The Vintage Austin Register
(V.A.R.) was founded in 1958 as the "Vintage Austin 12/4 Register" by
enthusiasts who were keen to record and preserve remaining examples of
this well known and much loved car. Such was the survival rate of the
Austin Motor Company's "Twelve" that the Register quickly grew and began
to accept other models in the Austin range, such as the Austin 20/4,
16/6 and the ubiquitous Austin 7.
It soon became apparent that
the name of the Register would have to change, to reflect the inclusion
of all other Austin models. In 1961 the Register was re-named "The
Vintage Austin Register" In 1981 the V.A.R. became a limited liability
company and was named The Vintage Austin Register Ltd.
The During the past 42 years
the V.A.R. (as it is more commonly known) has consistently attracted a
steady membership of over 550 and encompasses a diverse range of Austin
vehicles built between 1906 and the late 1930s Separate branches were
established in Australia and New Zealand to cater for the needs of a
growing number of enthusiasts emerging in both these locations.
Whilst members are more
prolific in the UK (the country of manufacture) such was the strength
behind the export drive that many Austins are still being found in far
flung corners of the globe. The aims and objectives of the VAR are the
same today as they were in 1958: to encourage restoration, preservation
and use of vintage and pre-war Austins.
