Austin 12-4 Tyres
Austin Clifton 12-4
Austin 12-4 Tyres
Austin 12-4 Tyres Explained
Throughout the mid to late 20's the Austin 12/4 fitted a 475x21 tyre. The majority of vintage tyres near this size are now called 440/450X21 because this was a very popular Ford Model A tyre and late Ford Model T, as a result there is plenty of choice and some good value vintage Austin tyres in this size.
Longstone vintage tyres presently would suggest that the Lucas tyre has a similarly good quality to the other vintage tyres in this size, but the price is extremely good and they have a very vintage appearance, making the Lucas the best option for those on a budget.
Recommended Austin 12/4 21" tyres
- We would recommend the 4.40/4.50 x 21 Lucas as the best tyre in this size and it is extremely good value.
- Depending on your style of wheel, you will require either the Long Central Valve 440-550x20/21 innertube, or the Michelin 20/21CD Offset Valve innertube.
Recommended Austin 12/4 20" tyres
- Austin heavy 12's fitted 475/500x20 tyres. In this size the 4.50/4.75/5.00x20 Ensign B5 is the best structured handling Austin tyre you can get because it gives slightly lighter steering and a more period look.
- The preferred innertube for the 475/500 tyres is the Michelin 20/21CD innertube.
- We would recommend the 4.75/5.00 x 20 Firestone as the best tyre in this size for an Austin 12/4, with a set of the Michelin 20/21CD innertubes.
Recommended Austin 12/4 19" tyres
- We would recommend the 4.75/5.00 x 19 Michelin D.R. as the best tyre in this size for an Austin 12/4. However the Lucas tyre is extremely good value for its quality.
- These tyres are best fit with either Michelin 18/19CD RET Offset Valve inner tube, or a Long Central Valve 475-550X19/20 innertube.
- For more information on innertubes, see our innertube guide.
Austin 12-4 Recommended Tyres
History of the Austin 12/4
The Austin 12/4 was introduced in 1921 by the Austin Motor Company. It was the second of Herbert Austin's post-World War I models, and it was essentially a smaller version of the 20. The Austin 12/4 was initially available as a Tourer, but by 1922, three body styles were created: the four-seat tourer, the two/four-seater, and the coupé. Austin's 12/4 was popular throughout the vintage era, with annual sales reaching 14,000 in 1927.
While the mechanical specifications of the Austin 12/4 changed only a little (the engine increased from 1661cc to 1861cc in 1926), a variety of body styles were available, with saloons becoming increasingly popular as the twenties came to an end. The Austin 12 remained in the Austin catalogue until 1935, and it was available as a Taxi option until 1939. The last cars for the War Department were built in 1940.
The car was renamed the "Heavy 12" in the early 1930s to distinguish it from the other, newer, 12 horsepower cars in the Austin catalogue ("Light Austin 12/4", Austin 12/6, etc.) and was updated. In 1933, the artillery-style wheels on the Austin 12 were replaced with wire-spoked wheels, and coil ignition replaced the magneto in 1935. In 1934, the gearbox's top two ratios were synchromeshed. The body range was gradually reduced, with the last fabric-covered Austin 12s in 1931 and no open Austin 12s after 1934.
Following the war, the Austin 12 name reappeared in the Austin catalogue for a few years until the arrival of the Austin A40 Dorset and Devon saloons in 1947. The Austin 12/4 is remembered today as being virtually unburstable and is well catered for by the Vintage Austin Register in the UK and various other clubs around the world.