1931 American Austin Seven Tourer

In 1929, the American Austin Car Company set up shop in Butler, Pennsylvania, and in the following decade proved that America, despite the Great Depression, was not ready for a tiny, economy car. The first versions were 1930 models, with chassis and running gear like the English Austin seven, and coachwork designed by the renowned Alexis de Sakhnoffsky and executed by Detroit's Hayes Body Company. The car was 16 inches narrower and 28 inches shorter than any other American automobile of the period, and guaranteed 40 miles to the gallon.

The public, however, was evidently unprepared to pay a list price that was higher than a Ford or Chevrolet, despite the improved mileage figures. Nevertheless, the little car got plenty of publicity as Buster Keaton and other celebrities took delivery; the 'Our Gang' comedy movies adopted the Austin immediately, as did popular cartoonists. In the meantime, public enamor with the ford Model A's resulted in Austin being in receivership by 1932. Production ceased in 1936, but the car returned with all-new styling by de Sakhnoffsky for 1937, now called the American Bantam. The company designed and built the first successful Jeep prototypes for the U.S. Army in 1940-but in 1941, was out of business.

Source - Frick Car Museum