Registration - BLN 520

Chassis No. - 77762

M.O.T. - Exempt

Odometer - TBC

Buyers of Austin’s popular LL (Low Loader) taxicabs initially purchased just the 12/4 Heavy chassis and then selected suitable coachwork from a choice of suppliers. The majority plumped for the craftsmanship of either the Jones Brothers or Strachan. The rearward sloping B pillar and outward flare of the door bottoms confirm ‘BLN 520’ to be an example of the latter’s handiwork. The cab has self-evidently been the subject of much restoration, and the vendor informs us that 90 percent of the ash frame, the paintwork, brightwork, interior trim and electrics were all renewed as recently as last year. The taxi’s predominantly bright red coachwork is complemented by black wings, roof/hood and artillery wheels, while the contrasting interior is trimmed in grey leather. The vendor currently grades the 1861cc four-cylinder engine, four-speed manual gearbox, landaulette bodywork, paintwork and upholstery as all being in ‘excellent’ condition and confirms that the Austin ‘runs well’. As no self-respecting film of London in the 1930s is without an Austin taxi or two the purchase of ‘BLN 520’ could be a shrewd investment as well as a lot of fun.

It was in 1929 that renowned taxi distributor Mann & Overton commissioned Austin to create a specially-adapted vehicle based on its popular 12/4 model. First came the High Lot that, like the horse-drawn carriages that preceded it, could carry a gentleman and his top hat in comfort - most buyers elected to clothe these cabs in landaulette coachwork. Next came the Low Loader, whose new ‘dropped’ chassis helped shave three inches from the ground clearance of its predecessor. Such was the dominance of this family of Austins that Mann & Overton sold 5,850 between 1930 and 1938, which represented 75 percent of the London market

In summary:

• Self-evidently the subject of much recent renovation
• Comes complete with taxi sign, klaxon and period meter
• Scope for supply to the film and TV industries