With its factory located in Butler, Pennsylvania, the American Austin Car Company first opened for business in 1929 in order to build a licensed version of the Austin Seven. While initial orders were alleged to be in the neighborhood of 184,000 vehicles, the country was financially crippled by the Great Depression later that year, and 95% of those orders were canceled. Upon its release, the car saw a great deal of public interest, as early examples were purchased by celebrities like Ernest Hemingway, they had roles in movies, and above all, they looked so different from other American-built automobiles of the time.

The American Austin was marketed as “common-sense transportation,” as it was a small, economical, and affordable vehicle that could do everything that a much larger car could do for a fraction of the price. While mechanically similar to the British-made Austins, the American Austins were restyled for the U.S. market, as the British styling was thought to be too bland. Responsible for the design was Count Alexis deSakhnoffsky, who was also known for designing bodies for Duesenbergs and Packards, and it is easy to see some resemblance, although several American Austins could probably fit within a Dusenenberg Model SJ. The four-cylinder engine only put out 13 brake horsepower, and the heaviest body style weighed in at 1,300 pounds, with the smallest weighing just over half a ton.

This 1934 Pickup is presented today in beautiful condition and is painted in red with black fenders and a black fabric interior. The wheels are painted to match and are equipped with period-correct whitewall tires. Despite its size, this American Austin Pickup’s style is reminiscent of other pickup trucks of the era, and it carries the same amount of character and charm.

While American Austin had trouble finding buyers for their pickup when new, the pickup model is considered today to be rare and always in demand from American Austin enthusiasts. This example is in fantastic condition and would certainly be a conversation starter wherever and whenever it is driven. If a pickup truck could ever be described as adorable, the American Austin Pickup would be it.