1934 Austin

Convertible

4 - Cyl.

Manual

G34510

Gasoline

This AUSTIN is a very rare “Austin TEN.” It is an upscale cousin of the smaller more common Austin SEVEN. The Austin TEN is larger than the Austin Seven but smaller than a Model A Ford in size. Austin TEN’s are thought to be the only Austin models ever built with a Rumble Seat ( which the British call a “Dickey Seat.”) AUSTIN HISTORY: Sir Herbert Austin founded the Austin Motor Company in 1905. They experimented with various body styles and engine sizes, but did not become a significant manufacturer until World War I when they made all kinds of vehicles and materials for the War effort. When World War I ended, all the war contracts ceased and the company experienced ups and downs until in 1921, Sir Austin was faced with closing down or trying to weather the storm until things improved. It is said that he decided to flip a coin – heads the company would try to continue and tails it would close its doors. It came up heads and he confronted all of his diminished number of employees and disclosed the company’s situation. He told them that with the existing work force, if enough of them would be willing to work for one month without any pay, the company could survive. He then, in return for all of those workers who participated in his plan, promised them a job for life as long as there was a company. Most of the workers signed on to his plan and the company continued. Sir Herbert Austin was a multi-talented man who was a draftsman, a skilled engineer and had marketing expertise and foresight. In 1922, the immortal Austin SEVEN was introduced and a whole new class of small cars was born. The Austin Seven was an inexpensive simple small car which initially sold for around $400 American dollars and was one of the earliest cars to be directed at a mass market. At one point, the “Baby Austin” as it was often called was manufactured under license in Germany by the fledgling BMW company as the “Dixi,” by the Japanese Datsun Company and by the Americans as the “American Austin” which later became the American Bantam. By 1925, the company had over 8000 workers and was producing 25,000 cars a year. When the depression hit in 1929, with the help of the Austin Seven’s success, the company weathered the storm and continually updated their models and introduced such upgrades as all steel bodies and synchromesh transmissions in the thirties. In 1932, they introduced the Austin TEN as an upscale model which was well received. It was larger than the Austin Seven, much more stylish and comfortable than the Seven and became the best selling Austins through the thirties. Production of the Austin TEN resumed after the war ended and continued through 1947. I was fortunate to acquire this 1934 jewel 20 years ago. Its color is a deep Royal Purple with Black fenders and wheels and gold pinstriping. It had been spared from damage during the war and then according to the information provided to me, it was brought to America by a returning American serviceman. It then spent approximately the next 40 years in an American Museum until it was sold at auction and I purchased it from the man who bought it at that time. With its eye catching styling and unique Rumble Seat ( Dickey Seat ), it is unquestionably a worthy addition to any collection or museum. The car is completely original other than having the floor recarpeted a few years ago and the running board coverings replaced, but it has no rust areas or bondo repairs anywhere. The carburetor and the starter were completely overhauled 3 years ago even though neither had given any trouble, but I was advised that it would be a good idea. The exhaust system was likewise put in perfect order. The open area on the dashboard bordered by wood to the left of the steering wheel in the picture is a deep open glove or map compartment. The medium dark blue upholstery appears to be original and the overall condition of the car lends credence to it not having been driven a lot and having been well cared for. The car is very solid and the doors do not sag. The five spoked wheels are perfect and have no bent or missing spokes. The engine always starts readily, runs nicely and shifts beautifully with its synchromesh 3rd and 4th gears. In my wife’s words, it is quite literally “cute as a button” and attracted attention whenever we took it out. The electric windshield wiper works well and the oil pressure is very good. The Speedometer works fine, but the Odometer can only show 4 digits and reads 8392 miles, so it is not possible to know what the actual mileage is. We have driven it perhaps a total of 600 to 800 miles, but have never had it out in rain. The side windows are uniquely engineered. which can be seen fairly well in the pictures. Each side has two windows of a slightly flexible plastic which are like new and are set in metal frames which are hinged together. The rear window on each side hinges forward against the front side window and the combinations are set into sockets in the doors unlike most side curtains which are attached by snaps. Here in Florida where we enjoy a lot of sunny weather, we always had the top down, so have never actually used the side windows though they are in excellent condition. The pictures show them pretty well both on and off the car. Each pair folds together and fits into the black leatherette bag for storage. The tires all hold air well and the convertible top has no holes. We put a car cover over the car in our garage and seldom even put the top up so the top has shrunken slightly below the glass rear window because of being down almost all the time, even when garaged. Just the same, the top does go up or down very easily. The top and particularly the tires should properly be replaced though the tire treads are very good. The condition of the car throughout shows that it has not have been driven very much in its whole life. The paint is glossy and very good though the car would profit by being polished and shined up as we have not been up to doing so for some time. We often took it out for rides or "Sunday drives" and to antique car “cruise ins" simply because we enjoyed the fun of riding in it and the attention it always attracted as it is very pretty and unusual with its unique Rumble Seat. It had been my intention to have the radiator removed and cleaned thoroughly, though it has never leaked or overheated and I also intended to have the original wiring all replaced. However, I am now almost 78 years old and 3 years ago, I was dealt a reality check for which I was not prepared. Arthritis which had been my father’s downfall struck me very seriously affecting my ability to raise my feet and legs or to walk or stand comfortably. Daily medication allows me tolerable mobility, but knowing that my father passed away at 78, the thought is not comforting. For that reason, the radiator and the wiring overhaul did not get done as we have not driven it on the street in the last 3 years. I recently installed a brand new 12 volt battery and as always it starts readily and runs nicely. There is an Austin TEN manual which can be seen in one of these pictures alongside the metal medallion of the "Austin TEN Drivers Club." Both front seat bottoms lift off and there is a sizeable storage area under each seat lined with blue carpeting as well as a storage or tool box opposite the battery box under the hood which is visable in the pictures. The battery has a turn off switch and I keep a maintenance charger on the battery which keeps it fully charged and I regularly start the engine. The car is as described and the pictures show it quite well. However, potential buyers are encouraged to inspect the vehicle themselves to verify its condition and operation. The vehicle is being sold as is with no warranty, but it has been problem free and a pleasure to drive all the years we have owned it. PLEASE NOTE: the person listing this car on e-bay is not the owner, but I am a friend of the owner and he provided the preceding information. I, the listing agent, have seen the car and heard it run and am quite familiar with the gentleman whose age and health have taken a serious down turn. His biggest problem is sitting down or getting back up and particularly getting into or out of any automobile. The seller lives near Daytona Beach not far from shipping ports if that is a consideration. A non-refundable $2000 deposit is to be paid by the winning bidder via Pay Pal within 48 hours of the Auction end or the Buy it Now purchase and the balance is to be paid by a Wire Transfer to the owner’s bank within 7 days of the end of the auction. The seller says the car could probably remain in his garage for a few weeks by written agreement of both parties, but in any event, the vehicle cannot leave the seller’s property until all funds have cleared. If you are shy by nature, this car may attract a little too much attention to suit you. As rare and outstanding as this car is, it goes without saying that it will only continue to appreciate with the passage of time.