Description From a deceased estate; ex-Peter Black Car Museum; wonderfully original with patina to die for; a heavenly 1920s time capsule; just how we like them 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, its peak year of production.

In combination with the immortal Seven, it secured Austin's long term future and remained on sale until 1935 although a taxi version was still available as late as 1939.

During this time the 12/4 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 displacing 1,661cc 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.

Enduringly popular and beautifully designed, the 12/4 epitomised Austin's marketing slogan, 'The Dependable Austin' and remai...