1972 Austin 1300GT – Project Profile

Seven grand for a rotten, non-running, down at heel Austin that’s not been on the road since the ’80s? This is lunacy, right? Utter madness on every level, surely? Erm, no, not really, because this is a 1972 Austin 1300GT. It is rarer than rare, it is a highly sought after model and this one has had one family owner right up until 2020 when it was bought by the current seller who did have plans to restore it. However, time has not been on their side, so now this rare British legend is available.

The 1300GT was the hot one with a spicy 1275cc A Series engine under the bonnet working hard to exploit the best out of the ADO16’s Mk3 chassis. And let us not forget just how hugely popular the ADO16 was. Over 2.1 million units were sold. This was a good car, no matter what people who like to moan might say. And the 1300GT was the one to have and the one to be seen in. Sporty, fun, well equipped and a joy to drive. It was the perfect hot family car. That’s why this one, rusty and crusty though it may be, is worth your attention.

What is it? 

What we have here is a 1972 Austin 1300GT finished in red with black, and deliciously period vinyl roof. Registered in August of ’71, this ’72 model year car was bought by the same family that would go on to own it right through until 2020. The car is down at heel hence it being a project, but it’s all there. That’s really important, as trim parts can be hard to find, so to have it all from the very beginning is great news. The car comes with some paperwork history documenting how well it was maintained when it was in use. It’s covered 81,000 miles over the course of its life, and has remained completely original. This is, make no mistake, a very special opportunity. Especially as so few were finished in red.

Why is it a project? 

While that one family did indeed own this car through to 2020, they actually stopped using it in 1986, and the years after have not been kind. Austin cars of this era were not exactly famed for being resilient to rust, and this one is no exception. The wings are holed, the boot floor looks like it’s seen better days and the sills are less than pretty. It’s going to be a full strip-down and rebuild with lots of welding and fabrication needed, make no mistake. But, remember, this car is rare, it’s complete down to the impossible to find hubcaps, and the seller says the car will run when a starter motor issue is resolved. In fact, the mechanicals aren’t something you need to worry about too much, as availability is still good. However, if you’re not happy using a sparkly spanner, this is perhaps not the project for you.

Five things to look for

1) Rust
You can see plenty of it on the pictures, but rest assured, there is going to be more underneath waiting to be discovered. Happily, replacement panels are available, but that doesn’t preclude you from having a good dig about first.

2) Trim
Badges, chrome, interior trim, this is the stuff you want to be looking at. These parts are becoming increasingly hard to find. Hopefully, you’ll be able to restore what’s there rather then spend months hunting for it.

3) Engine
Happily, the A Series engine is a tough little unit. This one runs apparently, though the starter has recently died. See if you can get it fired up again, do the usual checks, but if there is anything scary, don’t panic. New parts are but a click away.

4) Suspension
The 1300GT had Hydrolastic suspension, and the chances are this is going to need a complete overhaul. But it won’t hurt to check it for any signs of damage or historical leaks. You’ll need a specialist to help rebuild it, but it’s worth it. This clever liquid suspension is what made the 1300GT so fun to throw about.

5) Subframes
While you’re looking at the suspension, check the subframes too. The rear one in particular was something of a dirt trap and liked to rust from the inside out. It’s worth knowing early on if these can be repaired, as they’re crucial to the integrity of the car.

What should you do with it? 

Full restoration. That’s the only thing that would do on this 1972 Austin 1300GT. It’s too rare for anything else. It’s going to be a big job, one that will take time and money, but when it’s all done, you’ll have a beautiful example of one the rarest once mass-produced British cars out there. You’ll be saving a lovely little slice of history. And when it’s complete, you’ll have a car that will always be happy to make you fall in love with driving again. Trust us.