"Top of the Austin range shown at the 1937 Earls Court Motor Exhibition were the luxurious six cylinder, 20hp Limousine and Landaulette models, retailing at £650, not far short of the price of a house in suburban London at the time. These accommodated five passengers, with two occasional folding seats in the rear providing a further two seats. The rather traditional and very formal 20hp retained the 1936 body style, considered by some at the time to be a little dated, but nevertheless it appealed to Austin's more conservative and affluent clientele. The six-cylinder engine had already proved its credentials and the commodious coachwork was appointed to the highest standards. A division with sliding glass panel provided privacy for the rear passengers when the car was chauffeur driven and other catalogued interior features included an adjustable rear seat with fold down centre arm rest, electric telephone communication system to the driver, interior lights, pile carpets, a roof fume excluder for the smoker, interior visor, window blinds and rope pulls for the rear passengers, while side wind deflectors protected the front seat passengers. The fold down hood of the Landaulette provided for fine weather motoring and allowed for a more elegant and conspicuous arrival at the grand occasion.
Although these models came from the mass production lines at Longbridge, make no mistake its general appointments and overall presentation were the equal of many of the bespoke coachbuilders who built bodies on significantly more expensive chassis. It is a matter of conjecture whether these were profitable for Austin! Today surviving Austin Landaulettes are perhaps the rarest of all surviving Austins. This lovely original example is no exception to this.A completely original in every way Austin Landaulette. This wonderful and luxurious car is basically a two owner (father and son) chauffeur driven Limousine. Cars of this age with all their original patina are very scarce and although there is little known history for this car, the wear on the seats and paintwork, especially where the driver constantly had his elbow on the door frame, would indicate it's past use as a' For Hire' Limousine. The original Hackney Carriage cast registration sign is still in place on the rear of the vehicle. It runs very well, according to the owner, after considerable work on the engine, with new radiator core and brand 'New old stock' carburettor which is correct for this vehicle. With a fully working glass division and electric speaker tube (not working), this car’s interior is in very good working condition considering its advancing age. The old Rexine rear opening roof is original and could do with some feed to help regain some of its flexibility. This wonderful British limousine runs, drives and stops but some loving re-commissioning would not go amiss. Altogether an amazing time warp car which just oozes character having spent most of her life in and around the East end of London during a World War and survived to this day full of secrets. She comes with the blue 'Charges for Repairs' booklet, several much older test certificates, an old buff log book with numerous tax stamps inside. The car also carries a very valuable registration number '123'. Please help this old girl regain some of her former glory!"