“I’ve owned the Austin for 16 months,” says vendor, Chris. “Enjoying using it for family day trips, weddings, driving it around town, as well as the occasional classic car run as well – it always turns heads." 

“Recently though, our family has been extended and, due to the lack of suitable seatbelt fixing points, we can’t safely transport our 3-month-old son, so it’s time to sell. We’ll then purchase another classic that can have inertia reel seatbelts retro fitted, without too much adjustment. To do so in the Austin 10 would take away from its pre-war originality, which is something that I’ve been keen to preserve”.

Just prior to Chris taking ownership of the car, it underwent an overhaul of the brakes, running gear and electrical system at a cost of circa £1600. “The original dynamo has been replaced with an alternator. Everything is in good mechanical order, though I would describe it as an honest classic with an appearance that you would expect from regular use. The engine is 1125cc, which is more than adequate for the weight of the car, and it is really great fun to drive, although quite sedate – that’s all part of the experience, though!”

With Chris’s new addition having changed the family dynamic (and its classic needs), this pleasant little Sherborne-bodied Austin is now up for sale and ready for a new home. 

What a proper little charmer, this is. The red painted wire wheels provide a stunning contrast to the Black coachwork and lift the effect of the overall visual package considerably. 

“As I said earlier, it’s a very honest little classic,” says Chris. “If you stand 4ft-to-6ft away it looks amazing. Get a little closer though, and there is a bit of what I would describe as superficial wear and tear – slight bubbling in the paintwork in places, a few scrapes, but no obvious large debts or dings. It’s just what you would expect from regular use”.

There’s no doubt that it presents with a very pleasing patina. “I think the paintwork may possibly be original, as I can’t find any evidence that it has ever been repainted”.

As Chris described, the paint finish is good. Brightwork too, is generally decent; there’s a touch of discoloration and the odd bit of surface rust on the radiator grille, but again it suits the car’s persona and doesn’t detract from the overall package. “The only notable missing item is the bar connecting the passenger side windscreen wiper to the driver’s side, the latter of which is driven by a Lucas oscillating motor”.

Some of the rubber on the running boards is a little bit split. Elsewhere on the rubber front, matching Excelsior 4.50-18 4 Ply tyres are fitted and these look to be in excellent health with lots of tread remaining. 

Our favourite views must be the side profiles, which show off that wonderfully sculpted rear end to its best – lovely. 

“I planned to overhaul the interior and to that end I purchased a bespoke rubber overlay for the gearstick and handbrake levers,” says Chris. “This is included, along with instructions on how to fit it. The interior is the original Brown leather and although it looks its age, it is a very comfortable car to sit in and drive. All the springs in the seats are intact, and the front adjusters work a treat”.

As with the exterior, the cabin retains a lovely patina. Yes, as Chris suggests, there is certainly room for improvement, but we’d suggest sympathetic refurbishment rather than wholesale restoration, as you wouldn’t want to lose its undoubted charm. 

It’s a wonderful colour in here with the Brown leather complemented by matching carpets and a dark fawn headlining. This 10 comes with the optional sliding roof (a large £10 hike on the original purchase price!) and there are no signs of water ingress around it. 

In the boot, you will find a spare wire wheel, a handful of spare parts and some original tools including the crank handle. Also present, is a rather fetching picnic kit. 

“With a top speed of 35-40mph, it’s not a car for when you’re in a hurry; if, however, you’re prepared to take it a little easier, then it’s a lovely classic to drive. The engine runs smoothly, though it can take a bit to start, especially in cold weather. Generally, though, just let the fuel pump fill the carburettor and one or two tries on the ignition button will have it going in a jiffy. 

“The brakes are straight cable brakes, none of those fancy hydraulic vacuum brakes, which makes them really easy to service. As with most cars of this era, they do require a bit more thought when you’re driving to ensure you have enough braking distance”. 

Chris always uses a lead replacement additive in E5 unleaded petrol to ensure smooth running and avoid any fuel-related issues. For safety, the Austin also has flashing indicator lamps fitted at both the front and the rear. “The original trafficators are still fitted, but I’ve never got round to testing them as I’ve been too busy actually driving the car!”

The engine bay remains in very decent condition, as does the car’s underside. There is very little surface corrosion (except on the exhaust), with the chassis and wood floorboards both looking to be in excellent health. 

The Austin’s history file includes the modern V5c document, which notes its date of first UK registration as 09/05/1936 and indicates a total of seven owners from new. 

Also included is its original post-war buff logbook. This confirms the above date of registration as well as showing giving details of its owner in March 1941, a Mr Raymond Blayney Willis of the Post Office, Talgarth, Brecon. There are only a couple of stamps in it but it’s a nice thing to have, nonetheless.

You will also find numerous Austin Ten books, as well as Austin Ten Drivers’ Club publications. An invoice for the last purchase of the vehicle is included –although with personal details covered up, in our Photographic Gallery below. 

Finally, there are three photographs showing the Austin in the process of having some restorative works carried out (the previously mentioned brake system, running gear and electrical overhaul) prior to Chris purchasing it. 

Please visit the documents section of the gallery of this listing where you will find photos to support our claim that this car has been maintained to a very nice standard indeed.

What a lovely little example of the Sherborne-body style Austin 10/4 this is. It presents in a nice original condition and according to the vendor provides a peppy, highly appealing driving experience. 

It has had one or two tweaks for safety, including the addition of flashing indicator lamps.

How much will it take to buy into its pre-war charms? Well, somewhere between £6000 and £8000 should do the trick. When all is considered, that’s not very much at all. 

Once in your garage you can fettle till your heart is content and then once again get this cheeky chappie thrusting through great Britain’s villages, towns and country lanes. 

Smiles are of course, guaranteed.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this car is located at the vendor’s property in Chippenham, Wiltshire, United Kingdom; to arrange an appointment please use the ‘Contact Seller’ button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.