Small, but with big looks, this 1930 Austin Bantam is a tiny project on a large scale. With a salvageable body, and a seized drivetrain, this Austin has spent its last 70 years indoors. Solid enough to do something with, this Austin is offered at $6,850. Find it here on ebay out of Suffern, New York. Thank you Peter R for the “tiny” submission!
Original, and untainted, this Austin has been waiting a long time to be revived. The seller purchased this Austin with the intention to restore it, but alas, another Austin in better shape came to his attention. This Bantam could certainly be restored, as there is more metal than rust, and that is always a great ratio to bring a car back to life. Inside of this Austin remains the original seating, and door paneling. From the interior view rust appears to be at a minimum, though there is a hole present in the passenger foot well area. That hole migrates to the exterior along where the fender line is.
Looking over the exterior reveals a mostly solid body, but with some dents and dings revealing this Austin’s age. The only apparent rusty area of concern is the front apron of the Austin where the front fenders meet one another beneath the grill. Getting past that, there is a small sheet metal rip in the passenger rear fender, as well as some minor denting in the driver door. Pretty straight for an 86 year old automobile.
Although missing some parts, this Little Austin is solid enough to do something with, whether you took on a restoration, or you became creative and used this Austin for another purpose. Would you put the time and effort into putting this little Austin back on the road?
What a great car and a great project! They always remind me of the classic Laurel & Hardy movie, “Our Wife”, where they try to all squeeze into a similar car. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3dcU4Ol9Q8w
This would be a nice one for your collection, Brian! (peer pressure)..
Yes, what a great film! I would gladly welcome this little Austin, but my heart aches for another. (Peer pressure deflected)
Besides, I think we could just remove the front seat, where you would have loads of leg room from sitting in the back.
I think it would make a great gasser project…
I’m thinking chassis and drivetrain off a Legends car with this body on top — that would be fun (with apologies to the purists).
@racer99,
There shouldn’t have to be any apologies for a nice resto-mod on a vehicle like this. Legends car chassis = classic, great choice.
Looks like a lot o work and $$$ no matter which option is chosen
Love those little cars. I always called them “Donald Duck” cars, because the roadster Donald drove surely was inspired by the Bantum. :-) Terry J
If you ever drive one of these you would realize how slow and underpoeered they are. I have a King Midget and I still think they are slow snd under powered.. So you know they are sloooow. Now with a up grade of engine and brakes what a fun car this could be.
I’d just set it in the yard and let the grand kids play in it…….
Now with a up grade of engine and brakes what a fun car this could be.
You won’t find these very often. The Austin Bantams are relatively rare in the US and are good looking too.