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AMERICAN BANTAM 1938-1940 |
American Bantam bodies were streamlined |
Advertising claimed 60 mpg for the 1938 Bantam line, including this coupe. |
The 1938 Bantam roadster is cute from above. |
1938 Bantam station wagons used maple bodies. |
American Austin Car Company president Roy S. Evans reorganized his firm in 1936 as the American Bantam Car Company. Mechanical improvements meant his cars were no longer licensed versions of the original Austin Seven. Thomas Hibbard redesigned the bodies and production was anticipated for 1936, but financial setbacks delayed introduction. The delay allowed Evans to solicit new streamlined designs from Alexis deSahknoffsky. American Austin body shell stampings were retained, but fenders, grilles, wheels, interiors and other details were updated. New body styles were added, too. Unfortunately, a significant market for "baby cars" would not develop in America for two more decades. Only about 6,700 Bantams were built before civilian production ceased in June, 1940, to make way for military work. (Continue) |
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