Austin J40 – Small Car, Big Deal(ership)

There’s a pleasing diversity to the classic car world. There is a classic car for everyone, no matter what their automotive desire. It could be speed, it could be luxury, it could be handling or it could be beauty. It could be all of those things. It could be something else entirely. The fact remains that classic cars can scratch every itch, and a lack of years, or driving licence, needn’t preclude you from all the fun. Even if your legs are little and your age is a single digit, there is a classic for you. Yes, we are of course talking about the Austin Pedal Cars J40.

It seems there has never been a more popular time for the little J40, helped no doubt by the annual race held at Goodwood (complete with child-sized Le Mans style start, no less). These little pedal-powered wonders have simply never been cooler, and the proof of that comes from the company’s latest endeavour – a full-size showroom within the grounds of Bicester Heritage. This small car has big, big ideas it seems. And we’re here for it. But let us not forget, a total of 32,098 Austin J40 pedal cars were made back during its first run, and that’s bound to set up a passion that spans generations. The pedalling pilots and passengers of yesterday will want to bring them into the lives of their kids and grandkids today.

Mark Burnett, Managing Director of Austin Pedal Cars, said “We are delighted to present Austin in such a prime enthusiast location right at the heart of Bicester Heritage. This will be much more than a showroom; with fun and educational displays and historically important Austin pedal cars it will be a real treat for classic car enthusiasts and families alike. Later this year, we will proudly launch our new Austin J40 Continuation Car, a stunning creation that will only be available at Bicester Heritage. In addition, we’ll hosting a range of fun activities for young drivers to inspire a new generation of classic car enthusiast””

Yes, that’s right, there’s going to be a new J40 later this year. The J40 Continuation. This new model will be the first Austin pedal car for over 50 years, presenting the familiar J40 shape, but with a brand-new pedal system, an all-aluminium body and a host of engineering marvels refined over 2-years of development. Interested buyers will be able to view, sample and discuss the J40 Continuation Car exclusively at Bicester Heritage.

A range of cars for sale will also be offered including ex-Settrington cup racers, official in-house Austin restored examples, cars ready to restore at home with Austin Pedal Cars parts, and those which have been mechanically overhauled but retain their patinated bodywork. Every car offered for sale will be eligible for the Settrington Cup J40 pedal car race held at the Goodwood Revival.

Of course, it’s not just the J40 that gets all the attention within the new showroom. There’s also the Austin Pathfinder – a single-seat homage to the Austin 7. These rarely come up for sale, but when they do, it will be here, at Biscester, the home of all things classic, automotive and truly special. Fitting, really. In fact, the showroom itself is sure to add an extra means of motivation for potential Bicester visitors. Based in what was once Singer’s showroom, the clean cut but still rustic aesthetic makes it more than part of Bicester Heritage, it also makes it a standalone destination.

In addition to cars for sale, Austin Pedal Cars will also present the full range of Austin J40 parts and accessories, designed and manufactured in-house at the Austin manufacturing Headquarters in Salisbury. An illustrated history of the Austin J40, along with details of the future plans of Austin Pedal Cars, will also be on display.