1941 American Bantam Model 65 Convertible Coupe

In 1929 the American Austin Car Company was founded in Butler, Pennsylvania, to build the tiny Austin 7 for the U.S. and Canada Market. After making about 20,000 'American Austins' the company went bankrupt in 1934. In the next year the leftovers were bought by former American Austin dealer/distributor Roy Evans. He cut all wires to the British mother company, redesigned the car and sold it as the American Bantam, starting in 1937 with the 19 horsepower Model 60. The 1938 American Bantam Roadster is famous for being the inspiration for Donald Duck's car.

In 1940 the Model 60 was succeeded by the Model 65 delivering 22 horsepower from a capacity of 820 cc. Until the production came to a halt in 1941 there were some 6,000 American Bantams made - in over ten different body styles. So this was America's most successful small car besides the Crosley. The American Bantam Model 65 Riviera Convertible shown here is one out of just 130 cars made with roll-up windows.