Austin 12/4 Ascot
ENIGINE 1535cc/4-cyl/SV POWER 24bhp@2400rpm TORQUE n/a MAXIMUM SPEED 59mph 0-50MPH 38sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 28-33mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, four-speed manual MoT Exempt ODOMETER 17,711 miles WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
This car drives extremely well – we doubt you’d find a better example of this model as far as on-the-road manners are concerned. There’s lots of evidence of care lavished on this car over 80 years. It ambles along happily at 45mph and it feels like nothing would faze it. There’s no excessive play in the steering or suspension, the clutch is light and while the cable brakes might teach the driver the meaning of the word ‘anticipation’, they are predictable and pull the Austin up in a straight line. There’s no feeling that this car would catch you out on corners within its limitations. The ride isn’t at all bad, considering it has a separate chassis. The clutch is sharp, the fl y-off handbrake works well and gearchanges are surprisingly slick, despite the rather spindly lever. There’s even working synchromesh on the top two gears.
BODYWORK CHECK
This car’s bodywork is in excellent condition, with just a couple of tiny (and probably removable) marks in the immaculate paint, which appears to be mostly original. It’s as good underneath, too, and as far as we can tell this car has only ever seen a welding torch at Longbridge in 1936. The more you look, the more obvious it becomes that this is a rare survivor. The brightwork, tyres and glass are all good and even the wheels are immaculate. Subtle fl ashing indicator lights in no way detract from the car’s appearance.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
Once again, it’s a glorious feast of originality except for the rather vivid red carpets. The wooden dashboard positively gleams, with the surprisingly large selection of instruments – including a clock and ammeter – all looking immaculate. The seats retain their original leather and have survived in pristine condition, as have the doortrims. The Bakelite interior window surrounds are unmarked. The replacement headlining looks good, too. Plaques from original supplying dealer – Baines Brothers of Kelso – are above the windscreen.
UNDER THE BONNET
The four-cylinder Austin engine has recently been rebuilt and runs exactly as it should, starting instantly and ticking over smoothly. The car is utterly pristine under the bonnet, with spot-on wiring, hoses, radiator and other ancillaries. There are no signs of overheating or leakage.
THE CCW VIEW
Here is a find of all finds, with a full history refl ecting a car that has been cosseted from new, having been with one family until the early 2000s, and well cared-for since. The massive history fi le includes photos from the 1930s and there are even tax discs dating back to 1937.