By 1926 William Lyons had expanded his motorcycle sidecar business into production of small coupes and sport run-abouts called Austin Swallows. These cars predate Lyons 1931 SS cars, and the first Jaguars of 1935, and are an important part of the early history of the company.
The Austin Swallow featured Lyons stylish designed body built on the basic and very humble Austin 7 chassis and motor that Herbert Austin was more than willing to sell. Known as the oldest running “Jaguar” in the US this Austin Swallow is completely unrestored and a good example of the early automobile workmanship of its era. Several thousand of these small cars (less than 800 were sports) were sold and helped lay the financial foundation company we know today as Jaguar.
Taken at the Hilton Head Island Concours d'Elegance & Motoring Festival.
You may purchase a print in our dElegance 2014 online gallery.
The Vintage Automobile Article Index
