That was before 'THE UNIONS' put paid to the British motor industry which designed and engineered some of the best cars in the world. Austin, Morris, Riley, Sunbeam, Woelsey, M.G., Hillman and others all fell victim to the likes of RED RAB and his job destroying union cohorts.
@@___Steinn___ I totally agree! But if I may ask, and apologies if this is a personal question! But Steph mentioned that there aren’t many, if any, younger folks into these sorts of cars. How old are you? I’m 29 here, and yeah, these are my dream cars!
@@idriveaclassic hi Steph! I love your work, and your moggie! I’m so happy there are other folks roughly around my age who like these quirky, not-quite-performance models. You don’t know how much I would give to simply ride in of these old sweethearts, let alone drive one! Maybe it’ll happen sooner or later, but here down in southeast, there seem to be one or two groups about this sorta thing. I am so unbelievably lucky I have the people I do in my life. I love you all. Now I’m gonna go to bed and spare this madness getting any longer. Cheers!
Just as we all start to think "Surely Stef has reached the absolute summit now and she can't possibly get any better" you come up with a magnificent video like this. Absolutely riveting viewing, and surely your site is one of the best automotive sites on the whole of RUclips. Well done!!!
Thanks Steph for the lovely review. My 37 Austin 10 is a little brother to this fantastic vehicle. They have so many things in common too. People have forgotten just how nice late pre-war cars are and that car development didn't really get going again until the 50's.
When I was very small (almost too small to remember anything much about it), my parents had an Austin 10 from about 1935, known as Betsy. The key things they used to talk about were the solid quality of the car and it's quietness. They also used to keep first gear for steep hills. They travelled all over the UK in her until she was sold in the early 1960s and replaced by a Rover 12, which was not as good an example of it's type as Betsy had been. Nice video, subscribed.
What a beautiful car is Alf! I drove a smaller Austin 10 at a stage and I was surprised how friendly it was- The steering was a bit vague and you had to watch your distance but the smiles waves and nods of approval you get from other road users make it !! You handled that Austin 18 like you always drove them - Your reviews are really superb and I really enjoy them ! You are spot on - Nothing to fear from an older car !!
Thanks for posting the video and your presentation. A car of this calibre was like a mobile castle. Very strong, safe....... and with interior appointment no longer seen in motor cars today. I was interested to hear you comment on how quiet the car was too. There was a lot more to technology back then, than is given credit for today . Thanks for a refreshing account.
Yet another wonderfully presented video Steph. You have such a great way of enthusiastically delivering your reviews - your warm enthusiasm for these old classics comes shining through in a may many presenters couldnʻt achieve! And I am in awe of the way you easily slip behind the wheel of all these different vehicles and handle them so competently. Do you have a trial run with the owner first - surely you must!!! Colleague at work restored one of these not too long ago in dark blue with black guards. Aunty had a Austin 10 after the war and a friend of my uncle grew up in Egypt and his family had the more powerful version - Austin 20. Iʻve seen photos of it amongst the pyramids. Bought it back to NZ when they emigrated. When he was old enough, he was allowed to take it out. Out with friends one Sunday afternoon and they goaded him into winding it up along a long straight (down hill?) country road. Someone took a photo of the speedo up around the 100mph mark which unfortunately, the father found at a later date and asked for a ʻplease explain?ʻ Long time before he was allowed to drive the car again. Austins were popular in NZ and quite a few still survive and pop up for sale every now and then. Very undervalued!
Absolutely charming car and I love seeing the enjoyment and enthusiasm Stephanie when you talk about the Car your reviewing. And Austin cars really used to be quality. Especially this era .
My first car was an Austin 16, very similar in looks to the one above. I was 15 yrs old at the time. I don't remember the year of the car but I guess it was probably very late 40's or early 50's I drove it to London from Hampshire several times and even drove into Downing St. on one occasion and asked the policeman outside No10 if Mr Wilson was at home. He gave me my marching orders and I turned it around and drove out swiftly before he looked any closer at me. After a month or two of hiding it from my father who would have skinned me, the clutch gave out and not having the money to get it fixed abandoned it, I don't remember where. However, I do always remember what a lovely comfortable and roomy car it was. The only downside was starting it on the handle on cold and frosty mornings. I saw a photo of one recently in an off-white colour, it still looked like a great car.
Loved it! A perfect example of old world engineering and comfort with plenty of interior room to boot! Pull-down shades, footrests and picnic tables...definitely the Rolls Royce of Austins!
"You do not purchase an Austin, you invest in it", this sales slogan was no empty claptrap. After 84 years, almost a century, this car is the best proof of Pa' Austin's timeless principles of conservative engineering and superior workmanship. And all at a reasonable price! I enjoyed so much your charming way of testing this jewel! Warm greetings from a Hungarian classic car maniac!!!!!!
Fanastic presentation, Steph. Even though you said that "Alf" is not your usual type of car, I haven't gotten the impression you really have any particular "usual" type since the beginning of the series. I NEVER know what to expect, and its always a very pleasant surprise, be it 1930s to 1990s. Perhaps the most endearing approach of your very enjoyable youtube channel is that you are young, enjoy learning, enjoy a good challenge, and make bold moves. You present cars not from a pompous rattling off of factoids, but rather a very natural and authentic sharing of perspective that really appeals to people like myself who are A) Avid car enthusiasts interested in everything and everything, B) enjoy seeing something that isn't the current talk of the town and on the forgotten side C) enjoy nostalgia and D) have a rather positive attitude overall. I don't enjoy presentations of cars where there is relentlessly critical and unflattering unless it is perfection in their world....which is typically 800+ horsepower, 0 to 60 in 2.9 seconds, top speed 218 miles per hour, etc. That may be popular, which is fine, but I make no apologies for appreciating your show more than more expensive and famous productions. It's quality over quantity! Thanks as usual, and I always enjoy your choices and presentations!!!! You're looking great in the New Year! Be well!!!
