Introduced in 1921, the Twelve, together with the Seven, saved the Austin company from bankruptcy.

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.

‘What does a motorist demand of a moderately priced saloon car? The “Burnham” - in its outstanding dependability - supplies the answer,’ Austin proudly declared in 1930, going on to assert: ‘First and foremost he demands dependability, not for months or seasons but for years.

He wants a car that does not need looking after.

He wants, after a grueling day’s run, to drive his car into his garage and forget about it until he wants to drive it out again.

He wants it to keep up a high average speed - to take hills in its stride - to b...