Registration No: 457 XUD
Chassis No: 79725
MOT: Exempt

• Correct-type artillery wheels
• The subject of previous restoration work

Prompted to enter the London taxicab market in 1929 by a generous order from dealers Mann and Overton, Austin soon upset the status quo. Based on the redoubtable 12/4 chassis, the Longbridge manufacturer's 'High Lot' model was cheaper, easier to maintain and more reliable than its Morris Commercial and Beardmore opposition. Updated in 1934 as the 'Low Loader' or 'LL', the Austin may have been a little less Top Hat-friendly but it boasted ample luggage space next to the driver and four seats to the rear compartment (though, two of these were of the fold down ‘jump seat’ variety). Some five pounds more expensive than the standard Vincent body, the optional Jones Brothers Landaulette coachwork, with its retractable rear roof, allowed passengers to make the most of any clement weather. Famously durable, the 12/4's 1861cc sidevalve four-cylinder engine was allied to an equally stoical four-speed manual gearbox, both of which promised years of faithful service.

Finished in Red over Black with Black (front) / Beige (rear) upholstery, this example is described by the vendor as being in “very good” overall condition. Understood to have cost a previous owner somewhere in the region of £17,000, the Austin rides on correct-type artillery wheels. A very rare taxi with luggage, that looks to have undergone past restoration work, 457 XUD has formed part of a promotional vehicle collection in recent times and is understood to require an amount of recommissioning before use.

For more information, please contact:
John Markey
john.markey@handh.co.uk
01428 607899