Austin is little known here in the States but it did make the Nash Metropolitan, a very lovely little car that's become quite a collector, as trivia it had the same turn indicator on top of the steering wheel, the Austin Healey 3000, which my older cousin had when I was about 12, quite lovely!
Great presentation, Steph. It is the same here in the USA. I own a 1940 and 1946 Buick. They drive beautifully and are very inexpensive to buy. Everyone over here wants muscle cars. They are missing the boat, but I think one day a new generation of younger folks will start to pay attention to these older vehicles. You have a new fan. Thanks from Maryland, USA.
Hiya Steph. I've actually had a lift in a pre-war Austin, it was Boxing Day 1971. The car was a 1937 Cambridge 10, belonging to the late Harry Millard who knew my late dad through employment at H.M. Hobsons, later Lucas Aerospace. Its registration mark was BDA 71 apparently.
Thanks for the tour of the Austin 18/6, Steph - she's a beauty! I particularly love the sound of the gearbox - so reminiscent of the A30/A35's unit and one that I used to refer to as the 'Music Box' because the tune it plays is a major third in second gear and a minor third in third. The pre-war beasts were pretty quick to get to their cruising speeds due to their gearing - even though they had quite a bit more weight to shift. They may not have had a huge top speed by modern standards, but 50mph was a very attainable cruising speed and to be honest, the lever / drum brake system wouldn't have been much effective to stop it much over that. My parents had a 1937 Hillman Hawk and one thing I remember from that car was that you felt like royalty when sat in the rear - she had so much room. We did a trip up north to see Mum's brother 100 or so miles away and Dad had to stop for petrol just over half way as she only did 8mpg! Even though the Hillman had leather upholstery, it certainly wasn't as well appointed as the Austin 18/6 though. I must admit to being curious about driving one now myself!
Plenty of these late 1930s Austins about when I was a lad in the 1940s. There was a whole range of six models all with the same family likeness, from the Big Seven to the 7-seater Ranelagh limousine. All had the same firm stance. This model is the Norfolk Saloon with a 2.5 litre engine; my father had the next model down, a Goodwood with a 1.7 litre engine and my uncle a Big Seven with a 0.9 litre engine. I have always liked them all.
The definition of luxury has changed a lot over the decades. This is also a good demonstration of what defines a good car. It's not about top speed or how fast it can get around a race track. What is important in a road car is very different. Really Good video Steph and a lovely car.
Hello Steph. That was a brilliant review. Alf is amazing. So classy and oodles of character. No modern car on the road now can compare in terms of character. Alf is so advanced for the year it was built and shows how good Austin were. Mark seems a really nice person and obviously has great respect for Alf saying that he is the custodian of him and will never sell him. Many thanks.
Your comment that this car is spacious enough for a taxi brings back memories of riding in taxis of this model with my parents in my post-war childhood days, and they were lovely to ride in.. You've also jogged memories of having to learn to double-declutch when I was learning to drive! I always enjoy your reviews, and this one has brought me particular pleasure. Thank you!
I have just purchased a 1947 Austin 10 and whilst Olive isn’t in the same condition as Alfie she’s utterly adorable. She would’ve been considered a bit dated even when new but still some lovely touches. Got some fuel delivery issues currently so driving it tends to be short and sweet but I couldn’t agree more as a very useable vehicle and achingly beautiful. You travel everywhere in a bubble of smiles which is very nice. ❤
Really impressed with this car Steph. I loved your time in the back seat. Car reviews don't just need to be about the driver. Why not think about the passengers too.
My father was apprenticed at an Austin dealership in the mid 1930’s. He later worked on cars like this and always reckoned that when set up properly all you could hear from the engine at tickover was the regular hiss, hiss of air being drawn into the carburettor.
Great as always Steph! Yes the 12 volt in this was surprising to hear about. I had a 67 VW Beetle and that was the first model year for the 12 volt system in it, so very interesting indeed.
It is a beautiful car. Even showing a little wear and tear, It is still wonderfully intact and drives very well. I noticed you barely had to do any correction with the steering wheel as you motored along. I would love to have one of these here in the states. Reminds me of late 30's GM and Ford styling...so "livable" to sit in and enjoy the drive. Thanks for showing this.
This is GREAT. I'm only 5½ minutes in and had to make a comment. 6 volt positive earth electrics were the standard here in North America, through until some GM brands switched in 1953. Ford made the switch to 12 volt for the 1956 model year. When you were talking about who might have bought on new, a comparison to keep in mind is that when Douglas Bader was engaged to his first wife, Thelma, their plan was to get married when his income hit £500 per year, which happened in 1937. Gives an idea of how much this lovely Austin cost new in terms of work hours for an average person.
@@idriveaclassic I just finished watching the video. I found it really interesting indeed. The first car I wanted to buy myself was a one owner 1940 Ford Custom Deluxe V8 convertible, aka Drophead coupé. It was a one owner car that sold for an astounding $500. Today in that condition, it would be more like $30,000. Cars from that era can very much be used on modern roads. My Granddad's first new car was a 1940 Plymouth, and that car did the drive from Toronto, Ontario to Sidney, Nova Scotia, which is 1,300 miles each way. Nobody thought much of that. Seeing a beautiful car like Alf out and about is simply wonderful. Keep up the good work.
