Registration: ACO157
Chassis: G101767
Odometer: 64,000
Transmission: Manual
MOT: Exempt

 Rare cabriolet body

• Matching numbers car
• Plymouth registered
• Comprehensively restored in 2019
• New fabric hood costing £1100
• Two owners since 1970

The Austin 10 range was introduced by the Austin Motor Company in 1932 as a reliable and affordable family car during the challenging economic climate of the Great Depression. By 1937, the model had undergone several refinements in both design and performance. The 1937 version featured a 1.1-litre four-cylinder side-valve engine, offering modest but dependable power for everyday use. It was available in several body styles, including saloon, tourer, and van, reflecting its versatility and widespread appeal. That year also saw minor styling updates and mechanical improvements, such as better suspension and improved interior comfort. The Austin 10 became one of Britain’s best-selling cars of the 1930s, praised for its solid construction, economical running costs, and ease of maintenance. Its success helped cement Austin’s reputation as a major player in the British automotive industry before World War II.

We are delighted to offer this 1937 Austin 10 Conway in blue over black. The Conway designation signifies that it was the rare cabriolet body, which retained its side windows and door frames but sported a full-length, folding roof. Whilst accurate figures are hard to come by, it is believed that are only about a dozen Conways currently on the road, making it far more exclusive than the more commonly seen Cambridge variant. Whilst the history of this car pre-1970 isn’t known, the documents would suggest that it has had only two owners in the subsequent 55 years. Our vendor purchased it as a project some 7 years ago and set about undertaking an extensive, chassis-up restoration. The car was taken back to the bare metal and resprayed, the brightwork was re-chromed, the engine and gearbox was overhauled, tyres replaced and a new fabric hood fitted. There is a hefty stack of invoices relating to the restoration and a pen-drive with a comprehensive photographic record of the work.

We are pleased to say that the restoration has stood up extremely well and the car presents really nicely. The big chrome items like the bumpers, headlamps and hubcaps still look very fresh, although there is some tarnishing to the rear indicators. The hood in particular is in lovely condition and looks to be a high quality item. It’s nice to see that the front wings remain free of the aftermarket indicators that many cars of this era acquire. Inside, our vendor has chosen a sympathetic restoration to what is believed to be a very original cabin. The carpets were replaced but the seats have not been recovered and look all the better for it, the leather being nicely patinated and giving a warm ambience.

The car comes with a V5C, some older registration documents, a valuation certificate from the Austin Ten Drivers Club (£13,500 in 2021) and other owners club paperwork, a delightful period handbook and other pamphlets, a bundle of invoices and pen-drive of photographs.

Running and driving, the vendor has enjoyed the fruits of his labours, taking the little Austin to shows round the country where it has won awards, including an Austin Ten Drivers Club Annual Rally award in 2019 demonstrating a high level of “Pride of Ownership”. Indeed, he tells us that he confidently undertook a 160 mile round trip for one of these events – probably not quickly but in fantastic style. However, now is the time for him to hand over the reins and, offered with no reserve, give someone else the opportunity to enjoy this wonderful little car.