 |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |
 |  |
1940 American Bantam Riviera news, pictures, and information | ||
| Tweet | ||
 |  |  | Chassis Num: 66367 |
The American Bantam:
American Bantam rose from the bankruptcy of American Austin Car Company. The Austins were built in Butler, Penn., from 1930 to 1934, but these minicars never developed enough sales to survive the competition of established automakers whose cars were priced near or below the Austin's base price of $445.American Bantam began in 1937 and built cars from 1938 to early 1941 wîth updated styling by Count Alexis de Sakhnoffsky. An improved engine better suited for Ú.S. driving conditions (genius race-car designer Harry A. Miller did some of the work on the engine's manifold system) resulted in a more competitive automobile emerging from Butler, wîth an array of body styles priced from $399 to $565. But wîth WWII threatening, most of Bantam's thin resources were poured into developing the prototype Jeep in hopes of winning the Ú.S. Army contract. This effort was in vain, however, as Willys, and later Ford, went on to build all of the Jeeps while Bantam closed its doors forever in 1941.
The 1940 American Bantam
No essential differences exist between the three model years of Bantams. Total production for these three years were approximately 6,700 cars, and for 1940, they were available in Standard and Master coupe, roadster, convertible coupe, convertible sedan and station wagon.
This CarWhile 22 horsepower may not seem like a lot, it should be remembered that the weight of this car is about 1,300 lbs., so the power-to-weight ratio is actually quite favorable for sprightly performance through the gears.
Chassis No. 66367Source - Gooding & Company
|  |  | Phaeton |
American Bantam began in 1937 and built cars from 1938 to early 1941. Race car designer Harry Miller improved the engine's manifold system that proved to be better suited for U.S. driving conditions. In 1940, a total of 800 cars emerged from the Butler plant and had an array of body styles priced from $399 to $565. No essential differences exist between the three model years of the Bantams. With WWII threatening, most of Bantam's thin resources were poured into developing the prototype Jeep in hopes of winning the U.S. contract. This effort was in vain; as Willys, and later Ford, went on to build the Jeep. Bantam closed its doors forever in 1941.
 | Convertible Coupe Designer: Alex Tremulis |
The Butler-built cars were four-cylinder automobiles that developed 22 horsepower and rode on a 75-inch wheelbase chassis. Six body styles were available: standard coupe, master coupe, master roadster, convertible coupe, convertible sedan and station wagon.
Perhaps, significantly, it was the Butler, Pennsylvania plant that constructed the prototype of what became known during World War Two as the 'Jeep.'
 |  | Coupe |
In 1940, American Bantam created one of the most important and widely recognized vehicles in history: the JEEP. The United States Army loved the small, yet practical utility vehicle, but awarded the multi-million dollar contracts to Willys and Ford. The last American Bantams appeared in 1940 and the firm closed its doors in 1941.
 | Convertible Coupe Designer: Alex Tremulis |
The Bantam Convertible Coupe was put into production in 1940. It was branded 'Hollywood' after its design by California based Alex Tremulis. For 1940, just 800 examples of the Bantam were created.
In 2012, this car was offered for sale at the Glenmoor Gathering Auction presented by Classic Motorcar Auctions. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $28,620 including buyer's premium.
By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2012
| 1928 Indy 500 Pole Winner Leads 'The Amelia's' Salute to The Cars Of Harry Miller | |
 | The Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance announced today that the supercharged, Miller 91, front drive Indianapolis 500 racer that set a speed record in 1928, will be making an appearance at the 18th annual Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance on March 10, 2013. Leaving its permanent home at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum, the historic car be part of the Concours' 'Cars of Harry Miller' class, which will honor the work of legendary American race car designer Harry Miller. Leo...[Read more...] |
| RM Readies For Highly Anticipated Hershey Sale | |
 | • Final countdown underway to RM Auctions' annual Hershey, Pennsylvania sale, October 11–12 • Auction features approximately 120 historic automobiles joined by a select series of vintage motorcycles and an assortment of memorabilia • Automobile offering led by famous 1931 Duesenberg Model J Dual Windshield 'Barrelside' Phaeton, winner of the epic 1932 race at Lake Muroc in California • Duesenberg headlines select group of 10 automobiles from the distinguished Ray Bowersox Collection; sale als...[Read more...] |
| American Bantam: 1930-1940 |
| Similar Automakers |
| American Bantam History |
| Other models by American Bantam |
| Model 60 Model 65 |
© 1998-2012. All rights reserved. The material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
