Austin Ten
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Vans
  
- Vans and Taxis - Taxis -

Austin Light Delivery Vans

In the 1930s Austin offered a range of light delivery vans based on the car models from 7 to 18 h.p. Models covered by the ATDC are those from 10 h.p. upwards.

The 10/4 van was introduced during the third quarter of 1932 and given body designation GV. Vans had stronger springs and shock absorbers, and disc wheels to cope with heavier loads. It is not known how many were made: a rough estimate made in 1972 and based on the few known to the ATDC was a total about 30,000 Ten vans. Production carried on until chassis No G131,329 - approx August 1937 - in the original styling, retaining (flat fronted) chrome radiator shell. There does not appear to have been a "Lichfield" styled model and it was replaced at this time by the new GVA van with "Cambridge" styling.
Brochure picture of Austin Ten van Brochure picture of interior of Austin Ten van.

Larger models included the Light 12 van, in both 4 and 6 cylinder versions, some of which carried a wing-mounted spare. Like the Ten the larger vans retained the chrome-rad styling until the "New Ascot" version replaced it.

Most of the pictures on this page are from Austin brochures of the period, owned by the ATDC archive.

An advertisment from March 1935:

An Austin Van - The Acme of Economic Delivery combined with Dependable Efficiency of Service. Four models for light fast work:
  • The Seven - £108.0.0 (reduced from £112.10.0)
  • The Ten-Four - £148.0.0
  • The Twelve-Four £172.10.0
  • The Twelve-Six £190.0.0
At Works - Painted in Grey Priming. 		Brochure picture rear of chrome-rad van.

Pictures from a later brochure:

  
Brochure picture of late model Austin 10 van Brochure picture of late model Austin 12 van
Ten-Four van - £169. Twelve-Four van - £192
 
Centre spread, left page Centre spread, right page

The Demands of

The demands of modern business methods require speedy and dependable goods delivery.

Austin Express Delivery vans are the embodiment of the most up-to-date delivery methods. They are easy to start, easy to control, economical to run and as thouroughly dependable as the name Austin implies.

Modern Business

The finishing touch of modern sales service - speedy and dependable delivery - is provided by these modern vans.

Their acknowledged dependability of service daily confirms the owners' wisdom in their selection, for together with the sterling quality goes efficiency, economy and freedon from the risk of delivery disorganisation.

The flowing lines of these vans are distinctive and attractive and the exterior panels are admirably suited for full display of the sign writer's art.

   

From the Austin Magazine - June 1938

The Austin Magazine contained a photo of a LHD Austin 10 van in British Columbia taken on return from a successful hunting trip into the interior.

"Owner states that it had travelled 1200 miles much of it off the beaten track , through snow and ice, and yet averaged 36 miles per gallon. Although no chains were used the van was never stopped in spite of the fact that it was fully loaded."

(A photo showed the carcase of large deer and several sets of antlers strapped on to the roof).

From ATDC Magazine - Sept 1972

The Victoria Wine Company had about 60 Austin 10 vans. Many of the 1936 replacements were taken off the road in 1940 and stored until 1946 when they were overhauled and put into use during the period of little or no delivery (of new vehicles) to the home market.

"We had however entirely replace these vehicles by 1950 many of which had done close on 100,000 miles with one rebore and crank regrind."

     
 
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