A charming and usable example of one of Britain’s most recognisable family saloons, this 1973 Austin 1300 has had just four owners from new and is believed to have covered 72,971 miles. Reportedly used on a daily basis until 2008, the car was then placed into dry storage where it remained for the following 18 years. Recommissioned earlier this year, it is now described as a usable classic car and presents as a tidy example both inside and out.
Following its extended period in dry storage, the Austin was recommissioned earlier this year with the fitting of a new exhaust, spark plugs, points and condenser. The car is reported to be in tidy overall condition inside and out, although some attention may be required to areas of the paintwork depending on the next owner's expectations. It is accompanied by its original Passport to Service booklet, which records five service stamps between 1973 and 1978, covering approximately 20,000 miles during that period.
Also retained within the booklet is a fascinating 1972 recommended servicing charge sheet, offering a wonderful insight into the cost of motoring when the car was new. An 'A' service for the Austin 1300 was quoted at approximately £7.09, while a 'B' service cost around £8.51.
With only four owners from new and a believed mileage of 72,971, this example appears to have enjoyed a relatively settled life. The car was reportedly in regular daily use until 2008 before being placed into dry storage for approximately 18 years. Its recent recommissioning has now brought it back into use, making it an appealing proposition for somebody looking for a practical and characterful British classic.
The Austin 1300 formed part of the hugely successful ADO16 family, developed under the direction of Alec Issigonis with styling input from Pininfarina. The range became one of Britain's best-selling cars of the 1960s and early 1970s, combining compact dimensions with impressive interior space and innovative engineering. Powered by the familiar 1,275cc transverse A-Series four-cylinder engine, the 1300 drives the front wheels through a four-speed manual gearbox. One of the model's most distinctive features is its Hydrolastic suspension system, hydraulically interconnecting the front and rear suspension units to provide a particularly compliant ride. This 1973 example dates from the closing stages of UK ADO16 production, shortly before British Leyland transitioned towards its replacement, the Austin Allegro.
Once an everyday sight on British roads, surviving Austin 1300s have become increasingly uncommon. This example combines four-owner provenance, believed 72,971-mile mileage, long-term dry storage and recent recommissioning, while retaining useful early documentation from the first years of its life.
With its tidy presentation, straightforward mechanical specification and recent expenditure, it represents an appealing opportunity to acquire a usable 1970s British classic with plenty of period charm. The original service booklet and period servicing price sheet further add to its nostalgic appeal.
