J40 peddling for big bids

One of the most sought after toys of the twentieth century is going under the hammer at East Bristol Auctions in their Games, Trains & Automobiles sale on 29 July. An Austin Junior Forty (or ‘J40’ to collectors) pedal car has been consigned from a local family - the car has had one careful owner since purchase.

Largely in original condition, the pedal car still has its factory fitted tyres and hubs. "These pedal cars aren’t just a quirky vintage toy,’ says auctioneer Andrew Stowe, ‘but they are fascinating pieces of social history. These pedal cars were made by disabled Welsh miners after the war in South Wales. So not only were they probably a child’s dream-come-true at Christmas, but these were often therapy for those miners.’

Built and finished like the real life counterparts, they were made from sheet metal off cuts from the Austin factory and painted to the same standard.
The Austin J40 Roadster carries an estimate of £1000-£2000. A more detailed history of these fantastic J40 model cars can be found on pages 22-23 of this issue.

Also consigned to the sale is another automotive rarity - a scarce South African made Dinky Toys Ford Consul Cortina. ‘Again, these have a fascinating history,’ says Andrew. ‘When South Africa left the Commonwealth in the 1950s, a huge tax was payable on imported finished goods. To circumnavigate this tax, Dinky shipped English parts to South Africa with the view to them being finished locally, thus avoiding the levy.’
 

The bright green Consul Cortina survives in mint original condition, within its correct South African issue box. Consigned from a large local collection of mint boxed diecast which also feature in the sale, it too carries a £1000-£2000.