1935 Austin 18/6 York Recently restored at a cost of over £30,000; interesting history; a wonderful example of this spacious saloon Although the first Austin car was marketed as early as 1906, it was not until the 1922 season that the company established itself as the number one player in the domestic car market.

This was due largely to the phenomenal success of Austin's 7hp and 12hp models (the latter described by Georgano as ‘one of the hardest-wearing machines of all time’) which gained a reputation for utter dependability at an affordable price.

By 1932 they had been joined by two other outstanding models, the 16hp and the 18hp, particularly lively six-cylinder machines which were available in standard or long-wheelbase form with a choice of Westminster, Chalfont, York or Hertford saloon coachwork.

The York version, as here, was a six-light design on the extended chassis and featured a Pytchley sliding roof, low floor, wide doors, large windows and separately adjustable front se...