21-03-2020, 07:57 PM
Having thought about this for a couple of hours, I'm going to say this is a prototype for the British market, not for American Austin.
First of all, if these photos are dated May 2nd, then that is surely too late for an American Austin prototype, as production started on May 21st, and pre-production examples of coupe, roadster and delivery van had already been shown at the New York Auto Show in January.
And looking at the details, especially the second view, if this was intended for the American market it would surely have an American-style licence plate and left-hand rear light? The only puzzle as far as I am concerned is whether it was commissioned by the Austin Motor Co or was it a speculative effort on the part of the Budd Corporation - I favour the latter, especially as Bob suggests such an exercise was commonplace with Budd.
First of all, if these photos are dated May 2nd, then that is surely too late for an American Austin prototype, as production started on May 21st, and pre-production examples of coupe, roadster and delivery van had already been shown at the New York Auto Show in January.
And looking at the details, especially the second view, if this was intended for the American market it would surely have an American-style licence plate and left-hand rear light? The only puzzle as far as I am concerned is whether it was commissioned by the Austin Motor Co or was it a speculative effort on the part of the Budd Corporation - I favour the latter, especially as Bob suggests such an exercise was commonplace with Budd.