So when did you last see one of these – especially one in such lovely rust-free original condition? ‘PTT 301’ was apparently treated to a full restoration back in 2012, that included a professional re-trim with new carpets, and is regarded by the vendor as still being in ‘excellent condition’ today.

He confirms that the Austin is ‘very solid inside and out and that the engine starts easily and displays good oil pressure’.

He describes the clutch, column change gearbox and braking system as ‘good’, and the tyres as ‘very good’.

In summary, he rates the venerable Somerset as ‘a lovely period correct car with excellent patina, that’s ready to use, show and generally enjoy’.

The car is now available complete with its original Devon registration, buff logbook, and tag of the supplying dealer that’s still attached to the door pillar, plus a large selection of old MOTs and photographs of the restoration.

Introduced in 1952, the Somerset was a replacement for the outgoing Austin Devon and...