far and wide in the Austin Centenary Celebrations. Since the launch of the website guestbook on June 28th 2004, more that one third of all entries have come from either Australia or New Zealand. What is also pleasing and surprising is the number of owners, families, and clubs who tell us they are already making arrangements to journey to the UK to be a part of the Centenary Celebrations in July 2005. Thanks to you guys for your dedication - we are very much looking forward to meeting you. For any owners who are planning to make the trip over here, the Federation Officers will be pleased to help and advise on accommodation local to the event, and any other related matters. As Website mechanic, I would like to thank all you Austin Owners who have sent your good wishes, and excellent photographs, which I propose to add to this page - more would be welcome - even better with some history and other information. How's this for a start!!
Austin Tractors.
During 1917 Herbert Austin was running his own large and thriving car and lorry factory at Longbridge, Birmingham. In addition to this he was the agent and importer for several makes of American Tractors. In 1918
he disposed of those interests and started to design his own tractor, the design of which owed a great deal to the Fordson. The exception was the gearbox which was a transverse two-speed unit rather than the Fordson three-speed in-line gearbox.
Power was provided by a modified Austin ' heavy 20' car engine modified to run on paraffin. This unit was considerably more refined and somewhat more powerful than the Fordson unit, but with breaking crankshafts and other problems it never shared it's rivals reputation for reliability.
Though more expensive than the Fordson, it enjoyed a brief period of popularity from 1919 to 1924 and during that period contributed greatly to solving Austin's post war financial problems. With the advent of the Austin 7 car, production was moved to France, where it continued in modified form with only moderate success until about 1951.
Many Thanks to Peter Jones for the photo and information.
Photo thanks to Leyland Australia Heritage Group.
Austin Iver 12hp - photo thanks to John Adderton.
And a very smart Austin Lancer, sadly no longer with us, due to heavy impact damage
Quality photo supplied by John Adderton.
And Again, another very nice 1800 from Peter Jones.
The above four photos - thanks to Graham and Judy Anderson, of their award winning 1972 six cylinder Austin Kimberly X6. Graham is a member of the Austin Motor Vehicle Club NSW - and has won best modern for the past four years, and Grand Champion award in 2004.
Two Australian 1800 UTEs, Owners Unknown
Ian Mann - Member of the Austin Motor Vehicle Club of NSW
has made this contribution to this collection. Many Thanks Ian.
Austin 12/4 Clifton 1925.
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Ian's Own 1951 A40 Devon. |
Austin 1928 Burnham. |
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Princess for Restoration. |
Austin A40 Devon Tourer. |
Joe's Princess after restoration - January 2006.