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2008 Shannons Melbourne Winter Classic Auction
Lot
1

1947 Austin '8' Tourer

$7,250

Melbourne

Sold

Specifications

Engine In-line 4-cylinder, 900cc
Gearbox 4-speed manual
Body Work Tourer
Colour Yellow
Interior Green
Wheels Steel Disc
Brakes Drums

Description

This lot is no longer available

Launched in 1939 under the direction of Leonard Lord, Austin's new 8hp model was Longbridge's answer to the Morris Eight, a car that took over the mantle of Britain's favourite small car from Austin's Baby Seven for much of the Thirties. The Austin was powered by a 900cc in-line four-cylinder that was a development of the Big Seven unit, developing 27 hp thanks to a higher compression ratio. Other notable features included the new pressed-steel chassis with elliptic springs and Luvax hydraulic dampers front and rear, plus rod-operated Girling brakes. Two basic styles were offered, in the form of a neat little four-door saloon or the open tourer. The Eight successfully updated the concept of the small car without losing the features that made the original Seven such a success, offering a lot more refinement, more modern driving experience. With the intervention of World War Two in 1939, production of the Eight was curtailed somewhat and only resumed for a couple of years in the post-war period, with 56,103 made before production ceased in 1948.