• Only one of 17 of this bodied model known to be in existence.

• Comprehensively restored including replacement of the wooden body

• Mechanically and cosmetically in good order, ready to be enjoyed

• A former DT project of the famous Charterhouse School

Originally launched in 1927, the Austin 16/6 was Herbert Austin’s response to the larger cars being introduced by the firm’s rivals of the time and remained part of the British brand’s line-up for the next decade.

Shooting Brake, or “Woody” versions as they are known, are incredibly rare but would have been regarded as a luxury car in their day, with a refined 6-cylinder engine and seating for up to seven occupants thanks to two extra seats in the cargo area.

CNC 489 was found in the south of England in the 1970s and taken on by the famous Charterhouse School as a restoration project. The Design and Technology Master had used it as a project for the pupils and during its time there it had the engine, gearbox and back axle refurbished at the Rolls-Royce apprentice workshops, as well as some reconditioning of the body and woodwork. Soon enough other projects came along, and it was sold to a custom car enthusiast from Guilford who completed the remaining restoration work to a very high standard.

During his 35 years of ownership, a full nut-and-bolt rebuild was carried out, in no small part by the owner’s father, who was a coach builder by trade. This included totally new Ash woodwork (with a shorter overhang than original specification to improve the aesthetics) which was donated by Charterhouse School. The interior was retrimmed by the owner, who ran a professional retrimming business.

The current owner, who is a big vintage car enthusiast, purchased it from an auction in April of 2019, and not long after took it on a 500-mile trip around Holland, where it performed admirably. Family ill health means it’s not being used as much as he would like, so he has taken the difficult decision to put the car up for sale.

A collection of previous MOT certificates (both new and old style) is present, as are several invoices including one for the replating of the front chrome bumper by Derby Plating Services. 

Perhaps the most important paperwork that comes with the car is the emails from previous owners, including the DT Master at Charterhouse. These documents go into great detail about the car’s history and significance, and it’s clear that it has been adored by a great number of people ever since it was taken into the care of Charterhouse in the 1970s. 

Other nostalgic items include some vintage Austin 16 owner’s manuals and a plaque commemorating the car’s restoration by Charterhouse School and the Rolls-Royce Enthusiast Club. A V5C in the owner’s name is also present.

Inside the 16, the overall condition would be described as excellent, except for the leather seats which are well worn with a few patina-generating tears clearly visible. All of the switchgear works as it should including the dials. 

The navy-blue carpets and door cards are in superb order, as is the vinyl roof which is supported by visible wooden slats, a look that really sets off the interior.

Overall, the exterior is in marvellous condition for a car of this vintage, though there are a few minor scratches in places as detailed in the photos. Perhaps the most notable areas of improvement would be the rear wings, where the paintwork has started to crack on the lower edges, and the front wings where the side-opening engine covers have rubbed on the paint.

With regards to the woodwork, there are a few imperfections here and there, as captured in the images, but overall, it’s very presentable and wouldn’t take much more than rubbing down and revarnishing to get it looking back to its absolute best. There are no signs of any woodworm or rot.

Brightwork is nice and shiny with no visible pitting, and there are no chips or cracks in any of the glass.

Thanks to the recent fitment of a “new old stock” carburettor, refurbished water pump and a new modern ignition coil, the engine runs fine, starting first time on the button. It performs very well on the road and will comfortably cruise at 50 to 60mph without any trouble. 

If you want to use first gear then the car prefers it if you select second and then go into first (mostly because first has no synchromesh), but in truth it’s quite happy to pull away in second such is the strong torque from the 2.1-litre 6-cylinder engine. Super unleaded fuel is required because of the recent switch to E10.

The suspension works as it should, as do the four drum brakes. Of course, there’s no power steering so it is quite heavy to manoeuvre by modern standards, but it’s very fun to steer down the road.

In summary, prospective owners will be able to buy with the confidence that it’s well-sorted mechanically with no obvious issues that require immediate attention.

Sometimes cars become more than the sum of their parts and that is certainly the case of this charming Austin 16/6 Shooting Brake. It is a vehicle with more history and character than the vast majority of road-registered cars in the UK today.

While it’s obviously a car for the vintage car enthusiast, it’s happiest when it’s being driven and in that respect it’s really rather usable thanks to comfortable seats and the ability to keep up with modern traffic. 

Whomever takes on CNC 489 will be getting not just an enjoyable vintage car that’s in excellent condition, but a piece of British automotive history, too.