Classic 1933 American Austin Bantam
by Frank J Benz
Title
Classic 1933 American Austin Bantam
Artist
Frank J Benz
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
The American Austin Car Company was founded in 1929, in Butler, Pennsylvania in a facility that was owned by the Standard Steel Car Company. The intent was to build and market in the United States a version of the Austin 7 car, called the American Austin. After some success the Great Depression came along and sales plummeted to the point that production of the automobile was suspended. In 1934 the American Austin Car Company filed for bankruptcy.
The American Austin Car Company had hoped to create a small car enthusiast market in the United States but unfortunately for them it did not work out well. The company sold about 8,000 cars during its first year but sales declined rapidly and production was halted in 1932. Production was restarted in 1934 with all the bodies now being made in house, still not successful everything ground to a halt sometime around the 1935 time frame. Approximately 20,000 cars in total were produced by the original company.
Roy Evans, previously a salesman for Austin, bought out the bankrupt company in 1935 reorganizing the operation and called it American Bantam. While a relationship was maintained with UK Austin, the connection was formally severed. Several changes was made to the American Austin car design, including an engine modification and some exterior sheetmetal design. Production started back up in 1937 and was maintained through 1941. Aside from the fact that a very wide range of Bantam body styles were available, from light trucks to woodie station wagons, only about 6,000 Bantams of all types were produced. The American Bantam 1938 model is noted for inspiring Donald Ducks car and was first seen in 1937.
During the 1960s, this car garnered a lot of interest with with hot rodders and among several drag racers. The short 75 in wheelbase made it very attractive even compared to the Anglia.
Automotive photos look great displayed in a den, family room, office, garage, auto service shop waiting rooms, tire stores, parts stores, hot rod shops and upholstery shops. If you are not interested in one of these photos for yourself do not forget about your friends or other family members that have an interest in the automotive field. Photos make marvelous gifts and are suitable for numerous occasions ! ! !
Uploaded
January 26th, 2014
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