Description Interesting history; only two owners in the last 48 years; just recommissioned following a period in storage; a fine old Austin that will outlive us all Launched in late 1921 the brilliant Austin 12, in combination with the immortal 7, secured Austin's long term future and remained on sale until 1935.

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

Indeed a taxi version remained available as late as 1939, such was the demand for this rugged machine among cab drivers.

The engine was a super-smooth five-bearing side-valve four, displacing 1,861cc in the Heavy 12 version (as here) 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 with reliability few could match.

Effective four-wheel brakes meant that the car coped with sudden emergencies better than many of its contemporary rivals.

Enduringly popular ...