This model, along with the 60hp, was the biggest Austin ever made. By 1912 it was clear that mass-produced, smaller and more economical cars were the future for the company.

In 1906, the first year Austin produced cars, the factory at Longbridge occupied only 2.5 acres and employed 270 people who built 120 cars. By 1907 several other models had been designed and by 1908 the workforce had increased to 1000 and the site had nearly doubled in size.

Launched at the Olympia Motor Show in 1907, this car like its engine, is built on large and generous lines. The chassis is utterly conventional, with half-elliptic springing and artillery-style wheels. Like many other models of this era, the name is rather misleading as the engine is actually rated at a lower horse power.

The coachwork was made at Longbridge as a ‘landaulette’, meaning a style of vehicle with a semi-convertible roof over the passengers. The York body is impressive and nicely trimmed with plenty of headroom, something insisted upon by Herbert Austin, who never seemed go anywhere without his bowler hat firmly clamped into place.