Chassis No. - GS4801109

Registration - PTT 301

M.O.T. - EXEMPT

Odometer - 23,000

So when did you last see one of these – especially one in such lovely rust-free original condition? ‘PTT 301’ was apparently treated to a full restoration back in 2012, that included a professional re-trim with new carpets, and is regarded by the vendor as still being in ‘excellent condition’ today. He confirms that the Austin is ‘very solid inside and out and that the engine starts easily and displays good oil pressure’. He describes the clutch, column change gearbox and braking system as ‘good’, and the tyres as ‘very good’. In summary, he rates the venerable Somerset as ‘a lovely period correct car with excellent patina, that’s ready to use, show and generally enjoy’. The car is now available complete with its original Devon registration, buff logbook, and tag of the supplying dealer that’s still attached to the door pillar, plus a large selection of old MOTs and photographs of the restoration.

Introduced in 1952, the Somerset was a replacement for the outgoing Austin Devon and its transatlantic styling was intended to increase exports, especially to the other side of the Atlantic. Its 1.2-litre four-cylinder engine was carried over from the Devon, but was given a slight hike in power from 40 to 42bhp, which in turn raised the top speed to 70mph - a typical 0-60mph time would have been around 28 seconds. Over 173,000 Somersets were sold before the model was superseded by the A40 Cambridge in 1954.

In summary:

• A wonderfully presented example of an early British classic
• Excellent rust-free condition throughout
• The subject of a full restoration nine years ago