Rare 1929 Austin starts in one crank after five decades!

LONDON - A rare Austin 12/4, which was found languishing in a garage, started in a single turn of handle, even after being unused for five decades.

Made in 1929, the car was owned by Roger Bulled’s late father, Leslie, who had been given it by his parents when it was brand new and straight off the forecourt.

And when Roger turned the starter handle, ready to fire up the engine for first time since 1961, he was amazed to hear it turn over as if it had been driven every day.ulled, 63, said he discovered the old car whilst going through his father’s possessions shortly after his death in 2008.

He was too frightened to start the engine up fully in case it ruined the car, but is now putting it up for sale to allow an expert to restore it fully and hopefully get it onto the road.

“I pumped up the tyres and they stayed up. The rubber is cracked but the inner tubes are obviously still intact, which is remarkable really,” the Telegraph quoted him as saying.

“And the engine turned over when we tried it with the starter handle, but I didn’t try to start her up in case I did any damage but I’m sure it would go. I’ve never seen another fabric bodied saloon, even in a museum,” he added.

The car is expected to attract interest when it goes under the hammer at Unique Auctions in Lincoln on April 5.

“The wheels alone are worth 100 pounds each, it’s incredible. Restoring it will cost a fortune, but for someone it will be a labour of love, and it will be lovely because you don’t see vintage cars around anymore,” said Terry Woodcock, the auctioneer. (ANI)