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04/01/2011 1:59 am
Here is another new (to me) 1:43 white metal model maker.
It is Inver Models in Scotland producing 1930 American Austin models. They are NOT using Mikansue or Rapide models as patterns. Actually they are a company making architectural models and using the cars as a fill-in. Pictures and information may be found at: INVER. They are currently out of the roadster but will produce some soon.
Thanks to Jerry Rettig for telling us about Inver Models.
04/01/2011 3:01 am
What a fascinating site with those architectual models in addition to the Austins!
David Knight
Richmond, Virginia. USA
04/01/2011 3:07 am
I have the Rapide '36 Bantam roadster (pic) & am considering one of these coupes. But I wonder just how many of the "auto eductated" members of the forum have any memory and/or knowledge of this American Austin.
04/01/2011 3:31 am
When I was a kid in the thirties they were often referred to as midget cars.
I thought then that they were cars made for midgets (little people) to drive.
04/01/2011 3:48 am
1930 Austin
A wonderful find. Ricko, a departed 1/18 mfgr had both the Austin and the German variant, the BMW Dixie - I think it was called.
04/01/2011 4:21 am
A local junk yard had a Bantam 2 door when I was in high school. It was in very good overall condition and reminded me of a miniature '33-'34 Ford and I tried to buy it on numerous occasions. The owner kept telling me he was saving it for his son, who was very small at the time. Over the years the junkyard disappeared, and I never found out what happened to the Bantam!
04/01/2011 4:54 am
These look quite good. Thanks for this lead, Dick.
04/01/2011 6:04 am
Bantam Cars
Hi David; I live 20 miles from Butler, PA and worked at the factory in the early 1960's. Of course by than it was the Pullman Car mfg company. They don't build railroad cars (do we build anything in this country anymore) there but the buildings are still standing.
04/01/2011 7:40 am
Has anyone checked on price ??
04/01/2011 10:00 am
I received an e-mail from the company last night. $128 and that includes shipping.
04/01/2011 10:11 am
Ken Smith, please email oldsman41atyahoo.com
04/01/2011 2:09 pm
My Dad told stories about his friend who drove a new Bantam roadster in Chicago and the surprised reactions people had to the car. Got a reproduction Bantam sales brochure for him to reminisce about.
04/01/2011 4:34 pm
Currently on Ebay
A 1:1 Austin American 1930 Coupe, pretty sweet and the current bid is for less than a lot of 1/43 models.110631656845 Ebay Motors