Drop the top on this Pennsylvania born 1940 American Bantam Hollywood and enjoy a ride in one of America's first production sports cars.  Weighing in at around 1200 lbs and powered by the high revving 25 horsepower Hill Master engine; a jaunt in a late Bantam cabriolet proves its own form of exhilaration.  With a sturdy roof, roll up windows, and a cowl vent; this car can be enjoyed in most any weather; California Sun, Massachusetts Autumn, or even a Wisconsin Winter.  Having been well-cared for since a complete restoration in the 1980's, this car still presents and drives well.  In a loving home, it should make its next owner just as happy as everyone else who has loved this cabriolet. 

Driveline:

- Hill master engine - three main bearing, 50 cu-in flat head, 4 cylinder engine, factory rated at 25 hp.

- T-84 transmission - synchronized 2nd and 3rd gear -the same sturdy transmission used in Studebakers and WWII Jeeps.

- Rear Axle with 5.25:1 ratio- believed to be Dana or Spicer sourced, similar to Studebaker unit.

Suspension:

- Monroe lever action knee shocks at all four corners

- Semi-elliptical rear springs

- Transverse front leaf spring

- Ross Twin Cam steering box

- Full floating drum brakes

Vehicle History:

- pre-1981: Car was restored or cleaned up from a nice survivor and entered the Roaring 20's museum in New Jersey

- 1981: Car was purchased by restorer who greatly improved the caliber of the car through meticulous work and NOS parts.

- 1988: AACA First Junior Award, Hershey Pennsylvania

- 1989: AACA Second Junior Award, Hershey Pennsylvania

- 1990-2017: limited use by restorer and stored in temperature controlled facility with regular upkeep

- 2017- present: owned and occasionally driven by active club member who took efforts to make car more authentic and undertook minor work

Recent work:

- Yearly oil changes including fresh oil pan gasket each time and screen cleaning on oil pump

- Improvement of fuel system by installing refreshed gas tank, new fuel line, and NOS Zenith fuel filter

- Installation of correct ammeter, radiator cap, spare tire hold down, interior door handles, window cranks, and escutcheons

- Installation of fresh fan belt and radiator hoses

- Installation of new rubber hood bumpers

- New dry cell battery from Jim's antique batteries in 2023

Areas for additional improvement:

- Currently no wire running from the fuel sender to the fuel gauge

- Some blemishes in the paint from age, i.e. cracking, chipping, or other small imperfections

- The horn and one taillight are not currently working

- Tires are of unknown age, a person looking to put a lot of miles on this car would probably want to install newer Coker radials

Additional considerations:

- Comes with some color matched touch up paint

- Seller will provide the new owner with memberships to both the Austin Bantam Society and the American Austin Bantam Club

Owner's Thoughts:

After searching for a nice Hollywood for around 5 years, I finally found this car.  I have enjoyed owning this car for around seven years.  In that time, I have only seen three others four others sell, with only two being close to the caliber of this vehicle.  At around 6' tall and under 200 lbs, I find the car quite comfortable inside.  It has been fun to drive around the neighborhood to friends' houses and to do small errands.  The car is surprisingly capable and easy to drive, despite being a 1940; likely because of how light the car is and the power band of the engine.  Being one of the last cars off the line also means this car was built with the best steering, cooling, braking, clutching, and suspension of all of the Bantams produced. It is also one of only around 120 of this body style built and one of several surviving examples.  

If you do not like getting attention, this 1940 Bantam Hollywood is not for you because people are naturally intrigued by these cars.  I am only selling this car because I have to downsize my collection to make room in the garage to finish a long term project that is finally getting close to returning to the road.  Unfortunately, I need to let this Bantam go.

Also, the car comes with a clean transferable New York registration.

Payment must clear prior to buyer picking up vehicle.  Vehicle is sold in As-Is condition with no warranties expressed or implied.  Buyers can make arrangements to inspect the vehicle or to have an inspector do it for them.  The vehicle is to be picked up within ten days of the auction end, unless other arrangements are made in advance.  If you need assistance in shipping the car, I can share recommendations of a fellow who has moved quite a few Bantams and Bantam projects recently.