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Details
1939 AMERICAN BANTAM MODEL SIXTY COUPE
Chassis No. 64300
Engine No. 64224
Green with tan interior
Engine: four-cylinders in line, side valves, 50 cu. in., 22bhp; Gearbox: manual three speed; Suspension: beam axle with transverse leaf springs to front, live axle with quarter elliptic leaf springs to rear; Brakes: four wheel mechanical drum. Left hand drive.
The American Bantam offered economy small-car motoring to Americans about 15 or 20 years before they realized they wanted it. Based on the Austin Seven of 1922, which even on its British home territory was viewed with some amusement, the Bantam was well engineered and pertly attractive. It derived from the American Austin, built under license in Butler, Pennsylvania in 1930. Sales were never brisk and the company's finances were always precarious because the American Austin, ranging in price from $445 to $550, had to compete against the Ford Model A with prices starting at $435. The outcome was inevitable, despite relaunching the range as the Bantam. Between 1934 and 1937 none were produced. In 1937 the American Bantam Car Company tried again with more restyling and an engine reworked and tuned by the great Harry Miller, but it was uphill work and in 1941 production finally ceased before the mini-car craze had hit America.
The Bantams were cars that were definitely ahead of their time. The practicality of compact cars had not yet settled into the American market, but certainly would do so in years to come. These attractive little cars became highly sought after during the gas rationing era of World War II.
This coupe was originally delivered to Mr. Pettit's uncle, Milton, a Bantam dealer who sold a grand total of two cars! He picked it up at the factory and drove it back to Virginia, and subsequently sold it to a local nurse. Mr. Pettit's father purchased it from her estate in c.1940. It is understood to be very original but has been repainted. It is quite correct, still retaining the original seat coverings. Mr. Pettit recalls that it ran well but has not been used in recent times.
WITHOUT RESERVE
Chassis No. 64300
Engine No. 64224
Green with tan interior
Engine: four-cylinders in line, side valves, 50 cu. in., 22bhp; Gearbox: manual three speed; Suspension: beam axle with transverse leaf springs to front, live axle with quarter elliptic leaf springs to rear; Brakes: four wheel mechanical drum. Left hand drive.
The American Bantam offered economy small-car motoring to Americans about 15 or 20 years before they realized they wanted it. Based on the Austin Seven of 1922, which even on its British home territory was viewed with some amusement, the Bantam was well engineered and pertly attractive. It derived from the American Austin, built under license in Butler, Pennsylvania in 1930. Sales were never brisk and the company's finances were always precarious because the American Austin, ranging in price from $445 to $550, had to compete against the Ford Model A with prices starting at $435. The outcome was inevitable, despite relaunching the range as the Bantam. Between 1934 and 1937 none were produced. In 1937 the American Bantam Car Company tried again with more restyling and an engine reworked and tuned by the great Harry Miller, but it was uphill work and in 1941 production finally ceased before the mini-car craze had hit America.
The Bantams were cars that were definitely ahead of their time. The practicality of compact cars had not yet settled into the American market, but certainly would do so in years to come. These attractive little cars became highly sought after during the gas rationing era of World War II.
This coupe was originally delivered to Mr. Pettit's uncle, Milton, a Bantam dealer who sold a grand total of two cars! He picked it up at the factory and drove it back to Virginia, and subsequently sold it to a local nurse. Mr. Pettit's father purchased it from her estate in c.1940. It is understood to be very original but has been repainted. It is quite correct, still retaining the original seat coverings. Mr. Pettit recalls that it ran well but has not been used in recent times.
WITHOUT RESERVE