‘I DON’T WANT THESE CARS RACED’

Seller appeals to spare specially bodied Austin 3 Litres from a grisly end

An urgent appeal has gone out to save two unique coachbuilt Austin 3-Litres from the scrapyard or banger track.

A hearse and an ambulance variant both remain on the market after vendor, Jerry Ansell, saved them following the death of their previous owner Malcolm Stephens last year. Jerry has tried to find an enthusiast who will take them on, to no avail – despite the full

support of the Austin 3-Litre Owners’ Club. ‘I have had so many people wanting to buy the 3-Litres for racing but as a responsible racer myself I do not want this to happen. I acquired these vehicles to save them,’ said Jerry.

We covered the 3-Litres coming to market last year ( CCW, 3 October 2018) following a feature on the cars by our sister title Practical Classics. Both vehicles, especially the hearse, need major work, said Jerry, who is based in the Gatwick area of West Sussex. He is looking for offers around £2000 each.

Acquired at the same time was one of two known Austin 3-Litre limousines to survive, which Jerry has now sold to chairman of the Austin 3-Litre Owners Club, Neil Kidby: ‘This car is a massive project but I think it can be done.’

Neil has pledged spares and assistance to anyone interested in taking a 3-Litre project on – and the same applies to the new owners of Jerry’s hearse and ambulance. ‘As a club we are desperate to find someone to come along and save the ambulance and hearse. We have tried everything. Jerry is very sympathetic and we all hope there will be a successful conclusion,’ said Neil. Anyone interested should contact Jerry by phone.