A shock Austin result

We look at the cars that surprised the market in this new series, starting with an estimate-busting 20/4

It’s just an old Austin, right? Brightwells always fields a large selection of pre-war cars and this was one of the oldest in the July sale. It was part of a deceased estate sale, having been bought by the late owner way back in 1991.

However, is it ‘just an old Austin’? No, and that was the reason why those in the know will make a beeline for these models when they do come to market. Believed by today’s pre-war experts as being every bit as good as a same-era Sunbeam or Rolls-Royce 20, in tourer form they are immensely sociable, offering room for all the family and their luggage. The estimate was right, taking into account that while overall tidy, some work was going to be needed.

20/4s have a strong following.

Definitely. Put it down to that quality, but also their usability. Fitted with a ‘taller’ axle, these 3.6-litre four-cylinders can cruise at 60/65mph all day long, and they’re nigh-on bulletproof too, so it’ll take a lot to wear one out. But there’s also the fact this car would be eligible for many Vintage Sports Car Club events, including rallies and trials. And with room for seven people, its appeal grew all the more.

History helped drive up the price.

History is all, so they say, but there really wasn’t much paperwork, bar the V5C and some old MoT test certificates. While it had been restored, when that work was carried out was a matter of conjecture, but it presented well. Spares are available too, which is important in this case because the car was noted to be in a non-running condition.

It only takes two bidders to get the price climbing.

But this car enjoyed the keen bidding of three in-the-room punters, and a three-way battle will only end up with the price going in one direction – upwards. While the 20 might have a comparatively small following ,those in the market for one will – as this example showed – pay good money for the right car.