'There is a remarkable blending of qualities in the six-cylinder Austin...

The effect is to give a vehicle which is exceptionally pleasing to both driver and passengers, though looking at the car superficially it is not all easy to determine why this should be the case, for it is a straightforward design and of quiet appearance.' – The Autocar.

Autocar was, in fact, referring to the 16hp Austin, but what that esteemed motoring magazine said about the typically understated but nevertheless well engineered Austin six applies equally to the 18hp version.

First shown in 1926, Austin's new six was built initially in 20hp (3,400cc) and 16hp (2,249cc) sidevalve-engined versions before an 18hp (2,510cc) model on the smaller chassis joined the range in 1933.

The Sixteen/Eighteen shared its frame with the Heavy 12/4 and was updated in similar fashion, gaining synchromesh gears for 1934 and a painted radiator grille as part of a major restyle for 1935.

Built in five-seater and seven-seater s...