I currently own the LWB version of this, the Austin 18/6 Windsor with it's orignal log book when it was delivered in 1938 to it's first owner in Bristol. Always fires on the button, even after being sat for months over the winter season. Great review, thank you 👍
I had an Austin FX3 1955 Taxi , which looked similar to this , but it only had a 4 cylinder 2000cc engine I think , it had lift forward front window , four built in jacks which were operated from under the bonnet , you could select either , all together , front 2 , back 2 , left side or right side , all used with a handle to raise or lower them . I think in some later models they had an electric pump. It had 3 seats across the back plus 2 dickie seats off the bulkhead behind the driver . In front was the driver seat , and a luggage space beside the driver , with no door . I used to take about 11 people in it to play cricket in London , probably did not help the suspension , but I was young at the time . I changed the jets in the carb , and could cruise at 70 mph , which was ok until you used the rod brakes which were not particularly responsive . It was a fun car especially with its small turning circle .
I own a couple of pre-war cars now and yes, they are quite easy to drive once you get the hang of it. The only thing you need to keep in mind is they are not high acceleration, so need to been more aware at things like roundabouts etc. But they are quite usable.
Looks a lovely classic,gearbox and engine sound sweet. That was a very good point about reading the road ahead.Something alot of people should do more!
Fantastic video Steph, what a lovely car, really like the thoughtful touches on these cars like the back seat blinds and picnic tables. Also great job on the matching outfit! 😀
Thanks Stephanie as usual great informative vid. Always had a soft spot for English cars, particularly Austin. Wish list, is for you to do a review on a car I once owned. A 1957 Austin A 105 Vanden Plas. Looking forward to your future reviews. Kind Regards from NZ
My father was using Austin 7 Austin 8 Austin 10 in Ceylon on 1945 to 1959 Incredible car in the Ausyin world o those days.Not necessary to take these cars right the mechanics. No death to these Austin cars I hope again the Austin Motor Company should manufacture these unforgettable cars once again to the present generation. I recommend this car us better than Benz.Thank you Austin and In Srilanka where to day you can see these Austin 40 30 35 and big Sometsets .
Thank you Steph, another amazing video! I have emailed you about my 1938 Austin 10 Cambridge, as I was wondering if it might be of interest to you for your show? I am in Yorkshire too! All the best :)
My first car,,in Dunedin NZ,,was a Wolseley 1500...that's where I learned pretty quickly how to double declutch down into 1st ( in the hill suburbs..). Our later 16/60 had a floor switch for the high beam. I'd be happy enough with a prewar..late 40s car,,if you can find a mechanic who knows what to do..... except I'd get seat belts put in straight away....Drum brakes..well, yes..you do have to read ahead a few seconds.
I grew up with very little interest in pre-war cars, but having read a couple of complete histories of the car it showed that the earlier years of motoring were a reat time of burgoening engineering. As you point out with this cars similarities to later models, mechanically, the car didn't change much once they worked it out. And whilst there's still innovation in cars, it can be fascinating to see other ideas they had before the norm set in (eg. trafficators before indicators), and how they attempted to solve a range of issues (sometimes achieving that better than they do now, just not as cost effectively). Great to see this as there's not too much of this era on youtube, would love to see more so we can all learn more.
Wow what an amazing car ! Seems so well designed for the time. Kind of reminded me of a old taxi. Hope all going ok for you Steph and waiting for Tina to appear again !
I am so uninterested in this age of car, but then, because it is you I watched... and obviously loved! Thank you for the upload, explaining it all as you always do so charmingly (if that's a word), what an impressive car! Love from Norway
Marketing "Speil", didn't think you would know these Yiddiish words in the middle of England. Keep up the great work, love watching your channel here in the USA.
I'm a couple years off forty, yet I have a bunch of pre war Austins among other makes. The Austin products are the best all rounders I find. My 8 gets all around the country with me and doesn't complain unless traffic is bad as she has no water pump.
My First car ex grand fathers he had since new [1955] two batteries under the front seats drove it till it expired did a clutch job one valve broke where a pin went through noisy diff. gear box used lock in 1st lots of fun for 15yr old
Beautiful old Austin though I can't see seating for seven adults, I thought at first there would be two dicky seats pulling out the back of the front seats but they turned out to be footrests and picnic tables?
Believe it or not those footrests are actually supposed to be fold down "occasional" seats. And then I suppose you'd fit 3 on the front bench. Bit of a squeeze but there's your seven! 😂
What a wonderful vehicle. How did you like the brakes? I remember that my late Uncle restored a 1932 Packard with four wheel mechanical brakes with three shoes per drum... and it needed it! That car would easily do 70mph and weighed over two tonnes. It was interesting to get the brakes adjusted so it braked evenly, but it was his passion. It also had a system that lubed the chassis when you hit the brakes. But my first experience with mechanical brakes was the Model T Ford, which only had rear brakes, and tires about half the width of the Austin. Thank goodness 25 mph was pretty much top speed in that vehicle. Also, I noticed the hole for crank starting the motor. Does it have the crank? Excellent review, as usual.
Great with you as always Steph. Yours is such a fascinating channel with such variety. I look forward to the next episode knowing it is never predictable with you, but there is always great variety. As usual extremely well researched with lots of fascinating information. Once again I like how you choose an outfit to coordinate for the colour scheme of the car. Great style, have a great week.
I am amazed how easy and smooth this old Austin drives , and the level of comfort and luxury is completely unexpected ! I love the instruments and that big black steeringwheel . If the wood and leather would be recollored / restored , that interior is just smashing ! That Austin really has loads of caracter , i am not surprized the owner doesn't want to part !
