Austin heaven... cars that got UK motoring for sale
COLLECTORS are being given the chance to snap up rare cars that “put Britain on wheels”.
Five Austins, which once belonged to media mogul Sir Ray Tindle, were our answer to America’s Model T Ford.
Manufacturer Herbert Austin launched his famous Seven and Twelve models in the Twenties. They revolutionised motoring in Britain, making it available to the masses.
The vintage Austins – including a beautiful blue 1924 Pram Hood – are being auctioned with no reserve price. But they are expected go for up to £10,000 each.
Motoring enthusiast Sir Ray, 94, started his local
newspaper company with £300 demob money after serving in the Second Word War.
He toiled away to make Tindle Newpapers the UK’s 10th largest local newspaper publisher.
Sir Roy was a sponsor of the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run for more than 20 years and staged a classic car festival in
Farnham, Surrey. John Markey, of auctioneers H&H Classics secured the Austins for sale. He said: “Sir Ray is well known in the motoring world.
“The ‘Twelve Heavy’ was used to convey a carnival queen, and the Seven van is liveried for the Farnham Herald.”
He added: “Sir Ray is a colourful figure in the area and held in high regard.”
His colleague Damian Jones added: “A British collection like this coming to the market in a post Brexit world from a great national classic car owner will doubtless create great interest when the vehicles go under the hammer.”
Fans can bid for the cars at Imperial War Museum Duxford on April 14.