Austin 7 Opal Tourer

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Launched in 1922 and remaining in production until 1939, the Austin 7 was an overnight sensation. Far superior in every way and cheaper than any contemporary rival, the "big car in miniature" quickly wiped out the cyclecar industry and transformed the fortunes of Austin.

With good performance, accommodation and four-wheel brakes, it brought proper motoring to the masses and won a legendary status which it has not lost to this day. An extremely versatile design, it’s simple but well-executed A-frame, leaf-sprung chassis played host to a bewildering range of derivatives and it won the hearts of the nation, not just because of its toughness, but also its cheeky looks.

In August 1934, Sir Herbert Austin invited the press to see the new vehicles in the Austin Seven range – the Opal, Ruby and Pearl. The Opal was the basic two seater version, and early cars carried over the flat fronted radiator. These sold for £100. The charming Opal Open Road Two-seat Tourer wore the new enclosed grille and cost £8 more.

First registered in November 1935, this particular Opal is rated at 8HP, featuring a sweet little tourer body, no. APE214 and was completely restored by noted marque specialist Myddle Wood Garage of North Shropshire some 15 years ago including a new interior, carpets, hood and side screens and has seen limited dry use since. It is said by the vendors to be in very good overall condition and to be great fun to drive with all mechanical parts in rude health.

Although the car had a fair amount of history when the restoration was completed over a decade ago, at the time of cataloguing this could not be located. The history file does however contain its current V5C, old green log book and a selection of Vintage Austin register mags and correspondence. The last owner also went to some trouble to trace and re-assign its original Carmarthenshire-issued registration, TH 6327, which adds a lovely touch to a splendid and most usable 7.