1934 Austin 18/6 Chalfont Saloon

Designed to sit between the Austin Sevens and twelves and their largest model the twenty, the Austin Sixteen and Eighteen were introduced in 1927 and became particularly popular amongst the ‘carriage’ trade of taxis, private hire, undertakers and the like. In 1934, the chromed radiator surround was replaced by a body matched painted one and the four speed manual gearbox was equipped with synchromesh on third and fourth.

To cater for the more refined, the Chalfont was the luxury model with glass division and a pair of folding occasional seats in the rear. Both sixteen and eighteen models had a six cylinder engine for greater refinement.

This rare example was purchased by its late custodian in 2002 and is understood to have had six previous owners. MOT history can confirm that by 2008, the odometer reading was under 87000 miles. The Chalfont has been a much loved member of the family for the last twenty years, having participated in the family business as a wedding car as well as being enjoyed at local events in Devon, and it has been very hard for the family to say goodbye.

Invoices in the history file indicate that restoration work was carried out in the eighties and nineties, but the Chalfont may benefit from further cosmetic attention in the future. The body is sound and solid and it’s worth noting that the doors shut very well, but all four wings will need restoration to some extent. The actual body may possibly clean up and polish. The interior is sound and original and requires just a good clean, and the fixed division is still in place, as is the speaking tube to the rear compartment. The carpets and headlining also seem good. Interestingly, the motor car is fitted with a glass sun visor, four large glass side deflectors, four door window deflectors and a rear section sunroof.

Mechanically, the motor car will need recommissioning, possibly some restoration, and a pair of new batteries. It is currently not running.

This history supplied with the Chalfont includes the V5C registration certificate, photographs, a valuation certificate from 2000, sundry paperwork and the aforesaid MOT test certificates, fourteen dating from 1969 until 2008.

SOLD