The Austin Sixteen's design was based on the 1939 Austin Twelve. Planned in 1940, the Sixteen was not actually produced until 1944. It included an all-new overhead valve engine which Austin and other British car manufacturers had been developing during the war.

This Austin Sixteen on display in the British Motor Museum was selected as the one millionth Austin. Made on 25th June 1946, it was signed by all the employees at Longbridge. Cars 999,999 and 1,000,001 ended up being raffled to Austin workers, but this vehicle remained for display.

The final signature added to the car was that of Leonard Lord, at the time he was the Managing Director of the company. His signature can be found on the top of the bonnet.