Austin 18/6 Chalfont.
As far as I can tell, the two photographs shown here feature an Irish-registered Austin 18hp Chalfont limousine, or possibly 18hp York, of 1935. These stately Austins were often used on private hire duties, for example at weddings or funerals, and in private use, often in the hands of trusted chauffeurs. A number of survivors still earn their keep on classic wedding duties. The glass division fitted between the driving and rear passenger compartment was an added bonus of the Chalfont model. Austin 18/6 registration Z 6012 appears to be an example of chauffeur-driven car, judging by the chap dressed (approximately) in a chauffeur's uniform. First of the images sees the driver behind the wheel of the six-cylinder Austin. The car's coachwork is relatively clean although the bumper could do with some more attention from a polishing rag.
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The second photo gives a good indication as to the size of the 18hp Chalfont and the York. The wide, rear-hinged, back doors allow graceful entry into the Austin for the car's passengers, the reason for Chalfont and York's continued popularity as wedding transport. Although in good order, I suspect the Austin already had a few years under its wheels by the time of these photos, the drooping front door handle is a giveaway that the car was no longer brand new.
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The 338 GBP (1935 prices, with Division) Chalfont was available with either an 18hp (RAC) or 16hp motor, just as was the case with the similar, and slightly cheaper, York.
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