World Dealers for the Pirelli Collezione Range 
Michelin Collections UK Distributors For Classic & Vintage Tyres Austin 12/4 Tyres
For 1921–1925 Austin 12 tourers we recommend the 765 x 105 Excelsior. For 1926–1928 early Heavy 12/4 we suggest the 4.40/4.50 x 21 Lucas. For 1928–1933 Austin 12/4 we suggest the 4.75/5.00 x 20 Lucas. For 1933–1939 Austin 12/4 we recommend the 4.75/5.00 x 19 Michelin D.R.
Austin Twelve Four 1921–1939
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.
Austin 12-4 Tyres Explained
1928 Austin Clifton 12-4
1921–1928 Austin 12 Tyres
- The 1921–1925 Austin 12 tourers—including the Clifton, Chummy, Open Road/All-Weather, and Harley fitted 765 - 105 beaded-edge tyres.
- Our recommended 765 - 105 beaded edge Austin 12 Tourer tyre is the 765 x 105 Excelsior.
- The ideal innertube for 765 - 105 tyres is the Central Valve H/D Michelin Inner Tube 760X90 RET.
- The 1926–1928 early Heavy Twelve-Four models—including the Clifton tourer and Burnham, Berkeley, Westminster, and Windsor saloons fitted 440/450 - 21 tyres.
- Our recommended 440/450 - 21 early Twelve-Four tyre is the 4.40/4.50 x 21 Lucas.
- The 4.40/4.50 x 21 Firestone is also an excellent option in this size.
- The correct innertube for 440/450 - 21 tyres is the Michelin 20/21CD RET Offset Valve Inner Tube or the Long Central Valve Inner Tube 440-550x21, depending on your wheel type.
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Recommend Inner Tubes for Austin 12/4
Alternative Tyres for Austin 12/4
Obsolete Tyres
These historical tyres are discontinued
In the mid-thirties the Austin 12 changed wheel size again to fit 475x19. These days the majority of vintage tyres in this size are dual marked 475/500x19 tyres. In this size the 4.75/5.00 x 19 Michelin D.R. would be the best tyre for an Austin 12. It is extremely good at moving water out of the way and gripping in the wet and its comfort is superb. The Goodyear Diamond (Goodyear all-weather) is also a very good period tyre, and, as it is also a Ford size, the Lucas is extremely good value for a quality tyre with a period look suited to an Austin 12.
History of the Austin 12
The Austin 12 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 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.
