American Bantam Roadster - Model 60

1938 Austin 60 roadster Cabriolet Description:

The American bantams were produced from 1937 to 1941 in Butler Pennsylvania and we’re touted as being Americas first economy cars. It was claim to be able to achieve up to 60 miles per gallon with the top speed of 60 mph and the model 60 designation. There were only roughly 6700 cars of all body styles that were produced in those four or five years. This same basic car was produced is a coup, pick up truc, station wago, panel truc, 4 passenger sportster, Boulevard delivery and roadster. In 1940 American Bantam to produce and develop the first jeep for the American army. Up for bid is a rare 1938 American bantam roadster that needs a full restoration I’ve had this car for some 12 years with visions of restoring her myself. Unfortunately too many other projects as well as two kids. The Bantam is a remarkably solid car that has been an indoor storage for most of it’s life. It was last on the road 1976 or 77. The Bantam was taken apart some years ago by the previous owner and I purchased it all apart. A recent major auction house sold a beautifully restored 1938 American bantam roadster over $90,000. That’s crazy money. It would take a lot of time and money to bring this one back to that level. However it is a great starting point for a really nice car. All the body panels appear to be original panels and I believe all the mechanical components are the original ones as well. I have not seen any evidence of any prior collision damage. The original serial number on the ID tag indicates that this roadster isnumber 61542. The engine number is 61429. I have not been able to find the transferable registration for this car. I will include a bill of sale. I believe that 99% of all of the parts are there. You are welcome to view the car in person it’s located about 50 miles from New York City.Engine and mechanicals: the engine rotates freely and easily I do not know the history of past work that may have been done on the motor. The transmission shaft rotate freely and easily. Again I do not know the overall history or condition of the transmission. The rear axle and shafts are complete.Frame and body the frame is extremely straight and solid with some minor surface rust. The body of the car was media blasted. There have been new floorboards and battery box welded in. There are some dings and dents here and there. The car has sat for a while so some surface rust has appeared.Parts I have acquired a few new and used extra parts for this car will include them with the car. They include an air cleaner housing, hood ornament,bantam grill badg, pedal pads ,Oil breather.Gauges and instruments: the two main gauge clusters are there. The odometer reads approximately 27,000 miles however I am not sure if this is an indication of the actual mileage on the car. The other miscellaneous switches – components are there and included.Exterior trim:I have four hubcaps, as well as front and rear bumpers and bumperets. I have the three horizontal trim strips on either side of the rear fenders and the three horizontal stripes on either side of the hood. I have the strip that goes down the center of the front grill it has a ding in it. The windshield frame is sound and the windshield is intact.Interior trim:The seats were obviously covered in the 1970s the seat frames and springs appear to be original and in good condition.Soft top frame windshield:The car has the original soft top. I do have a set of tan side curtains which appears to be the originals and in very rough shape but can use as patterns. Also I’ve acquired a better looking set of side curtains.The pictures with the red paint are when I got the car. I included them so you can see what it looks like all together. There is one engine and one transmission.