I can just imagine the interior smell of this car - mix of aged leather and touch of petrol - mmmm! Beautiful relaxed whine too. Not to mention better vision than most modern cars.
I'm amazed at the total lack of steering wander as you drove... no see-sawing required at the wheel to keep her straight, didn't see any evidence of tram-lining either, which on narrow cross-plies are sort of par for the course. Great video thank you! (That's got to be a re-built steering box surely?)
I remember as a teenager admiring the dignity and majesty of the 1964 Wolseley 6/99 and 6/110. They looked beautiful in black, with lots of chrome, and were used by the Met police at the time. Would it be possible for you to review one of these cars?
Well all I can say is what an enthralling motor car Alf is! I don’t know anything much at all about any cars before 1960s really and this was fascinating. So true about about younger generations appreciating pre-war cars. A friend of mine who is in his 20s has just bought a 1920s Vauxhall! And you know me Steph how much I love older things because they are from an era when engineering counted, not profit and this car is a perfect example of how quality and engineering will always survive. Fantastic video Steph!
That was utterly charming. I have never heard before of an opening windscreen. I was also surprised that the car was so quiet. I was born during WWII and I do believe that as a young lad after the war I actually saw these cars out and about. The double rear window certainly seems familiar to me.
I'm not generally taken with pre war cars. I do like the Citroen Traction Avant which is a pre war design though many were manufactured after the war. A guy I spoke with in a local classic car group has a smaller pre war car and he did say the lack of performance can be an issue keeping up with modern traffic. This larger car however looks very usable and I love the space in the back and that amazing upholstery. I think I could happily live with the compromises of a pre war car for setting like this one. Perhaps the key to pre war cars in the modern world is to go for a big luxury car. Classic cars are often driven by nostalgia and sadly there are less people still around with nostalgia for cars of this age.
Looks similar to the Wolseley 18--different grill though. Those Jackall jacks used to stick down a bit any d often got damaged--most people took them off--so there must be a few of them hidden in unusual places around in good condition. It has front hinged doors too--a good idea--the Wolseley had suicide doors. The sun roof was standard 9n the Wolseley's
What a fantastic car! Apparently you didn't buy an Austin, you invested in one! Certainly a quality car for the time, what a shame so few are left. There's nothing like a straight six engine, so smooth and quiet. Great video as always!
Is there some sort of "interlock" mechanism between the opening windscreen and the wipers? Otherwise you could find the wipers operating on the inside of the car.
The wipers park off the screen, and the control mechanism requires you to manually move the wipers before they will stay switched off. It's still possible to have the mishap that you described if one is careless!
I think we have one running around here locally in New Zealand. We had an Austin 10 when we were little which my father traded in on a 63 Bug in I think 67.
I would not want something like an Austin 7 with a crash box but this sounds like a good way to sample prewar car technology. Austin did make some posh cars such as the Sheerline.
British cars of the 1930s were built so well more like this please l thought the 1950s snd 1960s was the golden years of motoring but now l have to include the 1930s with examples of this Austin
A reminder of what the British motor industry was capable of !
Yep bugger all
Was os a dad Word nowadays. But not only British industria. Laso Manu others.
Sorry the corrector.
Is. Sad. Word.
That was before 'THE UNIONS' put paid to the British motor industry which designed and engineered some of the best cars in the world.
Austin, Morris, Riley, Sunbeam, Woelsey, M.G., Hillman and others all fell victim to the likes of RED RAB and his job destroying union cohorts.
I love a pre-war car... 🖤
The 30s made the most elegant looking cars in my opinion.
Yeah, while an A30 is my dream car, I’d love an Austin 7 Ruby.
@@uzaiyaro the Ruby is a lovely little car!
@@___Steinn___ I totally agree! But if I may ask, and apologies if this is a personal question! But Steph mentioned that there aren’t many, if any, younger folks into these sorts of cars. How old are you? I’m 29 here, and yeah, these are my dream cars!
Oh I’m 34! X
@@idriveaclassic hi Steph! I love your work, and your moggie! I’m so happy there are other folks roughly around my age who like these quirky, not-quite-performance models. You don’t know how much I would give to simply ride in of these old sweethearts, let alone drive one! Maybe it’ll happen sooner or later, but here down in southeast, there seem to be one or two groups about this sorta thing.
I am so unbelievably lucky I have the people I do in my life. I love you all. Now I’m gonna go to bed and spare this madness getting any longer. Cheers!
Just as we all start to think "Surely Stef has reached the absolute summit now and she can't possibly get any better" you come up with a magnificent video like this. Absolutely riveting viewing, and surely your site is one of the best automotive sites on the whole of RUclips. Well done!!!
I certainly agree with the glowing comments below - but - I really missed not hearing the horn... what a lovely car!
Great review of Alf Stef. I have Alf’s brother a 1939 Austin Eighteen Norfolk that has only covered less than 12,000 miles from new.
Thanks Steph for the lovely review. My 37 Austin 10 is a little brother to this fantastic vehicle. They have so many things in common too. People have forgotten just how nice late pre-war cars are and that car development didn't really get going again until the 50's.
When I was very small (almost too small to remember anything much about it), my parents had an Austin 10 from about 1935, known as Betsy. The key things they used to talk about were the solid quality of the car and it's quietness. They also used to keep first gear for steep hills. They travelled all over the UK in her until she was sold in the early 1960s and replaced by a Rover 12, which was not as good an example of it's type as Betsy had been. Nice video, subscribed.
