Description A super example of this elegant and indestructible Vintage-era saloon; imported from New Zealand in 1974 and few owners since; recent sympathetic restoration; one for the Austin enthusiast! Launched in late 1921, the Austin 12 was dubbed 'The Salesman's Joy' due to the way it fairly flew out of the showroom, some 70,000 examples being sold by 1927, the peak year of production.

In combination with the immortal 7, it secured Austin's long-term future and remained on sale for almost 20 years.

During this time the 12 became a byword for indestructibility thanks to its superb build quality and fundamentally sound design.

The engine was a five-bearing side-valve four, initially 1,661cc but soon replaced by a larger long-stroke 1,861cc unit, for which the factory claimed 27bhp at just 2,000rpm.

This was sufficient for 40-45mph cruising, at which speed the 12 returned around 26mpg.

It was a wonderful engine and so tough that it enabled Austin to capture 90% of the London taxi ...