1927 Austin 20/4 Drophead Coupe | Brightwells | Auction Ends: Wed 24th Jun

In regular use and driven 20 miles to the sale; an impressive example of this powerful and dependable Austin

Austin introduced its big 20hp model in 1919, a car heavily influenced by the Hudson Super Six that Herbert Austin drove during the war.

Incorporating many of the Hudson features that had so impressed the Austin boss, the Twenty was powered by a 3.6-litre four-cylinder engine with a cast-iron block, a detachable cylinder head and an aluminium crankcase. Driving through a four-speed gearbox it developed 45bhp at 2,000rpm and could lope along at a genuine 70mph providing the bodywork wasn’t too formal.

Immensely durable, it was considered by many to be at least the equal of the contemporary Rolls-Royce 20hp and, with light enough coachwork, it could even give a Bentley 3-Litre a run for its money. Popular as a hire car, it was not unusual for a well-maintained Twenty to clock up over half-a-million miles in its working life. This made it a particular success in export markets where road conditions could be quite demanding. It remained in production until 1930 by which time around 15,000 had been sold.

First registered in London in January 1927, the chassis of this example was manufactured in 1926 as a ’27 model and was originally a four-seat Tourer. We are told that the motor car was requisitioned during World War II and fitted with extra strength rear road springs for use as an ambulance.

Post-war, XL 2299 was rebuilt to its present form in the style of a Mulliner Drophead Coupe and has Mulliner name plates fitted to the door shuts. In 1965 and with only 3,000 miles showing on the speedo, a Mr J Greenaway of Southampton restored the Austin. By 2000, ownership had passed to a Mr J Harris of Salisbury and the 20/4 was now finished in cream and beige.

Eleven years later, Mr R Allin of Folkstone became custodian, a motor engineer who refurbished the Austin as a retirement project. Work included a thorough mechanical check, rebuilt carburettor and an overhaul of the engine top end and the braking system. The shock absorbers were also renovated, and the leather-bound road springs rebuilt. Mr Allin resprayed the car in its present maroon over black colour scheme and installed a useful petrol gauge which is hidden in the glove box.

Due to ill health, ownership then passed to an active and long-term member of the Vintage Austin Register who had new side screens fitted in 2015. Our vendor acquired the car in 2022 and has enjoyed driving around on high days and holidays but lack of suitable storage space means that he has now decided to let the next chapter of this Austin 20’s life be with someone else.

This rare and powerful Austin remains in very good order and is surprisingly easy to drive, having been driven 20 miles to the auction. It has had a number of successful rally outings in the past; notably, in 1990 it was awarded second place in the Victor Ludorum Concours d’Elegance Veteran Car Club Diamond Jubilee Rally.

The extensive history supplied with the Austin includes photographs, a handbook, technical data, wiring diagrams, a copy of a 1925 Autocar road test report, some road tax discs, invoices, sundry MOT test certificates and the V5C registration certificate.

Please beware that there is some micro blistering on the paintwork but this does not detract on how this car looks overall.

Contact james,booth@brightwells.com