Prahran’s Hinton family business Izett Street site finally up for sale after 130 years

The Hinton family started building horsedrawn carriages 130 years ago, which later evolved into panel beating. But the time has finally come for the Prahran stalwart to sell up.

The Hinton family business has owned this Prahran site since 1890. Now it is finally up for sale.

The site of a Prahran family business which has stayed in the same location for 130 years will be up for auction next week.

What is now the AW Hinton & Sons panelbeater business was formed in 1890 to build horse-drawn carriages.

The family business has maintained a focus on the transport industry throughout its time.

Rod Willcox, whose great-grandfather Arthur Wheatley Hinton started the business and is cousin to the owner, said “they used to build coaches from the ground up”.

“Then they went into horse-drawn bakers’ carts, then when cars came in they were still building bodies on cars and commercial vehicles.

The original facade of the building in about 1910.

“Eventually through the fullness of time they became panelbeaters.”

Mr Willcox said after 130 years in the family, selling the warehouse was “a little bit sad”.

“I was brought up and lived in the house right next door to it — that house is well gone — but I used to play there every night after school,” he said.

“After four generations, it’s a chapter that’s finally closing.”

An old carriage is on display at the business.

The 513sq m site is diagonally opposite Prahran Square and is surrounded by major retailers.

“Prahran itself has changed from those days too … from working class to a pretty yuppie area,” Mr Willcox said.

“I think it will either be flats or commercial … I can’t imagine it staying as what it is, the land is too valuable.”

The site is in a prime location. Photo: Google

Gross Waddell director Michael Gross said there had been a lot of interest in the property, primarily because of its location and zoning.

MORE: HUNT FOR STONNINGTON HOMES FOR TV

POLICE BLITZ NETS 55 ON CHAPEL STREET

IS THIS THE LOWEST SCORE IN SENIOR AUSTRALIAN CRICKET?

“It is close to Chapel St and Commercial Rd … and is less than 100m from its front door to Prahran Market,” he said.

“When you look at the zoning, it could suit a variety of uses whether for residential or commercial, it could even be a boutique hotel.”

The auction will be on-site at 49-51 Izett St, Prahran, at noon on March 12.