In 1990, Graham and Margaret Ryan bought a 1939 Austin 10 at an auction in Woodburn.

They paid $2400 for it.

For decades, the old car sat in a paddock at Tunglebung at the Ryans’ cattle farm near Bonalbo.

As part of the Australia Day celebrations at Bonalbo this year, the vintage car will be auctioned at noon at the Bowlo – and there is no reserve price on it.

Graham would like to see an enthusiastic car buyer give a new life to the Austin 10.

When we purchased it at the clearing sale in Woodburn, we were told the number plate FJ760 would be worth something, Graham said.

Because the car was registered in Victoria, the number plates were not transferable to another car, he said.

The Austin 10 sat in the shed at Tunglebung for years and when rats got into and started chewing on things, Graham moved it into the paddock and put a tarp over it.

The tarp moved back and forth in the wind and over the years, it eroded the white paint on the Austin.

Graham said it has been disappointing to see the car age. The Ryans are the third owners.

The Austin 10 was owned initially by the Australian Navy.

It was used to ferry admirals around Melbourne when they were on shore, Graham said.

Then a woman bought it and she sold it when she was in her 80s and living in Woodburn.

The Austin 10 needs a lot of work. The interior upholstery is damaged and the exterior has surface rust. The curved chrome headlamps remain in great condition. It still has its original number plate.

Come to Bonalbo’s Australia Day on January 26 where there will be a vintage car display and the Austin 10 will be auctioned by Tom Cooper at noon at Bonalbo Bowling Club. There is no reserve and any money received from the auction goes to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.

This article appeared on indyNR.com on 13 January 2026.