Herber Austin’s heavy twelve-four

By James Stringer

ISBN 978-1-914929-00-7

128 pages, Hardback

270mm x 210mm

Over 300 illustrations

Until now there has been no in-depth book about the Austin 12/4. This most worthy of cars epitomised Herbert
Austin’s philosophy that his cars must demonstrate longevity, robust construction, sound engineering and good
value for money.
Here we have the story behind the model’s introduction, contemporary press reports, early advertisements,
from the first brochures issued up to 1934-35, the various body styles available. Those which were exported
as chassis to New Zealand and Australia and then bodied locally are also included. The taxicabs have a section
to themselves, as does the different coachwork available from various coachbuilders – including the work they
undertook during the war.
When many cabs dating from the thirties were pensioned off in the early fifties, they took on many other
roles, and Jim details some of them. Separate chapters are reserved for 12/4s which have earned their own special
place in the Austin Twelve’s history; these include “Peggy”, the cab featured in the film Carry on Cabby, and
“Gumdrop”, the tourer immortalised by the late Val Biro.
The Austin 12/4 has survived in respectable numbers, and if you are wondering why, Jim’s book will leave you
in no doubt. Everything you need to know about the Heavy 12/4 Austin, including stories of restorations, is in
this book. In 2022 we celebrate the centenary of the addition of this model to the Austin range