Description
This is a rare opportunity to buy an Austin Eight Tourer. It was made in 1939 and was first registered three weeks before the outbreak of World War Two.
The Austin represents a car allocated to the second-in-charge of 117 Field Regiment (7th London), Royal Artillery, part of 2nd London Division, later 47th (London) Division. The London Division’s formation sign is a play on the famous Bow Bells. The regiment served in the UK for the whole war.
Launched on February 24, 1939, production of the Austin 8 continued until 1943. Production started again after the war and the model was made until 1948.
The car has a 24hp, 900cc, four-cylinder, side-valve engine and a chassis which is halfway to full unitary construction in that the main member is a pressed steel floor pan with a box section welded down each side of the car with three others going across the floor. The body was then bolted to this structure. Suspension is by semi-elliptic leaf springs with hydraulic dampers.
The car was restored some years ago but this year has had a makeover with military paint scheme and full engine and gearbox rebuild and carburettor overhaul. It has four seats and hood side screens. The hood is serviceable and has been waterproofed but it has seen better days! It has been converted to 12volts with a new alternator and has a thermostatically-controlled cooling fan. It comes with a spare wheel, jack and crank handle.
Please note this is a civilian Tourer, not a Military Tourer. It has been converted with specially made engine side panels, which were the main difference in appearance between civilian and military models. If it was a Military Tourer, the price would be a lot higher!
I might consider an exchange involving a military Land Rover Defender.
The car can be seen in Northamptonshire, three miles from M1 Junction 16.