What a beautiful car is Alf! I drove a smaller Austin 10 at a stage and I was surprised how friendly it was- The steering was a bit vague and you had to watch your distance but the smiles waves and nods of approval you get from other road users make it !! You handled that Austin 18 like you always drove them - Your reviews are really superb and I really enjoy them ! You are spot on - Nothing to fear from an older car !!
It is so lovely to see you back at it, Steph. Cheers!
Love all things British, vintage, especially the Austin range.and this model in particular .Alf is great !
Pre-war cars usually fly under my radar but I really could be tempted by one of these.
Thanks for posting the video and your presentation. A car of this calibre was like a mobile castle. Very strong, safe....... and with interior appointment no longer seen in motor cars today. I was interested to hear you comment on how quiet the car was too. There was a lot more to technology back then, than is given credit for today . Thanks for a refreshing account.
I can smell the interior through my computer and it's glorious. Thanks for another great review.
I was just about to write the same!
Yet another wonderfully presented video Steph. You have such a great way of enthusiastically delivering your reviews - your warm enthusiasm for these old classics comes shining through in a may many presenters couldnʻt achieve! And I am in awe of the way you easily slip behind the wheel of all these different vehicles and handle them so competently. Do you have a trial run with the owner first - surely you must!!! Colleague at work restored one of these not too long ago in dark blue with black guards. Aunty had a Austin 10 after the war and a friend of my uncle grew up in Egypt and his family had the more powerful version - Austin 20. Iʻve seen photos of it amongst the pyramids. Bought it back to NZ when they emigrated. When he was old enough, he was allowed to take it out. Out with friends one Sunday afternoon and they goaded him into winding it up along a long straight (down hill?) country road. Someone took a photo of the speedo up around the 100mph mark which unfortunately, the father found at a later date and asked for a ʻplease explain?ʻ Long time before he was allowed to drive the car again. Austins were popular in NZ and quite a few still survive and pop up for sale every now and then. Very undervalued!
Absolutely charming car and I love seeing the enjoyment and enthusiasm Stephanie when you talk about the Car your reviewing. And Austin cars really used to be quality. Especially this era .
My first car was an Austin 16, very similar in looks to the one above. I was 15 yrs old at the time. I don't remember the year of the car but I guess it was probably very late 40's or early 50's I drove it to London from Hampshire several times and even drove into Downing St. on one occasion and asked the policeman outside No10 if Mr Wilson was at home. He gave me my marching orders and I turned it around and drove out swiftly before he looked any closer at me. After a month or two of hiding it from my father who would have skinned me, the clutch gave out and not having the money to get it fixed abandoned it, I don't remember where. However, I do always remember what a lovely comfortable and roomy car it was. The only downside was starting it on the handle on cold and frosty mornings. I saw a photo of one recently in an off-white colour, it still looked like a great car.
Loved it! A perfect example of old world engineering and comfort with plenty of interior room to boot! Pull-down shades, footrests and picnic tables...definitely the Rolls Royce of Austins!
"You do not purchase an Austin, you invest in it", this sales slogan was no empty claptrap. After 84 years, almost a century, this car is the best proof of Pa' Austin's timeless principles of conservative engineering and superior workmanship. And all at a reasonable price! I enjoyed so much your charming way of testing this jewel! Warm greetings from a Hungarian classic car maniac!!!!!!
I love the doors hinged like a cabinet. Wonderful video, Steph!
Fanastic presentation, Steph. Even though you said that "Alf" is not your usual type of car, I haven't gotten the impression you really have any particular "usual" type since the beginning of the series. I NEVER know what to expect, and its always a very pleasant surprise, be it 1930s to 1990s. Perhaps the most endearing approach of your very enjoyable youtube channel is that you are young, enjoy learning, enjoy a good challenge, and make bold moves. You present cars not from a pompous rattling off of factoids, but rather a very natural and authentic sharing of perspective that really appeals to people like myself who are A) Avid car enthusiasts interested in everything and everything, B) enjoy seeing something that isn't the current talk of the town and on the forgotten side C) enjoy nostalgia and D) have a rather positive attitude overall. I don't enjoy presentations of cars where there is relentlessly critical and unflattering unless it is perfection in their world....which is typically 800+ horsepower, 0 to 60 in 2.9 seconds, top speed 218 miles per hour, etc. That may be popular, which is fine, but I make no apologies for appreciating your show more than more expensive and famous productions. It's quality over quantity! Thanks as usual, and I always enjoy your choices and presentations!!!! You're looking great in the New Year! Be well!!!
What a beautiful, beautiful old car and I just love the whine the straight cut gears in the gearbox make
I so agree - check out AEC bus videos if you like a good 'whine!'
But total absence of hypoed rear differential whine! Alf in fine fettle!!!
Austin is little known here in the States but it did make the Nash Metropolitan, a very lovely little car that's become quite a collector, as trivia it had the same turn indicator on top of the steering wheel, the Austin Healey 3000, which my older cousin had when I was about 12, quite lovely!
Nothing beats the charm of a 30s car, I adore my 1936 Morris Eight. Great video Steph and Mark 👍
Great presentation, Steph. It is the same here in the USA. I own a 1940 and 1946 Buick. They drive beautifully and are very inexpensive to buy. Everyone over here wants muscle cars. They are missing the boat, but I think one day a new generation of younger folks will start to pay attention to these older vehicles. You have a new fan. Thanks from Maryland, USA.
Hiya Steph. I've actually had a lift in a pre-war Austin, it was Boxing Day 1971. The car was a 1937 Cambridge 10, belonging to the late Harry Millard who knew my late dad through employment at H.M. Hobsons, later Lucas Aerospace. Its registration mark was BDA 71 apparently.
