Austin 20/4 Clifton Tourer 1925

Vintage and Prestige are proud to offer this 1925 Austin 20/4 Tourer For Sale. Registration: SV 5709 Chassis no: T11230 Engine no: P511535 Austin introduced its big 20hp model in 1919, a car heavily influenced by a 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 lusty 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.

Immensely durable and reliable, 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. “You invest in an Austin” was the sales slogan of the time, reflecting the high quality of components and fittings compared to many rival makes. Dating from 1925, this particular Twenty sports attractive Touring coachwork and benefits from the four-wheel brakes which became standard that year.

Having spent most of its life in the dry climate of Australia, it was shipped back from Sydney in the summer of 1995. At that time it was subjected to a full & thorough rebuild of engine & all mechanical components since when it has covered a few thousand miles. The imposing bodywork is in very good order with excellent panel fit and doors that shut with a reassuring ‘click’.

Mechanically she is also in good health, starting promptly and running nicely, with an impressive turn of speed available when desired. 55 MPH cruising is effortless with more speed available if needed. The gear box is a rugged four speed unit with first being more of a manouvering gear then a driving gear. It is easily mastered & pleasant to use.

The exterior is beautifully finished in a deep shade of Red/Maroon, the wings, sill panels and chassis are all finished in black which works perfectly with the body colour. The brightwork shines all around the car.

Some of the nicer feature are the wing mounted headlights, twin side lamps on the scuttle, flared running board steps and heel plates on the rear wings, there is something to catch your eye from every angle!. The interior is of the same quality as the exterior, and like the outside, Maroon is the dominant colour.

The seats are fluted, and buttoned to the backs, there is a stylish A (Austin) embossed on the door pockets, and maroon carpet to the lower sections. We are having a black hood bag made to tidy up the roof when in the down position. The dashboard is finished in black and brought to light by all of the usual period correct instruments, and even the pearl finish steering wheel.

A Boyce Motometer sits atop the radiator & never indicates more then 1/4 up its temperature indicating capilliary tube. There is a sonourous klaxon affixed under the bonnet ready to bray at the touch of the conveninetly located period bakelite button to the right of the steering wheel. A stylish and wonderful driving car, in our showrooms and ready for viewing.

This is a particularly robust, strong & sorted car with a real "Go Anywhere" feel to it.