Origins
The American Austin Car Company established manufacturing operations in Butler, Pennsylvania, utilizing premises previously owned by the Standard Steel Car Company. The intention was to assemble and sell a version of the Austin 7 car, rebranded as the American Austin, to American consumers.
Breakthrough
The American Austin automobile featured a 747 cc (45.6 cu in) inline-four engine, achieving 40 mpg‑US (48 mpg‑imp; 5.9 L/100 km) and capable of travelling 1,000 miles or 1,600 kilometres on a 2 US qt (1.7 imp qt; 1.9 L) fill of oil. It could reach 50 mph (80 km/h) in high gear. The car’s styling resembled smaller Chevrolet models, incorporating Stutz- and Marmon-style hood louvres, and bodies designed by Alexis de Sakhnoffsky and manufactured by the Hayes Body Company of Detroit. The coupe model was marketed as a sedan and sold for $445, a price point slightly below that of a Ford V8 roadster.
Peak seasons
Initial sales were promising, but the onset of the Great Depression significantly impacted demand. Production was suspended in the spring of 1932 after only 1,279 vehicles were built in 1931. The company was reorganized, and Reuben O. Gill was appointed as president and general manager. Gill established a business relationship with Roy Evans, a dealership owner with a large network in the southeastern United States. By August 1932, production had risen to an average of 600 vehicles per month, with 3,846 cars manufactured that year, 80% of which were sold to Evans. In 1933, American Austin’s domestic sales reached 4,726 units, still falling short of the projected “180,000 firm orders” anticipated before the economic downturn in 1929.
Defining incidents
In 1934, facing a shortage of stamped body parts, American Austin began producing small-scale pickup trucks, manufacturing the bodies in-house. However, production slowed, and the company filed for bankruptcy in the summer of that year. On December 1, 1934, vehicle production ceased. A federal court ordered the liquidation of American Austin, appointing Gill as trustee. Roy Evans attempted to acquire the company’s assets, and ultimately negotiated a deal to purchase the land, buildings, equipment, and inventory for $5,000 cash, plus the assumption of $214,099.83 in debt. A competing bid from Industrial Improvement Company was rejected by the court, as 80% of creditors supported Evans’ acquisition.
Death or retirement
The assets of American Austin were sold to Roy S. Evans, Martin Tow and William A. Ward, Jr. on August 21, 1935. A month later, the factory resumed operation under new ownership as Evans Operations, Inc.
Beyond the primary series
Beginning in the 1960s, the American Austin gained popularity among hot rodders and drag racers, with its 75 in (1,900 mm) wheelbase proving attractive for modifications, even in comparison to the Anglia.
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