Those straight cut gears have such a distinctive sound! Fun to hear it outside of an old movie.
Beautiful relaxed sound isn't it. Check out AEC bus transmission videos - if you like a good whine!
Thanks for the tour of the Austin 18/6, Steph - she's a beauty! I particularly love the sound of the gearbox - so reminiscent of the A30/A35's unit and one that I used to refer to as the 'Music Box' because the tune it plays is a major third in second gear and a minor third in third. The pre-war beasts were pretty quick to get to their cruising speeds due to their gearing - even though they had quite a bit more weight to shift. They may not have had a huge top speed by modern standards, but 50mph was a very attainable cruising speed and to be honest, the lever / drum brake system wouldn't have been much effective to stop it much over that. My parents had a 1937 Hillman Hawk and one thing I remember from that car was that you felt like royalty when sat in the rear - she had so much room. We did a trip up north to see Mum's brother 100 or so miles away and Dad had to stop for petrol just over half way as she only did 8mpg! Even though the Hillman had leather upholstery, it certainly wasn't as well appointed as the Austin 18/6 though. I must admit to being curious about driving one now myself!
That's one heck of a car for 1938! Good to see you again Steph, had missed your videos. Happy new year.
Plenty of these late 1930s Austins about when I was a lad in the 1940s. There was a whole range of six models all with the same family likeness, from the Big Seven to the 7-seater Ranelagh limousine. All had the same firm stance. This model is the Norfolk Saloon with a 2.5 litre engine; my father had the next model down, a Goodwood with a 1.7 litre engine and my uncle a Big Seven with a 0.9 litre engine. I have always liked them all.
Another great video Steph, proper love big pre war cars. My 1st boss had a Austin 10 back in the 1990's
The definition of luxury has changed a lot over the decades. This is also a good demonstration of what defines a good car. It's not about top speed or how fast it can get around a race track. What is important in a road car is very different. Really Good video Steph and a lovely car.
16:45 There is something so awesome about the sound of the transmission in those older cars!
Just a beautiful relaxed sound isn't it.
They had planned to produce a more luxurious version, but the war stopped that. It was to be called the Austin Tacious :-)
I wish this wasn’t a joke. Brilliant comeback.
Do behave! 🤓😆😆
Oh I’m stealing that one.
Hello Steph. That was a brilliant review. Alf is amazing. So classy and oodles of character. No modern car on the road now can compare in terms of character. Alf is so advanced for the year it was built and shows how good Austin were. Mark seems a really nice person and obviously has great respect for Alf saying that he is the custodian of him and will never sell him. Many thanks.
Your comment that this car is spacious enough for a taxi brings back memories of riding in taxis of this model with my parents in my post-war childhood days, and they were lovely to ride in.. You've also jogged memories of having to learn to double-declutch when I was learning to drive! I always enjoy your reviews, and this one has brought me particular pleasure. Thank you!
I have just purchased a 1947 Austin 10 and whilst Olive isn’t in the same condition as Alfie she’s utterly adorable. She would’ve been considered a bit dated even when new but still some lovely touches.
Got some fuel delivery issues currently so driving it tends to be short and sweet but I couldn’t agree more as a very useable vehicle and achingly beautiful. You travel everywhere in a bubble of smiles which is very nice. ❤
Really impressed with this car Steph. I loved your time in the back seat. Car reviews don't just need to be about the driver. Why not think about the passengers too.
Absolutely! We always think of the driver but why not the passenger.
My father was apprenticed at an Austin dealership in the mid 1930’s. He later worked on cars like this and always reckoned that when set up properly all you could hear from the engine at tickover was the regular hiss, hiss of air being drawn into the carburettor.
It’s brilliant isn’t it.
Loved the video. The transmission noise on pull away took me back to my Uncle's Austin 16.
Great as always Steph! Yes the 12 volt in this was surprising to hear about. I had a 67 VW Beetle and that was the first model year for the 12 volt system in it, so very interesting indeed.
Love cars from the 1930’s and 40’s and I’m relatively young (34). What a fun novelty to drive something of that era 😍
It is a beautiful car. Even showing a little wear and tear, It is still wonderfully intact and drives very well. I noticed you barely had to do any correction with the steering wheel as you motored along. I would love to have one of these here in the states. Reminds me of late 30's GM and Ford styling...so "livable" to sit in and enjoy the drive. Thanks for showing this.
This is GREAT. I'm only 5½ minutes in and had to make a comment. 6 volt positive earth electrics were the standard here in North America, through until some GM brands switched in 1953. Ford made the switch to 12 volt for the 1956 model year.
When you were talking about who might have bought on new, a comparison to keep in mind is that when Douglas Bader was engaged to his first wife, Thelma, their plan was to get married when his income hit £500 per year, which happened in 1937. Gives an idea of how much this lovely Austin cost new in terms of work hours for an average person.
Thank you!
@@idriveaclassic I just finished watching the video. I found it really interesting indeed. The first car I wanted to buy myself was a one owner 1940 Ford Custom Deluxe V8 convertible, aka Drophead coupé. It was a one owner car that sold for an astounding $500. Today in that condition, it would be more like $30,000. Cars from that era can very much be used on modern roads. My Granddad's first new car was a 1940 Plymouth, and that car did the drive from Toronto, Ontario to Sidney, Nova Scotia, which is 1,300 miles each way. Nobody thought much of that. Seeing a beautiful car like Alf out and about is simply wonderful. Keep up the good work.
