1938 AMERICAN BANTAM MODEL SIXTY ROADSTER Chassis No. 61034 Engine No. 60773 Black and cream with tan interior Engine: four cylinders in line, side valves, 50 cu. in., 22bhp; Gearbox: manual three speed; Suspension: beam axle with transverse leaf spring to front, live axle with quarter elliptic leaf springs to rear; Brakes: four wheel mechanical drum. Left hand drive. The American Bantam was derived from the Austin Seven, a quirky little 45 cu. in. British economy car. Introduced in 1922, the Seven made a lot of sense on a tight little island where petrol was costly and cars taxed according to their engine size. Sales were brisk. Around 300,000 were built in Britain when production ended in 1939. License-built, they thrived in other countries with similar circumstances. Germany produced the Dixi, France had the Rosengart, Japan the Datsun. In the USA it was a rather different story. When the American Austin appeared on the scene, it was confronted by powerful domestic opposition and did not flourish. The number sold, never very great, fell steadily until 1931, when just 1,279 cars left the factory. After a change of management they were revised and sales picked up for a couple of seasons. Activities ceased between 1934 and 1937, when there was a re-launch as The American Bantam. They were appealing little cars: well styled, neatly made and very economical. But produced in relatively tiny numbers, they could never offer the value for money or even the performance of a Ford, Chevrolet or Willys. This Bantam was acquired in the late 1940s by Mr. Pettit from a collector in Florida. This attractive little Bantam was used regularly by the Pettits prior to being restored nearly 20 years ago, and has not been used since. During the restoration, the engine was rebuilt, new chromium plating was added, a new set of tires were fitted, new leather was fitted and the panels for the doors were made but not fitted. A new top and new floor mats would be required on this handsome and appealing little car. WITHOUT RESERVE
1938 AMERICAN BANTAM MODEL SIXTY ROADSTER Chassis No. 61034 Engine No. 60773 Black and cream with tan interior Engine: four cylinders in line, side valves, 50 cu. in., 22bhp; Gearbox: manual three speed; Suspension: beam axle with transverse leaf spring to front, live axle with quarter elliptic leaf springs to rear; Brakes: four wheel mechanical drum. Left hand drive. The American Bantam was derived from the Austin Seven, a quirky little 45 cu. in. British economy car. Introduced in 1922, the Seven made a lot of sense on a tight little island where petrol was costly and cars taxed according to their engine size. Sales were brisk. Around 300,000 were built in Britain when production ended in 1939. License-built, they thrived in other countries with similar circumstances. Germany produced the Dixi, France had the Rosengart, Japan the Datsun. In the USA it was a rather different story. When the American Austin appeared on the scene, it was confronted by powerful domestic opposition and did not flourish. The number sold, never very great, fell steadily until 1931, when just 1,279 cars left the factory. After a change of management they were revised and sales picked up for a couple of seasons. Activities ceased between 1934 and 1937, when there was a re-launch as The American Bantam. They were appealing little cars: well styled, neatly made and very economical. But produced in relatively tiny numbers, they could never offer the value for money or even the performance of a Ford, Chevrolet or Willys. This Bantam was acquired in the late 1940s by Mr. Pettit from a collector in Florida. This attractive little Bantam was used regularly by the Pettits prior to being restored nearly 20 years ago, and has not been used since. During the restoration, the engine was rebuilt, new chromium plating was added, a new set of tires were fitted, new leather was fitted and the panels for the doors were made but not fitted. A new top and new floor mats would be required on this handsome and appealing little car. WITHOUT RESERVE
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
