authentic.
Looking round the car today, it is hard to fault in any respect. The bodywork and paint are faultless and the interior looks exceptional. The engine bay is clean and all the chrome work is unblemished.
Comes with rarely found, original pre-war Austin Handbooks, Old green log book, Working semaphores (plus flashers) Fully functioning sunroof, Roller blind to rear window, Wind-out windscreen. 4 extra India Xply tyres (currently rides on Michelin radials) A very special car and an ideal entrée into the bygone charm of pre-war motoring.
For more info, call JOHN on number quoted in this ad.. Austin can be seen in Lytham St Annes, Lancashire at anytime by arrangement. Transport arranged at £1 pr/ mile (one way only charged)
Model History
The Austin Ten was Austin's best-selling car in the 1930s and continued in production with upgrades, until 1947. It fitted in between their "baby" Austin 7 which had been introduced in 1922 and their various Austin 12's which had been updated in January 1931.
A big change came in December 1936, with the almost streamlined “Cambridge“. At the back there was now a compartment large enough to take a trunk as well as more luggage on the open boot compartment door when it was let down. There were numerous upgrades resulting in improved performance and a higher level of comfort. With a top speed of around 60mph, the ’10’ was never known for its performance, but it did deliver reliable and economic transport to generations of families over the next 30 years.
