1955 Austin A40 Devon Van

The Beaulieu Sale: Collectors' Motor Cars & Automobilia|2 September 2023, 14:30 BST|Beaulieu, National Motor Museum

1955 Austin A40 Devon Van
Registration no. UYC 177
Chassis no. GV5/91915

Like most British motor manufacturers, Austin recommenced civilian production after WW2 with pre-war designs, its first new models not appearing until 1947. One of the most important introductions was the A40, which replaced the old 8hp, 10hp and 12hp models. Somewhat conservative in its retention of a separate chassis, the new A40 was built as the two-door Dorset (soon discontinued) and four-door Devon saloons, plus the Devon van. Although the A40 Devon saloon was replaced in 1952 by the Somerset, the Devon van continued in the range until 1956.

This A40 Devon van was owned by flower shop proprietor Mr Roland F Harris for 25 years. He was followed by Mr W Lee (three years); Mr M G Snelin; A E Brabham (four years); and Mr Kenneth Eric Brunt (21 years), the latter displaying the vehicle in his Memory Lane Museum in Ireland, during which period it covered only seven miles. Owner of the Welsh Transport Museum, our vendor has owned the van for the last eight years. The wiring loom has been replaced and the van is said to be in good condition and largely original apart from the exterior paintwork (resprayed to cover previous sign writing).

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