Apparently, Donald Duck had one in 1938 so that’s a notable achievement for an American Bantam 60 (1937-1941). And it definitely looks the part of something on the comical side of automotive history. This 1940 example is most definitely a project and it comes with a trunkload of parts so let’s see what’s all here. Discovered by T.J., this Bantam is in Greely, Colorado and is available, here on eBay for an opening bid of $5,000. There is a BIN option of $12,7000 available too.
American Bantam was the reorganized successor to the American Austin Company which had the dubious distinction of commencing business in 1929 – a lousy year to start any kind of business. By ’34 it folded and was then reorganized in ’35 as American Bantam. The American Bantam 60 was introduced in ’37 and continued through 1941 with two-door coupes, such as our subject car, a roadster, station wagon, delivery wagon, and other variations too. Regardless, they were all small and rode on a 75″ wheelbase. American Bantam was credited with the original WWII “Jeep” design and was responsible for about 2,700 copies of that iconic go- anywhere, general-purpose vehicle before the volume contract was awarded to Ford and then later moved to Willys. According to the American Austin Bantam Club, about 6,700 units of these series 60s, in all different body styles, were produced.
This 1940 coupe is definitely a project – it’s a roller. The original 22HP, 747 CC, four-cylinder, in-line engine has been yanked but this package comes with “hundreds” of spare parts according to the seller. And the sale is all-inclusive, the car and the parts go together, no parting out.
The body looks to be in fair shape though there is the mention of some rust. Regardless, it doesn’t show as serious and there is no indication of crash damage. At the least, there are extra doors included and some other body parts that are not immediately identifiable.
The tiny interior, as sparse as it is, looks to be missing its seat bottom and that’s one item that does not appear to be included. As for the instrument panel, it seems to be all there but that’s about as minimalist a set-up as you’ll find. There were two different five-window Bantam coupes offered, a business and a non-business version but the business coupe arrangement was only available in ’38 so that puts this example in the non-business, or standard, coupe category. Regardless, there’s no space for a back seat so I’m not certain what the difference is between the two – possibly something to do with rear access.
I have read that many of these ended up as converted dragsters, having gone the way so many Ford Anglias did during the ’50s dragster scene. The challenge here will be to find a buyer who has a clear plan, as in a stock restore, a modified vision, or is maybe just considering this one to be a parts source. Whatever the case, no one, so far, has bit at the $5,000 opening bid and a $12,700 BIN price seems like it’s a curve from another planet. All I can say is GLWTA!
The writers “Jeep” history is a little off. The Army sent out requests for a general purpose vehicle to US automakers in 1940, but only American Bantam and Willys-Overland responded. Bantam built around 65 prototypes (not 2700), before the Army awarded the contract to Willys. Willys built Jeeps first, but it quickly became obvious that Willys alone couldn’t meet the Army’s demand for MB’s (what Willys called their jeep), so arrangements were made to have Ford build the Willys MB also. The Ford version, called GPW for General Purpose Willys, went into production in late 41.
When Austin became the Bantam company, they used the old American body designed in 1929, and just gave it more modern full fenders, and rounded grill, which gave the Bantam a rather awkward appearance.
Years ago I restored a 1933 American Austin. These are tough cars to restore. Not much is available for them, the only tires that fit the American Austin’s wheels were motorcycle tires, and you usually find the firewall battery box all cut up, because about the only thing that fits is an old odd ball 6 volt Opel battery. Thinking about it, I might still have an extra American engine, trans and rear someplace my the shop.
The Bantam BRC 40 production model totaled 2675 units. most were sent abroad as part of the lend lease program. the UK and Russia got most of them. Bantam had the right original design thanks to Probst, but they had near zero production capability in their plant in Butler, PA. Willys, and then Ford were given the Probst design to improve and modify to become the GP and the MB. BTW, there is a nicely restored example of a American Bantam Convertible Coupe at Frick museum in Pittsburgh.
I thought the BRC the British used was called the Champ, and was built by the British Austin Co? Did Bantam actually build them or was the Champ a different vehicle than the Bantam Reconnaissance Car (BRC)? Military vehicles were my father and brother’s hobby, what little I know about them I picked up from being around them. My brother still has a few MB’s and GPW’s (I’m currently storing an early Ford script body GPW for my brother). I also thought the main reason the Army chose the Willys “Quad” over the BRC was the Willys engine produced more horsepower and torque. Having driven both an American and MB’s, I can tell you the American’s engine is pretty anemic in comparison.
Years ago we attended an American Austin Bantam Club Convention in Butler, which included a tour of the old Austin American/Bantam factory. Prior to the American being built in Butler, a large flathead V8 powered luxury car was built in the same plant, the Standard Eight. The Standard Eight was built by the Standard rail car company, later Pullman-Standard. We happened to own a 22 Standard Eight Vestibule Sedan at the same time we had the American. The Standard was a big, expensive car, selling for around $2500 in 1922! Another car was built in the same plant, prior to the Standard, but I don’t recall the name.
I had an opportunity to buy an Austin Champ a few years back. To my recollection, it was more aligned with the early Range Rovers/Land Rovers in style but very Jeep-like. Not sure of the year. British built, residing somewhere in the Midwest United States. I may have even seen it here on Barn Finds.
