Austin 12 New Ascot Cabriolet 1937

[BrianEvans]

I have recently bought a 1937 Austin 12 New Ascot Cabriolet which I believe to be one of only three remaining, The registration no. is GMV 980 . My question is , is it likely that there is only 3 left ?
Regards Brian & Jo

[peter_winney]

Its impossible to say. They are relatively rare. Like all Austin cabriolet they combine the benefits of a saloon with that "open air" feeling. The parts of course are common to the saloon. Don't fuss about "rarity" - just enjoy.

[BrianEvans]

Hi Peter ,I’m not ,as you say fussing about it, I’m just curious to know being a new member to the Austin world .In the last 8 months in have bought a 1937 Austin 10 Cambridge a 1937 Austin 12 New Ascot Cabriolet and a 1962 Austin A35 AV6 van all needing full restoration so I will have many questions to ask along the way ,some technical questions and some questions relating to a vechicles history . But it’s not very nice for a new member to be patronised .I will present my questions to other Austin related platforms in the future .
Brian & Jo

[peter_christie]

Hi Brian,
I am sure Peter Winney meant no offence and certainly didn't mean to patronise, of course the Cabriolets both Twelves and Tens, are rare survivors. More Tens were manufactured than Twelves and there are some cars of which the Club has no record.
The Cabriolet body is, by its very design and construction, less rigid than the saloon and because of its retractable fabric roof, inherently less durable and more expensive to maintain.
I have a reasonably accurate record of the Twelves known to the Club and if you let me have a note of the Car Number, Chassis and Engine Numbers together with the Registration Number I'll see if I can be of any assistance.
The ATDC is the only Club from which you can get well informed advice and many parts unavailable elsewhere. I would advise any owner of a Pre-War Austin to join and support the Club.
With respect,
Peter D. Christie [6515]

[BrianEvans]

Hi Peter and thank you for your very informed reply , that is exactly what I was looking for ,not a response to say that I was fussing around . Anyway it’s forgotten now . GMV 980 , the chassis/body no. is HC53055 and the engine No.( at this point we don’t know if it’s the original engine ) is LH69778. Hope this helps and thanks again .
Brian & Jo

[peter_winney]

Brian
My apologies. I think I have a different meaning for "fuss" probably due to my age & upbringing. I meant don't worry about it. Did not mean to patronise. Almost all parts are common with the New Ascot which means that rarity is not a problem. The New Ascot Cabriolet is a very nice car and I am sure will give a lot of pleasure in restoration & use.
Peter W

[peter_christie]

Hi Brian & Jo,
I have your car recorded as owned by Robin Leyland, details as below:-
Car No. H/C 53055
Chassis H 53055
Engine # 1H69772
Registration Number [GMV 980]
Date of first Registration 29 October 1937
No record of colour or condition.

I know of three other Cabriolets, One is a Red car, [DTT 342] (no other details) previously owned by Marie Selby (of Old Arley Austins)
One is a White car, [ELX 203] (no other details)
and one other [EKR 342] Car No H/C 53894 First Registered 1st March 1938
So that makes FOUR! I have pictures of the Red and White cars but none of yours nor of H/C 53894
With kind regards,
Peter Christie [6515]

[BrianEvans]

Wow Peter that’s amazing information,thank you so much . That proves that it is quite a rare old girl
Does the club hold any details of Robin Leyland ? If so could they contact him on my behalf to see if he has a buff log book or any other historic paper work linked to the car .
A big thank you for you help
Brian & Jo