Highlights

• Imported to Britain from New Zealand around 1987
• Part of a larger collection and dry stored for many years
• Won as a competition prize by the current owner in 2023
• Highly original throughout
• Attractive colour combination

The Appeal

Introduced in 1939 - and in production throughout the 2nd World War - the Austin Eight was an unusual example of a car that thrived through wartime, and found great use with British military personnel. In Australia, it became a particularly common sight - the country had introduced a tax on imported cars, but a chassis? That cost pennies to bring in. As a result the 'Austin Wasp' became particularly popular in Oz.

This particular example was an Australia-built car, shipped to New Zealand and then, in 1987, arrived on British soil - where it entered a large, dry-stored collection. Following this collector's passing, the car was snapped up by a company who offered it as a competition prize. Sadly, our current vendor - the lucky winner - is unable to drive the vehicle.

With all that in mind, we're sure we've raised your interest - and offered a particularly rare example of a wartime motor car that's managed to cross the world!

History and Paperwork

• Built in Australia in 1939
• Here, it was sent to New Zealand, where it spent the next 48 years
• In 1987 it was purchased by a British collector, who had it imported to the UK
• Here, it was largely kept in dry storage as part of a large collection
• It remained here until 2020 when the collector passed away
• In then entered the possession of a private company
• This company offered the car as a competition prize in 2023
• The current owner won the car in August in 2023
• Sadly, they've been unable to drive the vehicle, hence the reason for sale
• Currently indicates 25,530 miles on a five-figure odometer
• Sadly we can't verify this milage
• We sadly have no paperwork with the car save for the V5c document
• It's worth noting that How Many Left indicate only 34 examples on the road!

The Condition

• Attractive peacock blue paintwork with black arches
• False venting to the sides with orange infill
• Minimal imperfections to bodywork and underside
• We can't spot any excessive signs of corrosion
• Some light patina to the chromework
• Tyres appear to be relatively new
• Original brown leather interior
• Black dashboard, possibly leather-covered
• All instruments are legible
• Some wear throughout - unsurprising for the car's seniority
• Ultimately, this amounts to a charming level of vintage patina
• Original carpets

The Mechanics

• 900 cc 4-cylinder side-valve engine
• 4-speed manual transmission
• Battery and fuel pump were replaced circa 2022
• Car drives well with no known mechanical issues
• We've no reports of leaks, knocks, bangs or smoke
• For an 84-year-old car, it ultimately appears to be a remarkable survivor