Lot details
Registration No: OWR 918
Chassis No: GQU520336
Mot Expiry: Apr 2011

"Undeterred by rough building sites or rutted farm tracks, the A40 "Pick-Up" is a multi-purpose vehicle of exceptional possibilities. With a willing power unit, smooth transmission and firm suspension, it gives a performance that is equal to the most exacting conditions. The open truck body is sturdily constructed, and with the tailboard lowered additional floor space is afforded and loading is made easier.
The comfortable single-piece seat and handy controls in the "Pick-Up" driving compartment ensure ease of handling, and, as in all Austins, the windows are of toughened glass for safety, and give exceptional driving and manoeuvring visibility" (Austin Sales Brochure).

Introduced in 1947, the A40 was Austin's first 'clean sheet' post-WW2 family saloon design. Based on a sturdy chassis frame equipped with independent front suspension, a 'live' rear axle and four-wheel drum brakes, the newcomer was powered by a 1200cc OHV four-cylinder engine allied to four-speed manual transmission. With some 40bhp on tap, it was reputedly capable of over 70 mph. Once production was in full swing and the principal Devon (four-door) and Dorset (two-door) saloon models firmly established, other variants joined the A40 line-up including a Jensen-designed sports four-seater, 10cwt pick-up, 10cwt van and estate car (or 'Countryman' as it was known). Styled in-house by Dick Burzi, the commercial A40s contrived to be stylish yet practical. Though, today - thanks to years of overloading, stop-start motoring and general abuse - survivors are few and far between.

Finished in blue over cream with brown upholstery, this particular example is described by the vendor as being in "very good" condition with regard to its engine, gearbox, electrical equipment, interior trim, bodywork and paintwork. Understood to have graced the cover of 'Classic Van and Pick-Up' magazine (March 2009 issue), this wonderfully evocative Austin is worthy of close inspection.