This weekend, a new vehicle has been listed here which you may be very interested in. If you’re looking for an American Austin you can enjoy with minimal work, this car may be the perfect opportunity. See the listing for more details by clicking here.
When I was first bought my American Austin roadster, I hadn’t really watched the market for all that long, and didn’t really know what I was getting myself into. I honestly didn’t realize how these cars come out of the woodwork, to only disappear again. Although things have been quite hectic, I have updated the project cars for sale section with a few new vehicles that are for sale. I’ve also included a listing of vehicles which are not advertised here to keep them from vanishing again.
Here are the newly listed cars:
There are still a few more pending listings which I have to get up here at some point. The reason this website exists is to help you find the car you’ve been looking for and to give these cars a bright future. The more Bantam projects we can get back on the road, the better! If you don’t already know, the Bantam clubs are filled with fantastic people who are very passionate about these little cars. If the car you’re looking for hasn’t come available yet, at least join the clubs. For a cumulative $50 a year, you will have a magazine every in your mailbox every month to keep your imagination alive.
A lot of people who have contacted me about buying and selling vehicles ask the “what is it worth?” question. This is a very difficult question with these cars. On one hand, they were economy cars, but on the other hand they are fairly rare today. Pieces missing and parts destroyed can really drive the price of ownership and restoration way up. If you’re planning to buy a car, take note of what is missing as certain pieces can be very hard to replace. Certain engine parts are unobtainable, unless you want to modify other parts or have new parts built. Besides floor pans, new sheet metal is not made for any of these cars; so you either need to be patient in waiting for a good used piece, skilled with your hands, or have deep pockets and a friend with good hands. You will want to consider these things when seeing if the car will fit your budget.
For sellers, it’s important to keep in mind the difficulty in deriving a value of a vehicle from the fancy auction prices that float around the internet. There is no formula that breaks down the sale price of a perfectly restored, concours correct Bantam Woody into the value of an Austin 5w coupe. So, be reasonable when you price your car if you are interested in seeing it sell. While some people may be afraid to advertise their cars here because of hefty asking prices, I am more interested in making sure your car get into a good home than judging your asking price.
With that in mind, we are finally out of project Austin 5w coupes. List yours today!
There are three T-5 emblems on ebay. Take a look:
A single used one with a reserve:
Click here for the listing: 1965 1966 T-5 emblem used
A matched pair with a best offer feature:
Click here for the listing: 1965 1966 T-5 emblem used Pair
This week, something remarkably interesting. The seller states that this is the frame from the first Bantam pickup truck. The first pickup would be body 60012, built February 2, 1938.
According to the seller: “Several years ago the Serial#1 Bantam pickup was restored by a private collector from Ohio. For some reason during the restoration, they decided to use a production frame rather than the prototype frame. I was told by the previous owner to salvage the prototype frame because of it’s significance to this number 1 pickup truck. I believe the Pickup was a 1937 and this frame might possibly be a modified American Austin frame. Anyway, this is being offered “as is” for local pick up only. The frame measures 8′-6″ long and 40″ wide.”
This frame shows the trappings of an early 1938 Bantam frame until your eyes find the point above where the rear axle would be positioned. Oddly, the frame rails have the same flat shape of an American Austin frame, which is then apparently mated to channel imitating a Bantam passenger car frame, although more angularly.
For comparison sake here is a photo with a 39 Bantam frame and two American Austin frames:
Click here to see the listing: bantam frame
If you have some history on this piece, please let me know. I’m very curious to know if this is actually something special or something that has been built out of left over parts.
It is difficult to determine the condition of this fender. However, if you need one you know that sometimes a gamble needs to be taken.
Click here to see the listing: Bantam roadster fender
Or, if you need a 1940 Hollywood or Riviera skirted fender:
“If interested please call 503-789-5167; don’t get online often.” It’s located in Oregon.
See the original listing here.
Here’s something I haven’t seen on ebay in probably a decade, a used PAIR of 65-66 T-5 emblem. The foils look to be in nice condition, except the black anodizing has faded. Also, one appears to have lost two of its mounting pins. However, the plating on the badges looks to be good and pit free. I’m not too sure how you’d re black the emblems, but here is your chance to get a pair of matching emblems for your car.
The last single emblem went for over $400 last week. That emblem was in worse shape than these appear to be.
Click here to see the listing: 1965 1966 T-5 emblem used Pair
1938 -1939 American Bantam Mascot / Hood Ornament
A year after Nash used a Jarvis hood ornament to grace the hood of its Lafayette, it made its appearance on the American Bantam. I have never had the chance to hold a Nash unit and compare it with a Bantam one, however I have heard that the Nash mascot is a bit bigger to suit the larger car. The Jarvis 3408J is a hard piece to find in any condition these days. Usually, they are pitted beyond recognition, broken, or bent. This one is pitted, but a good shop should be capable of repairing it. Interestingly, these were reproduced in the 60’s-70’s in Japan, although little is known about those reproductions. These were used from 1938 until the 1940 model cars began production.
Click here to see the listing: american bantam mascot
1938-1939 American Bantam 15 bar grille shell
The 15 Bar grille shell was used on a large number of cars, and is preferred by many. This one however, gives you an idea of what many restorers have had to work with. The sides of the grille apron, where it meets the fenders are destroyed. You need to have a good set of hands to make this grille fit a Bantam nicely again. I think my grilles were mostly welded back together in the same area, but thankfully very skilled people came between me and the damage. A nice bonus is that this may come with the Bantam badge, although the listing does not mention such. This should be correct for 1938 through late 1939 cars.
Click here to see the listing: american bantam grille shell
I usually try to keep to a single post per marque per day. However, these two items that showed up are quite neat.
1944 American Bantam Car Co. Annual Report:
This is just really cool, I may have to throw a bid in too.
Click here to see the listing: Bantam annual report
1930-1940 American Bantam cowl section:
These aren’t very common to find these days. Most hot rods have had these cut off, and a lot of survivors have been heavily modified. Except for the cut out for the battery, this piece doesn’t look to be in bad shape to provide repair panels for your car. It even has the tabs where the inner fenders mount and some of the lower beading. Who ever removed it from a car did so poorly, but there is a lot of meat for someone to work with. This particular unit is most likely from an American Austin. I have a couple of these, otherwise I’d be bidding.
Click here to see the listing: Bantam Cowl
Here is a neat vintage photo of a 1939 Bantam roadster. The car wasn’t the star of the photo, however there is enough of it that it serves as a pleasant backdrop for what ever tale your imagination may weave. With trim rings and the top up, there are some interesting details showing which may help you in finishing up your restoration. Note also that the car presents in a monochrome color scheme, with a gap at the front of the hood where it meets the sides, and very light colored piping on a dark top.
Click here for the listing: Period Bantam Photo
Is there something you’ve been pining for on ebay? I received an e-coupon and want to pass it along. Here is your chance to get $20 off of $100 purchases on ebay motors. Click on the here: Coupon It should take you to the ebay home page where you can use the coupon code CMOTORS616 at checkout. Please make sure you qualify for the coupon before paying as sometimes these coupons don’t work for everyone.
Fine print: *Discount is applied to the subtotal. Eligible categories include Parts & Accessories and Automotive Tools & Supplies. Coupon is valid for one time use per user ID and cannot be combined. Maximum discount is $20. See Terms & Conditions.
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