The American Austin Car Company was founded in 1929 in Butler, PA as a way to offer Americans a version of the British Austin 7.

Initial sales were promising, but the poor economy gave consumers reason to prefer cheaper used cars to new ones.

While a used Ford V-8 makes a strong case, the American Austin had its own virtues, one being the graceful pen of industrial designer Alexis de Sakhnoffsky.

After financial troubles plagued the company, production resumed in 1934.

After a bankruptcy, a former salesman bought out and reorganized the company as American Bantam in 1935.

The company soldiered through 1941, but they also made history by having a hand in the creation of the Jeep.

This 1932 American Austin basks in a red and cream glow.

Powered by a 50-cid four-cylinder and three-speed manual transmission, it's a wonderful example how the austere can be elegant.

Without reserve