I currently own the LWB version of this, the Austin 18/6 Windsor with it's orignal log book when it was delivered in 1938 to it's first owner in Bristol. Always fires on the button, even after being sat for months over the winter season. Great review, thank you 👍
I had an Austin FX3 1955 Taxi , which looked similar to this , but it only had a 4 cylinder 2000cc engine I think , it had lift forward front window , four built in jacks which were operated from under the bonnet , you could select either , all together , front 2 , back 2 , left side or right side , all used with a handle to raise or lower them . I think in some later models they had an electric pump. It had 3 seats across the back plus 2 dickie seats off the bulkhead behind the driver . In front was the driver seat , and a luggage space beside the driver , with no door . I used to take about 11 people in it to play cricket in London , probably did not help the suspension , but I was young at the time . I changed the jets in the carb , and could cruise at 70 mph , which was ok until you used the rod brakes which were not particularly responsive . It was a fun car especially with its small turning circle .
Marvellous video Steph, I have the predesessor to this model, the York saloon , this is the 18/6 Windsor saloon.
I own a couple of pre-war cars now and yes, they are quite easy to drive once you get the hang of it. The only thing you need to keep in mind is they are not high acceleration, so need to been more aware at things like roundabouts etc. But they are quite usable.
Looking absolutely lovely with the chipped cracking paint. And the ever-so slightly scruffy interior looks very comfortable and homely.
Looks a lovely classic,gearbox and engine sound sweet. That was a very good point about reading the road ahead.Something alot of people should do more!
Yeh! congrats on your first review of 2022, my favorite car reviewer...always!
Aw tom 😭❤️
What a great review of this lovely Austin. What a lovely noise once its underway, a real gem.
Nice upload. Love the net holder for the trilby hat!
What an amazingly well appointed car! Fantastic sounding engine. Love the luggage net 🙂
Fantastic video Steph, what a lovely car, really like the thoughtful touches on these cars like the back seat blinds and picnic tables. Also great job on the matching outfit! 😀
Thanks Stephanie as usual great informative vid. Always had a soft spot for English cars, particularly Austin. Wish list, is for you to do a review on a car I once owned. A 1957 Austin A 105 Vanden Plas. Looking forward to your future reviews. Kind Regards from NZ
What a fabulous car. This is a new one to me but your enthusiasm for Alf is infectious
My father was using Austin 7
Austin 8
Austin 10 in Ceylon on 1945 to 1959
Incredible car in the Ausyin world o those days.Not necessary to take these cars right the mechanics.
No death to these Austin cars
I hope again the Austin Motor Company should manufacture these unforgettable cars once again to the present generation.
I recommend this car us better than Benz.Thank you Austin and In Srilanka where to day you can see these Austin 40 30 35 and big Sometsets .
Thank you Steph, another amazing video! I have emailed you about my 1938 Austin 10 Cambridge, as I was wondering if it might be of interest to you for your show? I am in Yorkshire too! All the best :)
Hello lovely!!! I’m behind on emails. Can you forward back to me please and I’ll book you xxx
@@idriveaclassic Hey Steph, I've just forwarded it to you on your gmail address. Very excited! Look forward to meeting you :)
Try a pre-selector gear box. Those are really nice boxes to use - even for pre-war cars
My first car,,in Dunedin NZ,,was a Wolseley 1500...that's where I learned pretty quickly how to double declutch down into 1st ( in the hill suburbs..). Our later 16/60 had a floor switch for the high beam.
I'd be happy enough with a prewar..late 40s car,,if you can find a mechanic who knows what to do..... except I'd get seat belts put in straight away....Drum brakes..well, yes..you do have to read ahead a few seconds.
I grew up with very little interest in pre-war cars, but having read a couple of complete histories of the car it showed that the earlier years of motoring were a reat time of burgoening engineering. As you point out with this cars similarities to later models, mechanically, the car didn't change much once they worked it out. And whilst there's still innovation in cars, it can be fascinating to see other ideas they had before the norm set in (eg. trafficators before indicators), and how they attempted to solve a range of issues (sometimes achieving that better than they do now, just not as cost effectively).
Great to see this as there's not too much of this era on youtube, would love to see more so we can all learn more.
Wow what an amazing car ! Seems so well designed for the time. Kind of reminded me of a old taxi. Hope all going ok for you Steph and waiting for Tina to appear again !
I am so uninterested in this age of car, but then, because it is you I watched... and obviously loved! Thank you for the upload, explaining it all as you always do so charmingly (if that's a word), what an impressive car! Love from Norway
Marketing "Speil", didn't think you would know these Yiddiish words in the middle of England. Keep up the great work, love watching your channel here in the USA.
I'm a couple years off forty, yet I have a bunch of pre war Austins among other makes. The Austin products are the best all rounders I find. My 8 gets all around the country with me and doesn't complain unless traffic is bad as she has no water pump.
My First car ex grand fathers he had since new [1955] two batteries under the front seats drove it till it expired did a clutch job one valve broke where a pin went through noisy diff. gear box used lock in 1st lots of fun for 15yr old
Beautiful old Austin though I can't see seating for seven adults, I thought at first there would be two dicky seats pulling out the back of the front seats but they turned out to be footrests and picnic tables?
Believe it or not those footrests are actually supposed to be fold down "occasional" seats. And then I suppose you'd fit 3 on the front bench. Bit of a squeeze but there's your seven! 😂
What a wonderful vehicle. How did you like the brakes? I remember that my late Uncle restored a 1932 Packard with four wheel mechanical brakes with three shoes per drum... and it needed it! That car would easily do 70mph and weighed over two tonnes. It was interesting to get the brakes adjusted so it braked evenly, but it was his passion. It also had a system that lubed the chassis when you hit the brakes. But my first experience with mechanical brakes was the Model T Ford, which only had rear brakes, and tires about half the width of the Austin. Thank goodness 25 mph was pretty much top speed in that vehicle. Also, I noticed the hole for crank starting the motor. Does it have the crank? Excellent review, as usual.
