American Austin Info

[Guest]

My Lions Club is looking for information on the 1933 American Austin Custom Brougham. We need both technical and anecdotal info, in order to promote a raffle for a reconditioned auto. We would like to know how many were built (in Pittsburgh, PA), what the specs were, and performance information. Thanks.

[ronbarn]

The American Austin was built in Butler, PA, not far from Pittsburg. The Standard Catalog of American Cars 1805-1942 has a decent history of the company and several photos. It claims that fewer than 10,000 AAs were built.

[Guest]

Thanks for the prompt reply, ronbarn. I've managed to research some info from antique and classic car sites, but would like more. Can you send me a contact point for the catalog of cars you sent?

[ronbarn]

The Standard Catalog of American Cars is published by Krause Publications. Am sure they have a web site but have not checked.<P>Another good source of information is the AACA Library and Research Center. Go to the home page of this web site, click on Library, and find out how to obtain information there. The library has an extensive literature collection and Kim Miller is very helpful.

[Guest]

I have tried to find reference material (Standard Catalog of American Cars 1805-1942) in my local library, but no luck. I found the Krause Publications website, but hesitate to order a $55 catalog to research one auto. Is there an American Austin contact in the Butler, PA that would be willing to provide me with information? Our Lions Club president is relying on me to write an article for publication about our auto, but I'm having a tough time gathering information. Any additional help would be appreciated. My email address is camera@ktc.com.

[Tom Deering]

My generic MSN search turned up over a half dozen sources. One that may satisfy your needs is: <A HREF="http://www.oldmotors.com/ftr-austin.htm" TARGET=_blank>www.oldmotors.com/ftr-austin.htm</A> <P> If additional info is required, let us know. Copyright laws may preclude the outright copying of too much info here. I don't know; better safe than sorry.<P> Tom

[Guest]

Thanks, Tom. Unfortunately, I already have this article, but I sincerely appreciate your assistance. What I have been trying to locate is, maybe, something like a technical or owner's manual that might give me more information. Also, if you or anyone else knows how I could "backtrack" ownership of a particular vehicle, that might help. I could, perhaps, develop an interesting article based on the history of the particular vehicle (who owned it, during what period, what was happening, etc.). Maybe I'm just dreaming. But then--------.

[Tom Deering]

Camera,<P> Nix the geneolgy idea. Unless you already have the bulk of the cars lineage documented, and want to fill in a few blank spaces, or document celebrity ownership; the expense, frustration, and time delay is not worth it. Up until the late '50s some states didn't have title records, others used motor numbers, while others used the serial number. If you're starting from scratch with a 69 year old car you will have to get awful lucky to retain your sanity.<P> It looks like you've explored the fast, inexpensive sources. You are at the point where you may find yourself having to join the American Austin/Bantam Club or AACA to take advantage of their respective archived materials. If I understand your objectives correctly; I recommend you go forward with the information you have at your disposal rather than finding yourself plagued with "analysis paralysis" weeks down stream and have little additional meaningful content. Hobbiests typically spend many months or years trying to accomplish research on their own cars. That is a committment that only you can determine is worthwhile.<P> Best of Luck, Tom