1938 American Bantam Roadster
Specifications
Engine: 747 cc Inline-Four Cylinder
Horsepower: 22
Transmission: Three-Speed Manual
Top Speed: 50 MPH
The American Austin Car Company was founded in 1929 in Butler, Pennsylvania, with the goal of creating a market for small-car enthusiasts in the United States. The company, later renamed American Bantam, produced vehicles licensed from the British Austin Motor Company. The company is credited with the design of the first World War II Jeep, and built 2675 pre-production vehicles, though Willys-Overland and Ford were awarded the bulk of orders due to their larger production capacity.
In England in 1922, the Austin Motor Company introduced the Austin 7. The 7 was marketed towards people in rural England, aiming to pull those people off their bicycles and into a legitimate automobile, often for the first time. This car truly served the same purpose as the Ford Model T did here in the United States - cheap, reliable transportation for the masses. This car mechanized rural England, just as the Fiat Topolino did in Italy, and as the Renault 2CV did in France. While the 7 was powered by just a 12-14 horsepower four-cylinder, its engine also powered many English “competition special” racecars, at which the Brits excelled.
In 1929, a license was signed to produce the Austin 7 here in the United States. While the thought of a small, efficient car sounds like a shrewd business idea at a glance, the price of the new American Austins were comparable to Ford V8s. The American Austin Car Company ceased operations in 1934. Roy Evans was a former salesman for Austin and a firm believer in the small car market. In 1935 he acquired the bankrupt company and reorganized it under the name American Bantam. Several changes were made to the American Austin car design, including an updated exterior designed by Alexis de Sakhnoffsky, and a modified engine now with more than 20 horsepower.
American Bantams featured an efficient 747cc inline-four engine which produced an adequate 22 horsepower. The cars were capable of 50 MPH while also achieving 40+ MPG consistently, which later led enthusiasts to refer to the American Bantam as ‘America’s First Economy Cars.’ The styling of the cars resembled smaller versions of Chevrolets of the period, with Stutz and Marmon-style hood vents. Bantams were minimalistic yet useful, and sold for about $500. Numerous body styles such as the woody station wagon, delivery van, coupe, and pickup were offered in addition to this Roadster on display. Just 6000 examples of the American Bantam were produced before production ceased in 1941.