1934 American Austin Coupe Coupe

The American Austin Car Company, established in 1929, is remembered as America's first serious producer of small, economical cars. In a similar fashion to the Austin Motor Company, the American Austin was a stylish derivative of the very successful Austin Seven built to circumvent heavy import tariffs. Pricing began at just $445 for the American Austin and the fleet of body styles included a cabriolet, coupe, roadster, and runabout body style. They wore designs by Alexis de Sakhnoffsky who had emigrated to America in 1928 to join Grand Rapids, Michigan's Hayes Body Corporation.

In the wake of the Great Depression, the company slipped into receivership and folded in 1934 prior to its reincarnation under Roy Evans from 1935 to 1941. It is estimated that around 4,000 to 5,000 coupes were originally built between 1929 and 1934

This 1934 American Austin Coupe is one of just 1,300 examples (all body styles) produced for 1934. Prior to being purchased by the current owner, this vehicle was given a frame-off restoration to its original specifications. It wears its original bodywork and is finished in its original colors including a blue body finished with gray beltline rib, complemented by blue upholstery. The original instruments remain in place, with the odometer showing approximately 64,300 miles.

The engine is a 45.6 cubic-inch L-head 4-cylinder unit with a single updraft carburetor offering 13 horsepower. There is a three-speed manual gearbox and four-wheel mechanical brakes.

By Daniel Vaughan | May 2013