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Austin Pedal Cars Commemorates 75th Anniversary Of J40 With Royal Display
In 2024, the Austin J40 pedal car celebrates its 75th anniversary. Launched in 1949, over 32,000 units were produced at the Austin J40 factory in Bargoed, South Wales. To commemorate this milestone, Austin Pedal Cars has loaned eight special cars for display at the Royal Automobile Club's Rotunda in London from 20th August to 3rd September.
The Austin J40 pedal car was originally manufactured by the Austin Motor Company Limited. Based on the 1948 A40 Devon and Dorset models, these pedal cars were built at a factory in South Wales that opened in 1949. This facility was established to provide employment for disabled coal miners using scrap metal from the Longbridge Austin factory.
Standard features of these pedal cars included working headlights, a horn, detachable wheels with Dunlop tyres, and leather or cloth seating. Each car also had an opening bonnet and boot, chrome bumpers, hub caps, grille, and boot handle. Production ceased in September 1971 after making a total of 32,098 units.
The display at the Royal Automobile Club includes a variety of unique and classic J40s. Among them is a restored 1949 Austin Pathfinder, which marks the beginning of the Austin pedal cars story. Another highlight is the only existing Austin Pedal Cars Police Car with working lights and siren.
Also featured is an Austin J40 Pickup used in the first Goodwood Revival Settrington Cup race in 2012. The collection showcases a prototype chassis for the 2022 Austin J40 Continuation and a hand-formed aluminium body atop a classic J40 chassis used as a prototype for the Continuation model.
Modern Innovations and Collaborations
The latest addition to this historic lineup is the 2023 Austin J40 Continuation. Only 49 units were produced, featuring modern technology while retaining classic aesthetics such as a hand-formed aluminium body and leather seats. Another notable piece is the 2024 J40 Continuation Holland & Sherry collaboration with a Savile Row tailored interior.
Mark Burnett, Managing Director of Austin Pedal Cars, expressed his excitement about celebrating this milestone: "What a way to celebrate 75 years of these wonderful pedal cars! The beautiful surroundings of the Rotunda within the Royal Automobile Club in London is the perfect place to honour a British motor manufacturing legacy that is often forgotten."
The Role of The Royal Automobile Club
The Royal Automobile Club was founded in 1897 and received its royal title from King Edward VII in 1907. It has played a significant role in promoting motoring events like the Tourist Trophy and pre-war Grands Prix at Brooklands. Today, it continues to support automobilism through various events including RM Sotheby’s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run.
Austin Pedal Cars' display will be available for viewing by club members and their guests until 3rd September. This exhibition offers an opportunity to appreciate both classic and contemporary models of these iconic pedal cars.
The company began reproducing J40 spares in 2020 and launched the Austin J40 Continuation in 2023. They offer spares designed to original specifications using modern techniques for high quality and perfect fitment.
Austin Pedal Cars also presents an extensive history book on the Austin J40 pedal car. This book provides detailed research along with numerous previously unpublished photographs and documents that tell the full story of this important vehicle.
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