1970 Austin 3 Litre Saloon

This motor car is being sold as part of an overseas collection. It has been imported under the Bonhams temporary admission customs bond and is therefore subject to the lower rate 5% import tax if the car is to remain in the UK & purchased by a private individual. The 5% is calculated on the final selling price. For example, if the car sells for £5,000, then £250 is added, making the total amount payable of £5,250.

The winning bidder will receive a receipt for the final hammer value, and proof that HMRC fees are paid. If the car is subsequently exported abroad within 30 days then these fees are refundable.

A company buying the car will have to pay VAT on the hammer price, as well as duty + VAT.

Lastly, there will be a nominal administration fee of £350 for processing the NOVA application, and payable direct to the shipping company. A completed and processed NOVA will provide you formal proof that all duties & taxes are paid in UK and thus allow you to register the vehicle with the DVLA

In common with the majority of cars in this collection, this vehicle has been on static display for a number of years and there is no history available beyond that displayed in our photography section.

We have not started or driven the car so cannot vouch for its mechanical viability or functionality. It will require recommissioning prior to road use and is sold ‘as seen’.

It is available for view and inspection at our HQ near Abingdon and we will be delighted to show the car to you and/or your appointed engineer.

First registered on 1st March 1970, this Austin 3-Litre Saloon example is finished in Persian Blue.

In common with many vehicles from the vendor’s collection, the car comes with no history or service records.

With the proviso that we haven’t tried to start or drive this car and can therefore only comment on its cosmetic status, we think its overall condition (and relative rarity) should make it worthy of the time and effort needed to restore it to its former glory.

It’s not perfect and there are some issues to address both inside and out, but it does appear to be completely authentic and original.

We know that it entered the vendor’s collection of static display cars in 2015.

We know that its mileage was recorded as being 23,810 miles on the occasion of its 2015 MoT.

And we know that it’s mileage today is 23,835 miles.

From a few metres away this Austin 3-Litre looks very handsome indeed, and we’re of the opinion that the Persian Blue finish is a particularly attractive colour.

The bodywork is largely free of any indentations, bumps or creases.

Get a little closer and a few issues begin to present themselves.

Firstly, the car’s suspension seems to have dropped down low, particularly at the rear.

Secondly, there is a significant amount of bubbling and flaking in the usual places: in the sills, at the base of the doors on both sides, and in the wheel arches.

There are a few paint chips on the leading edges of the doors and bonnet.

The chrome work is pretty good all round, as are the wheels.

The interior is really in very reasonable condition and looks to be wholly original.

The front seats are in excellent nick and appear to be largely untroubled by use, wear or the passage of time.

Ditto the seats in the rear.

The carpets and mats are good, as is the headlining, although it could do with a decent clean.

The wood veneers on the dashboard and door cappings have held up very well and are still largely rich and glossy.

The door cards are in fine fettle.

The instrument cluster seems fine, as does the steering wheel and gear selector.

We can’t make any claims about the functionality of switches, knobs, levers, toggles, buttons, dials or other electrics as we haven’t tried to start the vehicle.

The boot seems to be in good order.

There is some rust and flaking in evidence in the sills, the wheel arches and here and there elsewhere. You’ll want to judge the extent or significance of it for yourself.

Everything in the engine bay seems to be in its right and proper place and appears to be clean and dry.

The car doesn’t come with a service history or any record of work done.

It must be registered in the country of your choice and you will need to contact the appropriate vehicle licensing agency for instructions on how to do this.

There are some bodywork issues to address, for sure, but, provided that the engine and mechanicals are in good working order, this car could yet reward its next owner with many years and miles of classy motoring pleasure.

We’re confident to offer this car for auction with an estimate of £5,000 - £10,000.

Viewing is always encouraged. This particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; we are open weekdays between 9am-5pm, to arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.