Long before major automobile manufacturers crossed international borders to produce their cars in other countries, the British smash hit, the Austin Seven, arrived in the town of Butler, Pennsylvania. At the time, it must have seemed to be a sure-fire idea; build a small car with a 75-inch wheelbase chassis, 13-horsepower engine, and curb weight of 1,300 pounds and sell it to Americans hurting from the Great Depression.

The American Austin’s charming design and petite size made it something of an early 1930s style icon, and it was popular among celebrities like Buster Keaton and Al Jolson. It became a popular “second car” with families that already owned a larger, more ornate automobile. However, it failed to find the market that had been envisioned among the economically unfortunate, and fewer than 10,000 were built in two years, which was a far cry from the hundreds of thousands that management had been expecting. In 1932, the American Austin factory was taken over by businessman Roy Evans, and the car, which was redesigned as the American Bantam, was produced until 1942.

This Austin Roadster is a nicely restored example finished in the Duesenberg-inspired “sweep panel” color combination with red and cream two-tone paint. The black interior contrasts well with the exterior and it is reported to be in optimal driving condition. This would be a very fun classic car for the enthusiast who appreciates something fun and different.