Great with you as always Steph. Yours is such a fascinating channel with such variety. I look forward to the next episode knowing it is never predictable with you, but there is always great variety. As usual extremely well researched with lots of fascinating information. Once again I like how you choose an outfit to coordinate for the colour scheme of the car. Great style, have a great week.
I am amazed how easy and smooth this
old Austin drives , and the level of comfort and luxury is completely unexpected !
I love the instruments and that big black
steeringwheel .
If the wood and leather would be recollored / restored , that interior is just
smashing !
That Austin really has loads of caracter ,
i am not surprized the owner doesn't want to part !
Alfie has true matinee idol good looks and patina to die for. I’m totally smitten. So happy that he is enjoyed in proper use.
My mk10 Jaguar has got the same picnic tables in the back but with built in mirrors aswell, also has a slide out one for the front seats.
I can just imagine the interior smell of this car - mix of aged leather and touch of petrol - mmmm!
Beautiful relaxed whine too. Not to mention better vision than most modern cars.
I'm amazed at the total lack of steering wander as you drove... no see-sawing required at the wheel to keep her straight, didn't see any evidence of tram-lining either, which on narrow cross-plies are sort of par for the course. Great video thank you! (That's got to be a re-built steering box surely?)
OMG! Another beautiful British car I had no idea exists! I love these videos! Thank you!
I remember as a teenager admiring the dignity and majesty of the 1964 Wolseley 6/99 and 6/110. They looked beautiful in black, with lots of chrome, and were used by the Met police at the time. Would it be possible for you to review one of these cars?
Well all I can say is what an enthralling motor car Alf is! I don’t know anything much at all about any cars before 1960s really and this was fascinating. So true about about younger generations appreciating pre-war cars. A friend of mine who is in his 20s has just bought a 1920s Vauxhall! And you know me Steph how much I love older things because they are from an era when engineering counted, not profit and this car is a perfect example of how quality and engineering will always survive. Fantastic video Steph!
My first car was the younger smaller brother of this , a 1947 Austin 8. Lovely little car,
My dear Dad had one of these in the '50s (HHX 931) I wish I had it now.
What a beauty , such a sophisticated vehicle aswell , i had no idea how good they were , so thanks for showcasing it .
That was utterly charming. I have never heard before of an opening windscreen. I was also surprised that the car was so quiet.
I was born during WWII and I do believe that as a young lad after the war I actually saw these cars out and about. The double rear window certainly seems familiar to me.
so enjoyed the film clip today, how advanced the car is for the year it was made - classic engineering!!
My grandad had one as a private hire car from 1939 to 1953,it’s number was BPG 350.
I love Austins .... I'd love to own one of those pre-classics ...
"Read the road ahead" -- yes! Sweet review and that is a great car.
I'm not generally taken with pre war cars. I do like the Citroen Traction Avant which is a pre war design though many were manufactured after the war. A guy I spoke with in a local classic car group has a smaller pre war car and he did say the lack of performance can be an issue keeping up with modern traffic. This larger car however looks very usable and I love the space in the back and that amazing upholstery. I think I could happily live with the compromises of a pre war car for setting like this one. Perhaps the key to pre war cars in the modern world is to go for a big luxury car.
Classic cars are often driven by nostalgia and sadly there are less people still around with nostalgia for cars of this age.
Great to see a new video and what a car to come back with! I'm sure 2022 will be a good year for us all.
Looks similar to the Wolseley 18--different grill though. Those Jackall jacks used to stick down a bit any d often got damaged--most people took them off--so there must be a few of them hidden in unusual places around in good condition. It has front hinged doors too--a good idea--the Wolseley had suicide doors. The sun roof was standard 9n the Wolseley's
What a fantastic car! Apparently you didn't buy an Austin, you invested in one! Certainly a quality car for the time, what a shame so few are left. There's nothing like a straight six engine, so smooth and quiet. Great video as always!
When you mentioned taxi this car at the start of the video did remind me of an Austin FX 3
Actually a green transparent sun visor is very useful. It filters the sun rays, without being a visual obstruction. I used them on buses.
Is there some sort of "interlock" mechanism between the opening windscreen and the wipers?
Otherwise you could find the wipers operating on the inside of the car.
The wipers park off the screen, and the control mechanism requires you to manually move the wipers before they will stay switched off. It's still possible to have the mishap that you described if one is careless!
I think we have one running around here locally in New Zealand. We had an Austin 10 when we were little which my father traded in on a 63 Bug in I think 67.
I would not want something like an Austin 7 with a crash box but this sounds like a good way to sample prewar car technology. Austin did make some posh cars such as the Sheerline.
I know its a bit of a long shot but I'm pretty sure they used these body lines to make the fx3 taxi which came out a bit later on
Sounds amazing. That’s a straight six for you! Nice video 👍
British cars of the 1930s were built so well more like this please l thought the 1950s snd 1960s was the golden years of motoring but now l have to include the 1930s with examples of this Austin
Sounds amazing! I was so surprised.
Tell alf to get some saddle soap into those seats and save them. Love your work x
Nice old bus,Steph looking very regal today,just off to do a spot of period drama.....
Love these pre-war videos. I'd happily have one as a daily driver today. So elegant.