This racer was created from the remains of two cars that were built by Austin to compete in the French Grand Prix of 1908.

Austin initially built a team of four cars to enter the race; two had chain drive and two had shaft drive. Both the shaft-driven cars crashed in practice and their parts were amalgamated to build a ‘fifth’ racing car which is on display here.

The three cars were brought to the starting line of the race, driven by Warwick Wright, Dario Resta and John Moore-Brabazon (later the first Lord Brabazon of Tara). Wright retired with a seized engine but Moore-Brabazon and Resta finished in 18th and 19th places respectively; the only British cars to finish the race. This car, the only survivor from the team, was driven by Moore-Brabazon.

The cars were no match for the Continental opposition; it was to be Austin’s only Grand Prix appearance and the cars were sold off as fast tourers. This particular car was owned for a number of years by Sir Hickman Bacon. He had a special touring body made for the car, which could be detached to leave a two-seater. Sir Bacon presented the car back to Austin in the 1950s.