LOT 203 •
1941 American Bantam 65 Super Chassis no. 65246 Engine no. 66117
Sold for US$25,740 inc. premium
Lot 203•
1941 American Bantam 65 Super Chassis no. 65246 Engine no. 66117
The Greenwich Concours d'Elegance, Collectors' Motorcars and Automobilia|7 June 2009, 12:00 EDT|Connecticut, Greenwich
1941 American Bantam 65 Super
Chassis no. 65246
Engine no. 66117
Chassis no. 65246
Engine no. 66117
In 1929, Britain’s Sir Herbert Austin visited New York, bringing with him four of his popular Austin Seven cars. He spoke with a number of businesspeople, hoping to interest some of them in a franchise to build the little Austins. Only after returning home did he hear from some bankers in western Pennsylvania who were eager to industrialize their city. The American Austin Car Company was established at Butler shortly thereafter.
The American directors of the new firm felt the English Austin needed some flashier lines, and looked to Detroit for inspiration. Hayes Body Company submitted proposals by Alexis de Sakhnoffsky, a Russian count who had become their art director. Spiffy little coupes and roadsters were placed into production and advertised in a brochure illustrated by Esquire artist Lawrence Fellows. Borrowing the “sweep panel” associated with Duesenberg, Sakhnoffsky made the cars look jaunty and cute. A delivery van was also offered, with prices starting at $445, which, inauspiciously, would also buy a full-size Model A Ford.
The car’s engine was a mirror image of the British version, and it took a stylish Bantam rooster as its mascot, proudly displayed on the radiator cap. Reportedly, it was the first American car to locate the battery under the hood. But despite a reputed 184,000 orders, only 8,558 cars were delivered by the end of 1930. Sales in 1931 were worse, and the company went into receivership. Roy Evans, the charismatic Florida dealer, took charge, selling most of the accumulated inventory for prices as low as $275. Evans reorganized the company into the American Bantam Car Company, had Sakhnoffsky update the styling and borrowed some money. The new Bantam car entered production late in mid-1937.
In addition to the familiar roadster and coupe, models included a pickup, station wagon and panel delivery trucks. Speedster and Riviera models had seating for four, later cars moving the headlamps out to the fenders. Prices ranged from $399 to $565 in 1939, but customers still weren't buying. Only about 6,000 Bantams were built through 1940, and leftover cars were sold as ‘41s. Bantam built a Jeep contender for the Army, but lost the contract to Willys and Ford. As a consolation, they were given an award to build trailers for the armed services, which they did throughout World War II and for the civilian market until 1956.
This 1941 Bantam Roadster flaunts the genius of de Sakhnoffsky, painted tastefully in mocha with the sweep panel finished in contrasting beige. A wide crimson stripe separates the two, and the cozy cockpit is done in brown leather. The overall presentation is enhanced by a plethora of detail features from triple chrome stripes down the wheel spats to engraved wind-wings and ‘bullet’ hood ornament.
According to the seller, the Bantam was acquired in North Carolina a few years ago and has seen little use since. Cosmetically it may best be described as cleanly presented with a few signs of age from use to the paintwork, such as minor scratches/chips at the hood and door edges.
A jolly accessory to any automobile collection.
The American directors of the new firm felt the English Austin needed some flashier lines, and looked to Detroit for inspiration. Hayes Body Company submitted proposals by Alexis de Sakhnoffsky, a Russian count who had become their art director. Spiffy little coupes and roadsters were placed into production and advertised in a brochure illustrated by Esquire artist Lawrence Fellows. Borrowing the “sweep panel” associated with Duesenberg, Sakhnoffsky made the cars look jaunty and cute. A delivery van was also offered, with prices starting at $445, which, inauspiciously, would also buy a full-size Model A Ford.
The car’s engine was a mirror image of the British version, and it took a stylish Bantam rooster as its mascot, proudly displayed on the radiator cap. Reportedly, it was the first American car to locate the battery under the hood. But despite a reputed 184,000 orders, only 8,558 cars were delivered by the end of 1930. Sales in 1931 were worse, and the company went into receivership. Roy Evans, the charismatic Florida dealer, took charge, selling most of the accumulated inventory for prices as low as $275. Evans reorganized the company into the American Bantam Car Company, had Sakhnoffsky update the styling and borrowed some money. The new Bantam car entered production late in mid-1937.
In addition to the familiar roadster and coupe, models included a pickup, station wagon and panel delivery trucks. Speedster and Riviera models had seating for four, later cars moving the headlamps out to the fenders. Prices ranged from $399 to $565 in 1939, but customers still weren't buying. Only about 6,000 Bantams were built through 1940, and leftover cars were sold as ‘41s. Bantam built a Jeep contender for the Army, but lost the contract to Willys and Ford. As a consolation, they were given an award to build trailers for the armed services, which they did throughout World War II and for the civilian market until 1956.
This 1941 Bantam Roadster flaunts the genius of de Sakhnoffsky, painted tastefully in mocha with the sweep panel finished in contrasting beige. A wide crimson stripe separates the two, and the cozy cockpit is done in brown leather. The overall presentation is enhanced by a plethora of detail features from triple chrome stripes down the wheel spats to engraved wind-wings and ‘bullet’ hood ornament.
According to the seller, the Bantam was acquired in North Carolina a few years ago and has seen little use since. Cosmetically it may best be described as cleanly presented with a few signs of age from use to the paintwork, such as minor scratches/chips at the hood and door edges.
A jolly accessory to any automobile collection.
Looking for a similar item?
Our Cars specialists can help you find a similar item at an auction or via a private sale.
Find your local specialistAuction Viewings
Lot symbols
| • | Exempt from tax |
| Zero rated for tax, no tax will be added to the Hammer Price or the Buyer's Premium. |