Highlights
- Lovely green 12/4 affectionately known as Olive
- Owned by the same family since 2013
- Driven to Austria in 2017 with the Austin 7 Club
- Well-maintained with replacement head gasket and cylinder cleaned
- Regularly used for drives and shows by enthusiast keeper
- Factory standard car with no modifications
The Appeal
What a joy to behold a vintage classic that is still being used and thoroughly enjoyed as it approaches its 90th birthday. This lovely 12/4 Open Road Tourer, naturally known as Olive, passes that landmark on 1st May, and we have no doubt that the new buyer will be out and about celebrating because this great old lady is in fine order to drive and enjoy.
Finished in green with matching leather interior, Olive was acquired by the seller’s father in 2013 and is pleasingly standard and unmodified - just like the day it rolled out of the Longbridge works in 1935. The condition is impressive - there are some light indications of use, but you would expect that of a car like this. Arguably, they add to the gentle character of this stately motor.
Since acquiring the car, the current keeper has driven it to Austria with the Austin 7 Club and attended to the original engine. Work has included a new head gasket and cleaning the cylinders. We are told it has been well maintained throughout its life and that it starts first time every time.
There are some minor modifications to suit modern motoring, These include a lockable glovebox and a rear seat conversion to allow an Isofix child seat. We’re all for using classic cars, whatever their age, and Olive is ready for just that.
The vendor says:
“Amazed that Olive is 90 years old this year - well, most of it is. Olive drives well on all roads with 55mph well achievable. We have used it for a few weddings. It runs really well - just give it space for braking as it has 90-year-old brakes!”
The History and Paperwork
- First registered 1st May 1935
- DVLA records three registered keepers
- Current keeper since 2013
- Used regularly for drives, car shows and occasionally for weddings
- Always garage stored by current keeper
- Lots of history provided with the car
- VIN number H20618
- Car show display board as shown
- DVLA records a 1,465cc engine but vendor states 1,535cc
- 1,535cc engine is correct for a 12/4
- Driven to Austria in 2017 with the Austin 7 Club
- New head gasket and engine cylinders cleaned 8 years ago
- All receipts for work done are available
The Condition
- Smart and lightly patinated green paintwork with black mudguards and wire wheels
- Paintwork presents well with only minor points to note in photos
- Bodywork is factory correct for an ORT and in well kept order with light aging
- Exterior fittings including chrome, lights, mudguards and trim all well kept
- Chromework present well with some light aging to note in photos
- Wire wheels in black with Excelsior vintage tyres fitted appearing to be in good order
- Black folding hood which vendor reports is waterproof but needs some attention
- Green leather interior in very good order with matching carpets and door cards
- There are some light marks to interior but nothing that is unsightly
- Carpets present well with recent overmats helping to protect them Clean leather Additional metal bar in the back seat for an Isofix child seat
- Electrics, dials and switchgear reported to be in fully working order
- Chassis presents well with no issues advised by seller
The Mechanics
- Vendor advises 1,535cc 12/4 engine fitted
- 4spd manual gearbox
- No known modifications to the mechanical components
- Driven to car shows last year without issue
- Starts every time without issue according to vendor
- Capable of 55mph but remember the 90 year old brakes!
- Described as ‘well maintained’ by seller
- Attention to head gasket and cylinders around eight years ago
- No reported running or driving issues
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