Beschreibung:

To most people, the Austin landaulette is the archetypal London taxicab of the 1930s, this well-restored example of the breed featuring original coachwork by Jones Brothers, a Bayswater, West London-based firm that specialised in bodying Austin taxis. Austin used the dependable sidevalve-engined 12/4 as the basis of their first London taxicab of 1930 and the model would go on to dominate the market. Launched in late 1921, the Twelve owed its success to Austin's superior build quality and the soundness of the basic design. The model became a byword for indestructibility, a virtue that commended itself to the London taxi trade that used the 'Heavy' 12/4 extensively throughout the 1930s and beyond. The 1,861cc engine produced its maximum output of 27bhp at a lowly 2,000rpm, sufficient for 40-45mph cruising at which speed around 26mpg was returned, while effective four-wheel brakes meant that the Twelve coped with sudden emergencies better than many of its rivals. Built to a mechanical specification dictated by the Metropolitan Police's demanding Conditions of Fitness, and expensive to produce because of the low volumes involved, most 12/4 taxicabs enjoyed lengthy careers in service. Indeed, pre-war Austin taxis could still be seen plying for hire at prime tourist locations in London in the early 1960s. When age forced their retirement from active duty, many succumbed to the attentions of students, being converted into extrovert town runabouts. Survivors in original condition are rare. We are advised that this superb example had already been fully and correctly restored prior to its acquisition by the current owner in 1996, the restoration having been completed circa 1994. Finished in blue/black with blue hide upholstery, the vehicle is described as in generally excellent condition and is offered with sundry invoices, road fund licence to December 2004, MoT to April 2004 and Swansea V5 registration document.