Launched in 1945, the Austin 16hp was the first 'new' car to be produced by the Austin Motor Company following the Second World War. Apart from the name, it shared nothing with the pre-war Austin 16. This was the largest of the Austin saloon car range, the body style being similar to the other smaller Austin saloons of the time featuring the American influenced front grille and high mounted headlamps. Unusually an estate car version was also available, although not many of these were built. The four-door body had a sliding sunshine roof and a split rear window giving an upmarket feel to an otherwise conservatively styled car. In the bitterly cold winter of 1947 Alan Hess and a team of drivers with three Austin 16hp cars undertook a publicity run on behalf of the Austin Motor Company to visit seven Northern European Capitals in seven days. Despite extraordinary travel difficulties caused by heavy snow, the vehicles completed the adventure successfully and the story is related in Alan Hess's book, Gullible's Travels. By chance, the one millionth Austin produced was an Austin 16 BS1 Saloon, built on 25th June 1946, which was painted gold and signed by all the Austin workers. This historic car is currently displayed in the British Motor Industry Heritage Museum at Gaydon. A very successful car, some 35,434 examples were sold before production came to an end in 1949, although survivors are now rare and sought after. This car is a very presentable car that runs and drives very well, it starts on the button and a recent new carburettor means it idles and runs as it should. The engine is very strong and married to a four speed manual gearbox, it pulls well and the has good oil pressure. The registration number is transferable and very valuable in its own right. A history folder is present with the car containing bills, invoices and old mot certificates. Austin 16's are now a very rare sight today and getting harder to find. Original U.K right hand drive car. This car is very presentable and very honest, the paintwork still displays a good shine and the leather upholstery is original and displays a great patina. This is a car you can jump in and use straight away whilst tinkering away if required. Just waiting to be enjoyed in new hands. Absolutely any inspection is welcome. Part exchange possible. Finance can be arranged. Free U.K mainland delivery. Please call for further details.