1930-1934 American Austin: A Pioneering Auto in US History

1930-1934 American Austin Browse the article 1930-1934 American Austin

1930-1934 American Austin

Produced in Butler, Pennsylvania, by Sir Herbert Austin, the 1930-1934 American Austin was an early attempt at tariff-busting via local assembly, prefiguring today's U.S. Japanese transplant operations.

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American Austin Model A coupe. See more pictures of Austin cars.

Based on the British Austin Seven design and powered by a two-main-bearing L-head four, the American Austin was offered in roadster, runabout, cabriolet, and coupe models, of which the first three are far more desirable.

The American Austin failed because of the depression and because Americans didn't really take to cars this tiny. Though few survive today, those that do are increasingly collected. The line continued as the American Bantam.

Pluses of the 1930-1934 American Austin:

• As whimsical and cute as a 1930s car ever got
• Low purchase and operating costs
• Parts usually inexpensive

Minuses of the 1930-1934 American Austin:

• Underpowered and underbraked
• Parts increasingly scarce, particularly sheetmetal

Estimated Production of the 1930-1934 American Austin (calendar year figures):

• 1930: 8,558
• 1931: 1,279
• 1932: 3,846
• 1933: 4,725
• 1934: 1,300

Specifications of the 1930-1934 American Austin:
Wheelbase, inches: 75.0
Length, inches: 105.0
Weight, pounds: 1,020-1,175
Price, new: $275-550

Engines for the 1930-1934 American Austin:

Type Size Horsepower Years sv I-4 46 cid 13/14 1930-1934

American Austin Model A roadster

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