1931 Austin RN 1200

Restored and cherished by the same family since 1955, this Austin RN 1200 has been meticulously looked after for 74 years. 

It presents in remarkable condition with few imperfections. It runs and drives but has little service history, receipts or documentation as all mechanical work was completed in-house by it’s owners. 

Two keys are present as is the original logbook and a recent V5C. 

The Austin RN 1200 may not have turned heads with flamboyance, but it commanded admiration through its unapologetic uprightness. From a distance, it looks every bit like a moving Edwardian townhouse—tall, proper, and wearing its coat of glossy paint with prim confidence. The body is a symphony of sharp lines and gentle curves: high roofline, slab sides, and high arched front fenders, yet still eloquent. 

At the back, a tiny boot—or more accurately, a shallow luggage shelf—hinted at an era when travelling light wasn’t a lifestyle choice but a necessity. There was no flair for the dramatic—just function. 

The striking two-tone, black and grey paintwork combination that adorns the Austin looks immaculate with few imperfections to note. Panel gaps and shut lines remain true and a testament to the attention to detail that was paid to the manufacturing of the car. The tall radiator and chrome cowling add a welcome contrast to the muted coloured paintwork. The most notable imperfection is to the nearside rear lower arch flare. 

Headlights, their lenses, both front and rear present in fine condition with no fading to note. The  black vinyl sunroof, fits well and opens and closes with relative ease. 

Wheels are as simple as the rest of the Austin. Wire-spoked, shrouded with thin yet robust tyres that surprisingly are able to tackle the harshest of terrains. They present well with few imperfections. 

Inside the RN 1200, you enter a world of genteel minimalism. A parlour built not for the excess but with comfort and economy at the forefront. The cabin, is upright and boxy, with an abundance of glass offering excellent visibility throughout. It was built with purpose and in a time where the roads were slower, the journeys deliberate and the destination secondary to the experience of simple being in motion. 

The option of an opening front windscreen to allow fresh air in the warmer months is a welcome addition in an era where climate control was a far distant dream. 

The seats; simple, upright and clad in durable grey leather, something which is still very much apparent to this day. While not luxurious by modern day standards, there is an honest charm to them. To this day, they present well and show few signs of a rugged and hard life, with the drivers seat showing slight wear on the outside edge and some sagging on the passenger. The same rugged leather lines both doors, which show minimal signs of wear and aging on either. 

The dashboard is a spartan but elegant affair; a small cluster of instruments framed in a simple metal surround. Dials are sparse but purposeful, speedometer, oil pressure and ammeter. There were few if any luxuries to be found within. No radio and no heating, just the faint rattle of the engine as you traversed the English countryside. 

Beneath the upright bonnet sits a small but reliable heart. A side valved, inline four engine that’s capable of delivering somewhat 20 horsepower. It bursts into life well, without fault of hesitation. It moves spritely without fault and has brakes that could stop on a pinhead. For a car that is 94 years young, it’s mechanical abilities appear rather impressive. 

The vendor informs us that the Austin has benefitted from a recent new battery, the locks work and has the original keys.

The Austin has had a fairly pleasant and easy life. Family owned since 1955 and acquired by another member in 1971, it then spent the majority of its life in a dry location, surrounded by various other Austins of the same era. It since passed hands to the current vendor in 2022 and has seen little to no usage since, but remained in storage, away from the cruel British elements. 

As far as paperwork and history goes there is very little to be aware of. The Austin comes with it’s original logbook, that indicates that it previously had two previous keepers. 

For the classic car enthusiast who favours charm over speed, the Austin RN 1200 is a time machine on four wheels. Owning one is about the heritage and these Austins have since amassed somewhat of a cult following. This upright, pre-war British saloon offers the romance of 1930’s motoring. Its mechanical simplicity makes it a joy to work on, and its unmistakable vintage shape turns heads where it putters. It’s not fast, it’s not flashy but its honest, elegant, and built with mechanical sincerity that modern cars simply no longer possess. 

Our estimate for this car is £7,000 - £10,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this particular car is located with the vendor in Framlingham, Suffolk. To arrange an appointment to inspect this vehicle, please use the Contact Seller button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.