Rod L Posted January 2, 2019 Share Posted January 2, 2019 I'm thinking of buying an Austin American Speedster, anyone have any idea of how large a man can comfortably fit in one of these micro cars? I'm 6' tall and 180 lbs. Car is in Georgia and I'm in Oregon, so can't check it out in person. Rod Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Layden B Posted January 2, 2019 Share Posted January 2, 2019 My father was about your size, he had both a coupe and a pickup. It was a squeeze but he drove them regularly. Problem was that his hands were almost to big to work on them! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Bollman Posted January 3, 2019 Share Posted January 3, 2019 All depends on how bad you want to drive one. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Curti Posted January 3, 2019 Share Posted January 3, 2019 Is that American Austin Coupe a 30 or a 31? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 3, 2019 Share Posted January 3, 2019 Is that Fatty Arbuckle??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Wetherbee Posted January 3, 2019 Share Posted January 3, 2019 My dad had a coupe too, he never had it finished but it would have been too tight with the seats reupholstered - I could get in when the seat springs were out. Then I saw a roadster for sale and before calling about it I sat in the one at the Owls Head Tranportation Museum while I was volunteering there and it was a tight fit but doable. I’m 225 and 5’-10” and I wouldn’t have been able to get in if the top was up so I passed on the car. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldcarfudd Posted January 3, 2019 Share Posted January 3, 2019 It appears that the large gentleman is sitting in the right-side passenger's seat, and reaching over to the wheel with his left hand. It also appears that there's no way he could sit in the left seat without the wheel making a sizable indentation in his ample abdomen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fireball8 Posted January 3, 2019 Share Posted January 3, 2019 I think you'll fit just fine. 6' /180 isn't that big. My buddy Doug drove my '72 Honda N600 (2 cylinder air-cooled microcar) without a problem. He's 6'2" 200+ lbs. Now I'm only 5'10 but in the dozen or so Japanese & European microcars I've owned, being Too Big has never been anywhere near an issue. Just voice your concerns to the seller. Ask if they have a dude handy that's your approx size & do a Trial-Fit for ya. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rod L Posted January 3, 2019 Author Share Posted January 3, 2019 You guys are fairly encouraging, thanks. the car is a 1937 Austin American Boattail Speedster, this one: 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
richasco Posted January 3, 2019 Share Posted January 3, 2019 If I can find it, I'll pm you a pic of me sitting in the Bantam at the aaca museum. If I recall correctly, windshield height was a little short but I could still get in and out and work the pedals. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Curti Posted January 3, 2019 Share Posted January 3, 2019 8 hours ago, loftbed said: You guys are fairly encouraging, thanks. the car is a 1937 Austin American Boattail Speedster, this one: I believe the green speedster is home made from 1930-1934 American Austin parts and others. When the company was reorganized in 1937 the new Bantam was introduced. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rod L Posted January 3, 2019 Author Share Posted January 3, 2019 Curti, So the car above is not an original? I was puzzled about the windshield. I haven't committed or even made an offer yet, so if not original, it drastically alters my thinking. Sales site is here: https://www.gatewayclassiccars.com/ATL/215/1937-Austin-American-Boattail-Speedster Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John_S_in_Penna Posted January 3, 2019 Share Posted January 3, 2019 (edited) It's a nice looking small car, but I don't have specialized knowledge on American Austins. The rear seat-back looks very upright and thin--potentially quite uncomfortable. The padding appears to be at most 2 inches thick, maybe only an inch. And behind that thin padding may be plywood, not soft springs. Furthermore, I don't see how the car could be used with a top, as it couldn't attach to the bare glass windshield. Mr. Loftbed, you're already seeing the benefit of talking to like-minded car fans who associate on this forum. Surely anyone familiar with American Austins, such as Curti, can guide you further! Edited January 3, 2019 by John_S_in_Penna (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Bollman Posted January 4, 2019 Share Posted January 4, 2019 On 1/2/2019 at 7:47 PM, Tinindian said: Is that Fatty Arbuckle??? Sure looks like him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Bollman Posted January 4, 2019 Share Posted January 4, 2019 The boattail looks like it will have less legroom than a stock Bantam looks like the seat is fixed and very upright. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spinneyhill Posted January 4, 2019 Share Posted January 4, 2019 It might depend on how much of you is leg and how much is back etc. up to the top. I am long legged so I expect it would be pretty hopeless for me. Note the seat has no adjustment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
13CADDY Posted January 4, 2019 Share Posted January 4, 2019 do your homework real hard--there has to be some out on the west coast--try to finf one to at least sit in, better yet drive--try some car clubs, museums, national club roster--the more work you can do the better--its tuff to a car that far away, ship it home, have that much money invested & you can't get it , get comfortable & or drive it-been there & done that--good luck--Tom hey maybe you know someone in the area of the car that will go drive it for you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Curti Posted January 4, 2019 Share Posted January 4, 2019 I will go on record saying that the green 'speedster' is not original. It may have A/B parts in it. We own a few Austins both American and English. My wife buys them and I restore them. There are two A.B. clubs . ABC & AABC If you want more info, PM me with your phone number and I'll give you a call. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rod L Posted January 5, 2019 Author Share Posted January 5, 2019 Well I have considered all of your generous comments and went off on a completely different approach. I bought a speedster today, one that I know I can fit into and also operate the controls.😂 It is a Rajo head 1926 Model T with Ruckstell, Buffolo wheels, rocky mt brakes, and a host of period correct goodies. I've had a whole bunch of T speedsters in the 11 years but never one like this. Can you tell? I'm excited 3 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Bollman Posted January 5, 2019 Share Posted January 5, 2019 Very nice, should scoot right a long. Do you have it home already or waiting to pick it up? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rod L Posted January 6, 2019 Author Share Posted January 6, 2019 Jim, I'll get it in a couple of weeks. Have to wait for the transport truck to pickup a 33 Chrysler I sold to provide room for the speedster. I've got 2 other cars i'm going to sell as it gets closer to Spring. A 26 fiberglass dry lakes racer, and a 26 "T' Huckster. Rod Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mercer09 Posted January 6, 2019 Share Posted January 6, 2019 great wheel color! compliments the red nicely. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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