An Austin Anthology

by Stringer, James 'Jim'

• ISBN13: 9781787111912
• ISBN10: 1787111911
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2018-03-20
• Publisher: Veloce Publishing

Summary

An Austin Anthology is an entertaining collection of true stories that feature just a few of the products manufactured by the Austin Motor Company from 1906 until the outbreak of the Second World War, including the people who helped to make them, those who drove them, and even those who flew them.
Although the history of the Austin Seven and Taxicabs have been covered before in much greater detail elsewhere, you will find within these pages the stories of many other Austin creations: the Austin 12/6 which could be won by smoking Kensitas cigarettes; the Austin 20 which competed in the 1914 Austrian Alpine Trial; the remarkable racing car named ‘Pobble’ which went on to serve as an ambulance during the First World War, and the Australian couple who, in 1926, decided to drive their Austin Twelve right around Australia. The Music Hall artist, George Clarke, who performed on stage with his Austin Seven, and the ‘Austin Unity Song,’ a recording of which was presented to guests at the company’s annual dinner, are just two more fascinating stories which go to make up this Austin Anthology.
 

Author Biography

Born in 1943, James 'Jim' Stringer spent his early years in the West London suburb of Acton, and after leaving school took an apprenticeship with London Transport. When he was old enough to drive, he looked around for a suitable motorcar which was affordable on apprentice’s wages. For £35 he purchased a 1929 Austin 16/6 saloon car, and thus his love affair with all things ‘Austin’ began. Joining the Vintage Austin Register in 1962 he soon became involved in its organisation, and for 17 years edited and produced the Vintage Austin Magazine, undertaking research into many aspects of the products manufactured by the Austin Motor Company. James is now the Register’s Vice President.
The stories that he has collected over his many years of involvement with Austin cars form the basis of his popular Austin Anthology series of books.