
Toby Wilson
Head of Department
LOT 466
1933/1934 American Austin 'Woodie' Station Wagon Registration no. XBV 215 Chassis no. 2752593
The American Austin Car Company was incorporated in 1929 to manufacture the Austin Seven under licence using locally built bodies. In its first incarnation the company offered a roadster and various coupés before going into receivership. Only after reorganisation in 1937 did it offer a station wagon. When this Woodie was offered at a Hershey auction in October 2013, its catalogue description stated that the car had been "assembled by an American Austin enthusiast that (sic) used a coupe as a platform", while another document states that the car was restored by Arthur Rabstein of Toms River, New Jersey. The restored Woodie featured in the July/August 1995 edition of The Antique Automobile, with a front cover photograph and report inside.
In April 2014 the car was offered for sale by Classic Cars and subsequently sold. The current owner purchased the Woodie from Treasured Motors. The car was imported into the UK in October 2015 and registered by the DVLA on 1st December 2015. Now after six years of ownership, during which time the Woodie was driven just over 800 miles (mainly on Austin Seven Club holidays and to local car shows), the vendor feels it is time for it to give pleasure to a new custodian. Described by the owner as in excellent condition and running very well, this delightful American Austin turns heads and attracts attention wherever it goes.
Vendor Score Total: 77 /100
Bidders should note that the automated 100-point Seller's Assessment is provided by each Seller at the point of consignment using the guidelines below, and is not provided, assessed or verified by Bonhams MPH. Accordingly Customers (Bidders) are on notice that each vehicle is offered "as is / as seen" subject to the Conditions of Sale for the auction, and Customers (Bidders) are strongly recommended to view the Lot(s) being offered, before bidding, in order to satisfy themselves as to their condition; Bonhams MPH will not entertain disputes over Sellers' Assessments.
Key for sellers' assessments:
1/5 POOR. A project vehicle | Requires urgent attention | Damaged | Parts missing
2/5 AVERAGE. Useable condition | Requires some attention | Light damage
3/5 GOOD. Drive away | Presents well | Good history file | Drives well
4/5 VERY GOOD. Well restored | Running and driving with no noticeable faults | Sound throughout
5/5 EXCELLENT. Concours condition | Beautifully presented | Driving very well
EXTERIOR TOTAL: 20 /25
Body Work: 4
Paint: 4
Glass: 4
Chrome/Plastics/Trim: 4
Wheels/Tyres: 4
RUNNING GEAR TOTAL: 15 /20
Gearbox/Clutch: 3
Axles: 4
Suspension: 4
Brakes: 4
INTERIOR TOTAL: 16 /20
Seats: 4
Dashboard/Door cards/Carpets: 4
Headlining: 4
Trim: 4
ELECTRICAL TOTAL: 7 /10
Main components: 3
Ancillary components: 4
ENGINE TOTAL: 16 /20
Starting: 4
Running: 4
Under Bonnet: 4
Mechanical components: 4
Car History File: 3
























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