Offered by the family of the late Barrie Pook
1923 Austin 12hp Tourer

• One of Austin's most successful models
• 1.7-litre four-cylinder engine
• Present ownership since 1971
• Recommissioned for sale (see text)

General Manager of the Wolseley Sheep Shearing Machine Company, Herbert Austin set the Birmingham firm on the road to motor manufacture in 1896 when he designed its first automobile, a twin-cylinder tri-car. The first production Wolseley though, was four-wheeled and, like Austin's 1896 prototype, carried its single-cylinder engine horizontally. Wolseley's directors did not share Austin's belief in the horizontal engine's virtues however, and he departed in 1905 to set up his own company at nearby Longbridge. Somewhat surprisingly perhaps, the first Austin cars were powered by conventional inline fours with side valves arranged in 'T-head' fashion.

Austin manufactured munitions during WWI and expanded greatly as a result, employing more than 22,000 workers by the cessation of hostilities in 1918. When civilian production recommenced it was with a single 20hp model, influenced by the six-cylinder Hudson - one of America's most advanced designs - that Herbert Austin has used during the war. Derived from that of the pre-war 20hp model but enlarged to 3,620cc, the four-cylinder sidevalve engine powered Austin commercials and a tractor as well as its passenger cars.

Although robust and reliable, the 'Twenty' was relatively expensive and in an increasingly difficult economic climate did not sell in sufficient numbers to keep Austin afloat. Restructured in 1921 following a period in receivership, the firm abandoned its 'single model' policy, introducing the 12hp and 7hp models that would prove its salvation. The Twelve was a conventional car, soundly engineered in the best Austin tradition, powered by a 1,660cc four-cylinder sidevalve engine driving via a four-speed gearbox. Such was the Twelve's reputation for durability that it became the London cab-drivers' favourite, enjoying an extended lease of life in this role that lasted well into the 1930s and beyond.

This 12hp Austin tourer was purchased by Barrie Pook in Scotland in 1971 from Eric Davidson, who had owned it for two years. Recommissioned for sale following a period of inactivity, the car is running well and displays good oil pressure. The engine is very quiet and the charging circuit is working. The brakes work. The car is holding coolant (plain water in this case) but the radiator hoses need replacing and the electrics need a thorough check. The fuel is being delivered by the Autovac from the tank to the carburettor. No other fluids have been checked apart from engine oil. The (new) battery is under a panel beneath the front passenger seat cushion; both lift out with no tools required. Offered with an old-style V5.