Vintage and Prestige are proud to offer this 1934 Austin 20hp  (20/6) Ranelagh For Sale.Registration no: EO 5653Chassis no: 5368Engine no: 5636/6Mileage shown: 8817 General Manager of the Wolseley Sheep Shearing Machine Company, Herbert Austin set the Birmingham firm on the road to motor manufacture in 1896 when he designed its first automobile, a twin-cylinder tri-car.  The first production Wolseley though, was four-wheeled and, like Austin's 1896 prototype, carried its single-cylinder engine horizontally. Wolseley's directors did not share Austin's belief in the horizontal engine's virtues however, and he departed in 1905 to set up his own company at nearby Longbridge.  Somewhat surprisingly perhaps, the first Austin cars were powered by conventional inline fours with side valves arranged in 'T-head' fashion.  During The Great War, Austin manufactured munitions and expanded greatly as a result, employing more than 22,000 workers by the cessation of hostilities in 1918.  Austin introduced its big 20hp model in 1919, a car heavily influenced by a Hudson Super Six that Herbert Austin drove during the war.  Incorporating many of the Hudson features that had so impressed the Austin boss, the Twenty was powered by a lusty 3.6-litre four-cylinder engine with a cast-iron block, a detachable cylinder head and an aluminium crankcase. Driving through a four-speed gearbox it developed 45bhp at 2,000rpm and could lope along at a genuine 70mph. In 1926 it was replaced by a six-cylinder version, the 20/6, now with a smoother 3.4-litre engine and braking to all four wheels. Spacious and imposing with real road presence, it came in a variety of saloon, landaulette and limousine body styles and was aimed mainly at the chauffeur-driven classes. Offered for sale in beautifully restored condition, the exterior is finished in a typically period Austin blue with black wings, roof and swage lines. The chrome work has been finished to a high standard and compliments the exterior look from every angle. The interior is simply idyllic, benefiting from a recent retrim in leather and carpet throughout. Opening the doors you immediately pick up on some of the features such as the shaped door pockets, a smokers hatch finely placed in the roof and the beautifully shaped stained wood throughout. On the road you can tell why the Austin was up there with the best of the era, firing straight away on the button and pulling you along with ease, luring you into a state of tranquillity.In our showroom and ready for viewing.Office 01375 379719Richard Biddulph 07967 260673Christoff Cowens 07772188037We accept Credit/Debit Cards.Part Exchange welcome.Weekend & evening viewings OK.Viewings by appointment :Prestige House.9 Globe Industrial Estate,Grays, Essex, RM17 6ST