1950’s British built Austin Champ.
https://barnfinds.com/oddball-4×4-1954-austin-champ/
https://austinbantamclub.com/bantam.html
My source, what’s yours?
JO
It looks like one of those “shorty” cars, like the Sevilles or Nomads.
Lower seat cushions were inflatable rubber air bladders…
Would be funner if it had a valve like a whoopee cushion…
It would be a good buy if it included the Model A.
The original Clown Car! Impress your friends!
One of the most memorable Laurel & Hardy routines was them trying to get into one. Fatty Arbuckle famously posed next to a new Bantam as well, presumably for laughs, one surmises! The lack of chrome is fascinating at a time when the front grille meant everything to the designers. At least we have the bumpers and hubcaps to gleam.
It’s my understanding Bantam tried to tie up with Checker to build their Jeep but it didn’t happenThey went on to build trailers.
The Champ was built by Austin,and was powered by a Rolls Royce engine.
The Standard Motor Company of Coventry built a range of models in the 30’s,including a V8.The engine was used to power the Raymond Mays car,of which 5 were produced.
In the ‘30’s Austin/Bantam actually experimented with a V8 of sorts by tying two of their 4-cylinder engines together…
Luke,
The Champ’s engine was indeed built by Rolls-Royce, but it was built by the company’s commercial engine division, and it’s not even close to the Rolls-Royce automobile engine. It’s “similar” to the F head 6 cylinder R-R engine used in the Vanden Plas 4 liter “R” cars, 1964-68.
Thanks Bill.About 50 years ago a friend had a VP 4 Litre R – quite a quick car for its day!
Luke,
In addition to several of the big 4 litre Princess limousines I brought over from the UK for hire service in the US, I’ve had 2 of the “R” type Princess saloons, one was RHD, the other sold new in America, with LHD and loaded with factory options like power windows and a trunk-mount A/C system. That car was sold new in Pennsylvania, and due to a quirk in titling laws, it was registered and titled as a Rolls-Royce from new, because the motor was from R-R.
I have sold all my Rolls-Royce, Bentley, and Princess cars except for one, a 1961 DM4 limo ordered by the British government for the use of the Royals here in the USA. It’s LHD, and has almost every possible option including dual A/C with cold air vents in the ceiling, power windows, even adjustable rear seats with headrests.
I’m providing a 1987 photo of me and the “old girl”, the location was the front portico of the UK embassy in Washington, with Sir Antony Acland seated inside [the former UK Ambassador to America]. He remembered the car well, but had never before ridden in it!
As mentioned when Bantam was not awarded a big contract to build it’s own revolutionary invention, it was thrown a bone in the form of the “Jeep” trailer as you usually see them described. I had one a few years back and the I.D. plate showed it to be a 1946 version which I already guessed because it had a tailgate. The war version did not, plus had a drain & plug in the bottom. Why? So a “Jeep” could tow it across shallow bodies of water and depending on the load, it would float merrily behind. They are collectible and have a large national club and registration. :-) Terry J
Never seen one in person can a six foot tall person even fit in that thing? Looks like I would have to twist myself into a shape my body wasn’t meant for
Troy me and a friend of mine tried to get into one of these a long time ago. Both of us are over 6 feet in height. Once we got in, we could barely get out. Really not sure who these were made for but they are REALLY small.
I almost bought one 15 years ago in Youngstown Oh. A well done street rod that the six’1″ owner nor my 6′ self could get in comfortably and set up in, we had to hunch over to see out the windshield. Cool little car though.
Yes indeed. See
https://www.visitbutlercounty.com/the-birthplace-the-jeep
“In 1940, the U S Army asked 135 tractor and auto manufacturers to design a four-wheel drive, 40 horsepower, 1,300 pound reconnaissance car that could haul soldiers as well as heavy artillery. The challenge? The designer was expected to have a working prototype available for a test run within 49 days.”
Bantam won the contract by producing the “Jeep” prototype within 49 days but they did not have the production capacity. Willys and then ford produced the Jeep from the Bantam blueprints.
If ever there was a car that needed a Hyabusa engine its this one !
When I was about 12, a friend’s father had a pickup version of one of these. We decided to “restore” it and my job was the first thing you’d do in a restoration: the Pinstriping!
“When I was about 12, a friend’s father had a pickup version of one of these. We decided to “restore” it and my job was the first thing you’d do in a restoration: the Pinstriping!”
I meant to tell you that the father had invented a blender and they sold them at fairs. The mother did the recipe book.
They had a very nice house in San Marino, CA, so he must have done well. The Dewenter Blenders are now considered retro and you can find them online.
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/62065301088489888/
The seller has another Bantam for sale at $5,900.
I don’t really know why but I’ve always been attracted to these little cars. The first time I saw one (except in cartoons) was at a car wash in Snohomish, Washington in the mid 70’s. It belonged to their fire department and was used for parades. I talked to the fireman that was washing it, and he told me a little about the car and why they kept it. Unfortunately I forgot what he said but I remember the little car. Disney’s character “Goofy” always comes to mind when I see one. I’m glad I read the comments because I didn’t know these were so hard to restore.
God Bless America
It just screams having a big blower stick out of the hood! Just me I guess.
Yup.