Austin Ten Tire Pressures

• The ideal tire pressure for a Austin Ten is 30 PSI front and rear.
• To find the ideal tire pressures to match your car's year, model, and chosen tires follow the link to our Tire Pressure Guide.

• Our recommended Austin Ten tire is the 4.00/4.50 x 18 Longstone, as this tire was based on an original Austin 10/4 tire that was factory fitted. Essentially, there is no tire better suited than this.
• Our recommended Austin 10 innertubes are either the Michelin Kleber Offset Valve innertube, or the Michelin 18MFR Central Valve innertube, depending on your wheel type.
• To see more information on Austin Ten tires follow the link to our Austin Ten Tires Tire Section.

Austin 10 cars manufactured between 1932 and 1934 came fitted with 400-19 tires, while those produced in 1934 came with 450-19 tires. Due to the limited demand for vintage tires, manufacturers often create 'dual marked' tires that can satisfy two sizes. For these cars, we recommend the 4.00/4.50 x 19 Longstone tire, which can fit both models.

For Austin 10 cars manufactured in 1935-1936, the best tire is the 4.00/4.50 x 18 Longstone, which features a period tread pattern, excellent light handling and is the only tire that fits the exact size as the original equipment tire for the Austin 10. A Good alternative tire in this size is the 4.50 x 18 Lucas, it offers a period balloon tire tread pattern and aesthetic at a good price.

Austin 10 cars made between 1937 and 1947 featured 16" wheels and 525-16 tires between 1937 and 1945. In 1945, these cars started using 500-16 tires. These two sizes can be accommodated by the same tire size. For these cars, we recommend the 5.00/5.25 x 16 Avon Tourist tire as the ideal fit.

Austin Ten Innertubes

Cars of this era used tube-type wheels, which means they require an innertube between the wheel and the tire for proper functionality.

The Michelin Kleber Offset Valve innertube is the correct option for all 4.00/4.50 x 19 tires, and the Michelin 16E is the best tube for all the 16" tires mentioned above.

Austin Ten History

The Austin Motor Co introduced the Austin 10 on April 19, 1932. This vintage car was the best-selling car by Austin in the 1930s, and it remained in production with revisions until 1947. The Austin 10 slotted in between the Austin Seven, released in 1922, and the Austin Twelves, updated in January 1931. The car featured a pressed steel body designed conservatively on a ladder chassis. It had a 1125-cc four-cylinder side-valve engine that produced 21 brake horsepower, routed to the rear wheels via a four-speed gearbox and open drive shaft to a live rear axle.

The suspension was provided by half-elliptic springs placed on silent-bloc bushes and dampened by frictional shock absorbers. The four-wheel brakes were actuated by a pedal or a hand lever on the opposite side of the speed lever, and the electrical system was a 6-volt system. The car was sold as a basic model for £155, which could achieve 55 mph, and the Sunshine or De-Luxe version with an opening roof and leather upholstery cost £168. The car was available as a four-door saloon and was produced in two configurations for the first year alone. In 1933, the saloons were joined by an open two-seater or Open Road tourer, a Colwyn cabriolet, and a van. The Ripley, a sports vehicle, debuted in 1934.

For the 1934 model, the Austin 10 received mechanical improvements, including a stiffer chassis, synchromesh on the top two gears, and 12-volt electrics. The first aesthetic alteration was made to the radiator in August 1934 when the plated surround or cowl was replaced with one painted in body color and given a little slope. In January 1936, a new six-light Sherborne body type was introduced, with the roof line sweeping to the rear without interruption to offer a flat back, the then popular 'Airline' form. The redesigned seating was exceptionally deep in the back, had armrests, and was somewhat longer from back to front than prior versions.

In December 1936, the nearly streamlined Cambridge saloon and Conway cabriolet were introduced, with the passengers and engine significantly more front. The car underwent further changes in 1938, including hydraulic dampers, backward-opening doors, automated ignition, and adjustable voltage regulation, among others. The Austin 10 received further upgrades in 1938, including a redesigned body with a sloping rear end and a new grille. The car also received a new gearbox with synchromesh on all gears and hydraulic brakes. The engine was improved with an increase in compression ratio, which increased power output to 27 horsepower. A new model, the Sherborne Saloon, was introduced in 1938, featuring a longer wheelbase and a wider rear seat. The car also featured a revised dashboard with centrally mounted instruments and a new heater.

During World War II, production of civilian vehicles was suspended, and the Austin 10 was repurposed for military use. The car was used by the British military as a staff car and as an ambulance. Production of the Austin 10 resumed after the war, but the car was beginning to show its age compared to newer, more modern designs. Despite its conservative design, the Austin 10 was a popular and successful car for Austin Motor Co. and played an important role in the company's history. In 1947, after producing over 290,000 units, production of the Austin 10 ended.