A leggy lady enlivens an Austin

• 

At the risk of offending some readers, this photograph was sent in by a reader with the information that it showed a 'boring old Austin'. Well, we don't know about that... Austin Sevens, reasonably common though they may be, certainly are not boring once you slip behind the wheel, and we suppose the same could be said for the 12/4s. Certainly, we've heard of some exciting adventures being had in Heavy 12s.

We think this is quite a late 12/4 Burnham saloon from 1929 or 1930, although the wire wheels are a little misleading, as they are more typical of the 12/6 and 16/6 which took Austin into the post-Vintage age than the solid artillery wheels usually seen on the resoundingly Vintage 12/4. Evidently, this Austin's lady driver must have had sporting ambitions.

If, like our contributor, you really can't get excited about the Austin, perhaps the woman will be able to change your mind. Her confident pose suggests to us that it is very much her own Austin, as opposed to her husband's, so she should be a deft hand behind the wheel.

Unfortunately, we don't know much more about the picture. Location-wise the hedgerow could be anywhere in Britain, but it's obviously somewhere with some decent hills to challenge the motorist. Of course, it doesn't really matter where it is or where you want to go because, as any owner will tell you, the Austin 12/4 will take you to the moon and back. Why not jump in the passenger seat and see where you end up?

Words: Zack Stiling
 

Make a comment, ask a question, give your opinion, share additional information or start a discussion by filling in the fields below.