After the First World War, like most other motor car manufacturers of the time, Austin focussed on a ‘high end’ product in the Austin 20 introduced in 1919.

When sales of this model were slower than expected, the Twelve, effectively a scaled down version, was introduced in 1921.

With a four cylinder side valve engine (increased from 1661cc to 1861cc in 1926), mated to a four speed gearbox, live rear axle and perpendicular styling, this model enjoyed much more success, with sales peaking at 14,000 units in 1927.

These motor cars came to enjoy a great reputation for dependability, which continues to this day.

Based in Bordesley Green, Mulliners Limited of Birmingham began as a coach and carriage building business in Leamington Spa before 1883.

The company diversified into scientific instrumentation before moving onto motor vehicle bodies in the late 1890s.

In partnership with Wigley, artillery was also produced.

After the odd scandal and a take-over or two, 1924 saw the concentrat...