The Austin Motor Company was founded by Herbert Austin in 1905. Herbert Austin was a successful engineer who had previously worked for the Wolseley Motor Company. He founded the Austin Motor Company with the goal of producing affordable cars for the mass market.

The company initially produced large cars, but in 1922, Austin introduced the Austin Seven, a small car that was affordable and practical. The Austin Seven was a huge success and helped establish the Austin Motor Company as a leading car manufacturer in Britain.

In 1952, Austin merged with Morris Motors to form the British Motor Corporation (BMC), which became one of the largest car manufacturers in Britain.  The last car to bear the Austin name was the Austin Maestro, which was produced until 1994.