When Austin recommenced civilian production after WWI 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 following a period in receivership in 1921, the firm abandoned its 'single model' policy, introducing the 12hp and 7hp models that would prove its salvation.

The Twenty continued at the top of the range but by the decade's end the old four-cylinder had gone, replaced by a new model built in both 'short' and 'long' chassis variants, both of which were powered by a 3.4-litre six.

This six-cylinder Twenty has been co...