The Society
The Austin Bantam Society (ABS) was founded in 1969 as the Pacific Bantam Austin Club to promote and stimulate interest in the restoration and preservation of American Austin and Bantam vehicles. Recently its charter has been expanded to include pre-war English Austins and derivative cars such as Dixi, Rosengart and Datsun. Modified cars of these marques are welcome too.
If you are, or think you might be interested in the car hobby we in the ABS cordially invite you to talk to us about Austins and Bantams and what might be involved in restoring or preserving one. Because they are small and employ very basic mechanicals the time, space and money needed to maintain one of these wonderful little cars is quite modest compared with other makes. The rewards are disproportionately huge however. No matter what other cars are on display, when an Austin or Bantam takes the field, it steals the show.
Although the ABS generally holds its trophy meets in the western United States, it boasts members in almost every State and in several foreign countries. Members’ cars number in the hundreds, and we take great pride and interest in both locating new candidates for restoration and helping place them with restorers. If you are serious about restoring a car and making actual progress, you will find the ABS and its members bending over backwards to help you.
We have helped dozens of ABS members all over the world in locating cars and parts, advising as to authenticity and even walking them through complete restorations. We can do the same for you, wherever you are.
ANNUAL TROPHY MEET - Once a year ABS holds an annual "COME-AS-YOU-ARE" trophy meet and show at which five classes of trophies are presented: Best American Austin; Best American Bantam; Best pre-war English Austin or derivative marque, Best Bantam Reconnaissance Car and Best modified Austin or Bantam (including for instance both American street rods and British A7 racing specials).
Other special awards include: The Sweetheart Trophy. The Most Improved Car Trophy, and Longest Distance awards. Mostly however these meets are looked forward to as a chance to catch up with old friends and exchange news, parts and information about our great little cars.
MEMBERSHIP - Membership includes: a membership card; a one year subscription to the Society’s publication "Rooster Tails"; free advertising in this publication; an annual roster of members; and a cordial invitation to attend and participate in the Society’s year ‘round activities. Most of all it puts you on a first name basis with some of the most knowledgeable and generous car enthusiasts in the world many of whom will lend you assistance, advice, technical help and encouragement. As many of us have found, the very modest membership fee might be one of the best investments you ever make.
If you are interested in joining, please fill out the MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
If you are, or think you might be interested in the car hobby we in the ABS cordially invite you to talk to us about Austins and Bantams and what might be involved in restoring or preserving one. Because they are small and employ very basic mechanicals the time, space and money needed to maintain one of these wonderful little cars is quite modest compared with other makes. The rewards are disproportionately huge however. No matter what other cars are on display, when an Austin or Bantam takes the field, it steals the show.
Although the ABS generally holds its trophy meets in the western United States, it boasts members in almost every State and in several foreign countries. Members’ cars number in the hundreds, and we take great pride and interest in both locating new candidates for restoration and helping place them with restorers. If you are serious about restoring a car and making actual progress, you will find the ABS and its members bending over backwards to help you.
We have helped dozens of ABS members all over the world in locating cars and parts, advising as to authenticity and even walking them through complete restorations. We can do the same for you, wherever you are.
ANNUAL TROPHY MEET - Once a year ABS holds an annual "COME-AS-YOU-ARE" trophy meet and show at which five classes of trophies are presented: Best American Austin; Best American Bantam; Best pre-war English Austin or derivative marque, Best Bantam Reconnaissance Car and Best modified Austin or Bantam (including for instance both American street rods and British A7 racing specials).
Other special awards include: The Sweetheart Trophy. The Most Improved Car Trophy, and Longest Distance awards. Mostly however these meets are looked forward to as a chance to catch up with old friends and exchange news, parts and information about our great little cars.
MEMBERSHIP - Membership includes: a membership card; a one year subscription to the Society’s publication "Rooster Tails"; free advertising in this publication; an annual roster of members; and a cordial invitation to attend and participate in the Society’s year ‘round activities. Most of all it puts you on a first name basis with some of the most knowledgeable and generous car enthusiasts in the world many of whom will lend you assistance, advice, technical help and encouragement. As many of us have found, the very modest membership fee might be one of the best investments you ever make.
If you are interested in joining, please fill out the MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION