01-02-2019, 04:23 AM
(This post was last modified: 01-02-2019, 04:49 AM by PedigreeChummy.)
Thanks for the info guys.
Austin numbers do seem to be somewhat all over the place from this period, particularly during years with model changes.
I suppose what I need to see is the chassis number stamped on the chassis member to get a true idea. What confuses me a bit is that the number shown on the chassis "plate" would suggest an AG model, but the chassis is long wheel base, so if that stamped number does match the "plate" number, then how can that be? Could it be an RN chassis with a later AH/AJ body.... the transmission tunnel would tell me this, wouldn't it? If this is the case, is there a legitimate reason that a Saloon chassis would have been used in the factory to make a Tourer (I've read about all sorts of lying-around parts being used willy nilly... is this stretching it a bit?) or is it more likely an after-the-event change, a less charitable reason being to disguise a Saloon as a more valuable Tourer?
I've read differing accounts saying the AG was short wheelbase (as was my opinion) and some saying it was long wheelbase, so now I'm REALLY confused.
As for the riveted plates, Martin and Reckless, they have been re-riveted (non-solid rivets) following a restoration and look too new to be original, so that is a question mark, with the Car no. one having an AJ prefix which is definitely wrong (someone trying too hard?) as as far as I can tell, this should have a B5 or B6 prefix across the range for 1932.
What I am trying to decide, is whether to continue with the purchase... the seller is a guy I trust, as I have bought a previous car off him (a Mini) so have proceeded on this one in good faith only to find some dubious numbers, however this is a distance purchase, so I am at his mercy on the numbers side. I think it is something he may not have looked into too deeply himself. Numbers on frames and transmissions is something I really need to be provided with, I think.
These prefixes and numbers really are a mess, though. I also need to have the car registered in France, as that is where I live, and this could throw up a real paperwork problem, given the French penchant for bureaucracy.
All thoughts welcome.
Austin numbers do seem to be somewhat all over the place from this period, particularly during years with model changes.
I suppose what I need to see is the chassis number stamped on the chassis member to get a true idea. What confuses me a bit is that the number shown on the chassis "plate" would suggest an AG model, but the chassis is long wheel base, so if that stamped number does match the "plate" number, then how can that be? Could it be an RN chassis with a later AH/AJ body.... the transmission tunnel would tell me this, wouldn't it? If this is the case, is there a legitimate reason that a Saloon chassis would have been used in the factory to make a Tourer (I've read about all sorts of lying-around parts being used willy nilly... is this stretching it a bit?) or is it more likely an after-the-event change, a less charitable reason being to disguise a Saloon as a more valuable Tourer?
I've read differing accounts saying the AG was short wheelbase (as was my opinion) and some saying it was long wheelbase, so now I'm REALLY confused.
As for the riveted plates, Martin and Reckless, they have been re-riveted (non-solid rivets) following a restoration and look too new to be original, so that is a question mark, with the Car no. one having an AJ prefix which is definitely wrong (someone trying too hard?) as as far as I can tell, this should have a B5 or B6 prefix across the range for 1932.
What I am trying to decide, is whether to continue with the purchase... the seller is a guy I trust, as I have bought a previous car off him (a Mini) so have proceeded on this one in good faith only to find some dubious numbers, however this is a distance purchase, so I am at his mercy on the numbers side. I think it is something he may not have looked into too deeply himself. Numbers on frames and transmissions is something I really need to be provided with, I think.
These prefixes and numbers really are a mess, though. I also need to have the car registered in France, as that is where I live, and this could throw up a real paperwork problem, given the French penchant for bureaucracy.
All thoughts welcome.