Driven by Edgar Wren as a promotional car to secure new orders of the 20hp model, the first prototype Austin Twenty began to take shape in the chassis-erecting shop at Longbridge during 1917 and an abridged specification was published in that September’s issue of The Austin Advocate magazine.

Like the Hudson Super Six, the newcomer featured a substantial ladder frame chassis equipped with all round semi-elliptic leaf-sprung suspension, rear wheel brakes, an engine of monobloc construction with in-unit, centre change gearbox and a sheet metal radiator cowl.

Two prototype Austin Twenties were readied for 1918, a Landaulette and a Tourer.

Road registered as `OB 6912′, the latter sported a commodious four-door, five-seater body with a prominent hood well and internal storage for two spare wheels.

With dreams of producing 25,000 cars a year, Herbert Austin despatched works test driver Edgar Wren on a nationwide trip aboard `OB 6912′ to create interest.

With a projected price of just £4...