The Austin America Car Company built cars under license from Austin Motor Cars of England based on the Austin 7. The company failed in 1934 due to the depression, but it was bought by an employee and came back in 1935 under the name American Bantam. This was the company that built a few cars you might know of, the first prototype of what became the Jeep and Donald Duck’s car based on the 1938 American Bantam. This Austin American is listed on craigslist in Auburn, California for $8,500.
There’s not much information on the car. It has been stored for years and will take some work to get it running. There’s no word when this was restored or how long it’s been sitting. Many of these became the basis for dragsters and hot rods instead of being restored or scrapped. The engine turns, but it will need the usual mechanical and interior work. If it’s not badly rusted, wouldn’t this be a fun little car for a driver? Perhaps the wife will even think its cute.
I can just picture this on the 5 here in SoCal
Love ’em…
Rear seat was inflated (no springs).
Very cool Laurel and Hardy car! Man would I love to have this!
These are really small. Try it on before you buy it.
IF all that’s keeping this from running is a battery and stuck starter – why hasn’t the seller fixed it? So simple, any auto electric rebuilder should be able to fix the starter – bearings and brushes are pretty much bearings and brushes.
But, and this may be a stretch – this perhaps can be considered the ‘great-great-grandfather of all modern 4WD SUV behemoths!! Consider, the American Austin begat the Bantam and Bantam begat the Jeep. The simple Jeep begat the Willys Overland which really was the first 4wd SUV from which all others up to and including the Hummer have evolved!
Sure I’d like to own it – but not for the asking price!! If he got it running, I’d consider it at about $3500 – $4,000.