In Brief:

• A lovely example of an A40 Sports
• Finished in Almond Green with a Tan soft top over Cream leather
• Owned by The Vendor for the last 5 years
• Just 4 former keepers
• Recent new clutch and a fully refurbished cylinder head

Auctioneer's Notes:

A charming and rarely seen 1952 Austin A40 Sport, offered from 5 years of current ownership and showing just 4 keepers from new. The Vendor describes it as a sound little classic car and notes that the sale is only due to reduced storage. Presented with a pleasing period character, this A40 Sport has clearly been enjoyed within the classic car scene, with accompanying display boards suggesting previous appearances at events, including the 2022 GRRC Annual Open Day and Austin Counties Car Club displays.

Maintenance & Condition:

During The Vendor’s ownership, the car has benefitted from a good amount of mechanical attention. The Vendor reports that it has recently been fitted with a new clutch and a fully refurbished cylinder head. Invoices within the file detail almost £2,000 worth of work carried out during The Vendor’s care alone, with a further reported £2,000 spent in labour charges. The accompanying show board also notes that previous recommissioning work included attention to the brakes, suspension, lights, head and other mechanical areas, helping to return the car to reliable use.

History:

The history file is particularly appealing and includes a British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate, original service manual, original Austin A40 Lubrication Chart poster and a very original Austin A40 Sports Advance Supplement booklet, albeit in well-used condition. Also included are details from the Austin Counties Car Club, including membership confirmations, parts booklets, show information, club magazines and brake set-up information sent to The Vendor with handwritten notes. The Vendor also reports that the car has featured in two magazine articles during its life, with related magazines and photographs included in the file. The accompanying display boards reference the Austin Counties Car Club and the model’s Jensen connection, with one board also noting that around 3,850 examples were built in West Bromwich and that only a small number were known by the Austin Counties Register as remaining on the road at the time of writing.

The Model:

The Austin A40 Sport was a stylish and unusual post-war British sporting tourer, developed from the Austin A40 Devon and built by Jensen. Designed by Eric Neale, it combined Austin’s dependable mechanical platform with a more elegant, coachbuilt open body. Powered by Austin’s 1.2-litre four-cylinder engine, the A40 Sport was never intended as a high-performance machine, but instead offered attractive open-top motoring, usable mechanicals and a touch of exclusivity. Its Jensen-built bodywork and limited production numbers make it a particularly interesting member of the wider Austin Counties family.

Sale Insight:

With just 4 keepers from new, current ownership of 5 years, recent mechanical work and a notably engaging history file, this Austin A40 Sport represents an appealing opportunity for the enthusiast seeking something rarer than the usual small British classic. Its club connections, show boards, magazine features and Heritage Certificate add welcome depth to its story, while its attractive Jensen-built body gives it a distinctive charm. A reluctant sale, and a lovely little classic with plenty of character.

Estimate:
£5,000 - £6,000