Our Austin 10/4
Here’s What We Provide
History
Belle the Austin was originally bought new by Miss Edith Summerhayes Baker, in 1935, from her local dealership in Bournemouth (see if you can spot the dealer plate inside the car). This particular model of Austin was one of the first cars to be marketed at women, as it was easy to drive compared to others at the time! Edith was born in 1894, meaning the history of this car spans three centuries! It’s amazing to think that you can be driving a car that was also driven by a Victorian. Edith kept the car for nearly 50 years, so it was well known in the area, and was affectionately christened “Belle” by locals, after her number plate BEL.
The Restoration
Here you can see Belle’s second owner, Mr Harry Greenhalgh, part way through his restoration in the late 1960s. During this restoration, Harry chose to change Belle’s colour, from just black, to black and yellow, making her more cheerful in the process. It’s possibly just coincidence that the James Bond film Goldfinger had only recently come out, featuring a Rolls Royce in the same colour scheme…! The quality of Harry’s work really shines through to today- he reused as many original parts as he could, maintaining what makes Belle so special, and his thoroughness is what’s helped keep her on the road for so long.
Your Turn!
She may be nearly 90, but that’s not stopping Belle the Austin from having new adventures! Now settled in her Yorkshire home, the old girl is still earning her keep, pottering around the many lanes and back roads of the Dales. Perhaps you can be the next person to experience the charms of this beautiful old car, and have a day out like no other- you’ll end up smiling, we do.