1934 American Austin Pickup Pickup

The American Austin Car Company of Butler, Pennsylvania opened for business in 1929 in order to build a licensed version of the Austin Seven. Initial orders were alleged to be in the neighborhood of 184,000 vehicles but unfortunately, the Great Depression saw 95% of those being canceled.

Some of the early examples were purchased by celebrities like Ernest Hemingway who had starring roles in movies.

The American Austin vehicles were affordable, economical, and unlike anything else on the road. They were mechanically similar to the British-made Austins but restyled for the U.S. market, as the British styling was thought to be too bland. Handling the styling duties was Count Alexis deSakhnoffsky, who was also known for designing bodies for Duesenbergs and Packards.

This vehicle is a 1934 Pickup powered by a 745cc inline four-cylinder engine with a single updraft carburetor. The 13 horsepower produced by the motor is sent to the rear wheels via a three-speed manual transmission. There are four-wheel mechanical brakes and a wheelbase that measures 75 inches.

The car is finished in red with black fenders and a black fabric interior. The wheels are painted to match and are equipped with period-correct whitewall tires.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2014