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Details
1941 AMERICAN BANTAM SUPER FOUR HOLLYWOOD CONVERTIBLE
Chassis No. 66209
Engine No. 66436
Red and black with red upholstery
Engine: four cylinders in line, side valves, 50 cu. in., 22bhp; Gearbox: manual three speeds; Suspension: beam axle with transverse leaf spring to the front, live axle with quarter elliptic leaf spring to rear; Brakes: four-wheel mechanical drum. Left hand drive.
To Americans in the 1920s, the Ford Model T represented 'motoring for the millions'. In other countries there were other ideas. In the English Midlands, Herbert Austin created the Austin Seven, a tiny economy car - a big car scaled down - that could just accomodate a couple and their two children. In its day it made a sassy little racer and blazed trails across the searing desert of Australia. By European standards the Seven was a considerable success and went on to successful production in Japan, France and Germany. It was built under license in the USA as the American Austin, but here it was a different story. In a country where the price for gasoline was insignificant, tiny engined automobiles made little sense, no matter how neat and well-made the car. The American Austin's best year was 1930, when nearly 9,000 were sold. It was downhill all the way after that. Despite prices slashed to under $300 in 1934, no more than 1,057 were sold that year. Although wonderful little cars, the mini-car craze had not yet reached the U.S.
Refloated in 1937, a new company offered the American Bantam. Styling was updated, the roadsters were given fashionable vee grilles and rear wheel covers. By 1940 the engine was improved, receiving three crankshaft bearings. Glamorous titles such as Hollywood and Riviera were adopted; the usual range of two and four-seater bodies was offered. Only 2,000 were sold in 1938 and by 1941 the Bantam was no more, defeated by America's vast distances and cheap gasoline.
Famed stylist Alex Tremulis designed the 'Hollywood' convertible for Roy Evans, Bantam's president. A stock coupe was driven from California to Butler, PA in a test of the new Bantam 3 main bearing engine and the car averaged 42.5 mpg and made the trip in only seven hours more than it had taken in a Cadillac - another testimonial to Bantam quality and durability.
Originally sold by a Bantam dealer in Boston, this Bantam Hollywood Convertible was acquired in 1950 by Mr. Pettit from the family in Charlottesville who were the first owners. This rare example is in excellent all around condition. It was fitted with new tires in 1997. The Hollywood is considered by many to be the prettiest of all the Bantams.
WITHOUT RESERVE
Chassis No. 66209
Engine No. 66436
Red and black with red upholstery
Engine: four cylinders in line, side valves, 50 cu. in., 22bhp; Gearbox: manual three speeds; Suspension: beam axle with transverse leaf spring to the front, live axle with quarter elliptic leaf spring to rear; Brakes: four-wheel mechanical drum. Left hand drive.
To Americans in the 1920s, the Ford Model T represented 'motoring for the millions'. In other countries there were other ideas. In the English Midlands, Herbert Austin created the Austin Seven, a tiny economy car - a big car scaled down - that could just accomodate a couple and their two children. In its day it made a sassy little racer and blazed trails across the searing desert of Australia. By European standards the Seven was a considerable success and went on to successful production in Japan, France and Germany. It was built under license in the USA as the American Austin, but here it was a different story. In a country where the price for gasoline was insignificant, tiny engined automobiles made little sense, no matter how neat and well-made the car. The American Austin's best year was 1930, when nearly 9,000 were sold. It was downhill all the way after that. Despite prices slashed to under $300 in 1934, no more than 1,057 were sold that year. Although wonderful little cars, the mini-car craze had not yet reached the U.S.
Refloated in 1937, a new company offered the American Bantam. Styling was updated, the roadsters were given fashionable vee grilles and rear wheel covers. By 1940 the engine was improved, receiving three crankshaft bearings. Glamorous titles such as Hollywood and Riviera were adopted; the usual range of two and four-seater bodies was offered. Only 2,000 were sold in 1938 and by 1941 the Bantam was no more, defeated by America's vast distances and cheap gasoline.
Famed stylist Alex Tremulis designed the 'Hollywood' convertible for Roy Evans, Bantam's president. A stock coupe was driven from California to Butler, PA in a test of the new Bantam 3 main bearing engine and the car averaged 42.5 mpg and made the trip in only seven hours more than it had taken in a Cadillac - another testimonial to Bantam quality and durability.
Originally sold by a Bantam dealer in Boston, this Bantam Hollywood Convertible was acquired in 1950 by Mr. Pettit from the family in Charlottesville who were the first owners. This rare example is in excellent all around condition. It was fitted with new tires in 1997. The Hollywood is considered by many to be the prettiest of all the Bantams.
WITHOUT RESERVE