The Austin 12/4 was introduced by the Austin Motor Company in 1921.

It was the second of Herbert Austin's post World War I models and was in many ways a scaled-down version of the 20/4, introduced in 1919.

Initially available as a Tourer, by 1922 three body styles were offered, these being the four-seat tourer, the two/four-seater (both at 550 GBP) and the coupé at 675 GBP.

The car enjoyed success throughout the vintage era with annual sales peaking at 14,000 in 1927.

The Heavy 12/4 really came to feature strongly in the public eye however when Gumdrop, ably piloted by its owner, Mr.

Hardcastle, came to be staple reading at bedtime for children up and down the country.

Some 17 titles were eventually penned by the real owner, Mr.

Val Biro.

These extremely engaging stories revolve around the car and his owner and the search for replacement parts for Gumdrop or in this author's personal favorite, a trip to the BBC in London and the ensuing adventure.

Whilst Gumdrop's adventures a...