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.

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 (body type APE) wore the new cowled grille and cost £8 more.

Further improvements came in 1936 with the launch of the £112 New Opal. Innovations included a 4-speed gearbox with synchromesh on the top three ratios, and a 3-bearing crankshaft which enabled a higher compression head to be used increasing power to 16½bhp. A conventional Borg & Beck clutch replaced the Austin design, famous for its switch-like operation, while the brakes were also upgraded to a semi-Girling system with cast iron shoes – a significant improvement. The trafficators were also moved from the scuttle to the bodywork behind the rear doors.

This gorgeous little Opal Tourer dates from 1937 and was first registered on 1st January 1938. Documents on file show that it was fully restored in the 1980s and some 13 old MOTs show that it has only covered 8,700 miles since it was returned to the road in 1986. An ex-Austin apprentice, the vendor had admired the Opal for many years as it had resided in the same village as him since 1998. In 2013 he finally got the chance to buy the car and he has cherished it ever since.

Sundry invoices attest to regular upkeep over the years, including a new wiring loom in 2008 and more recently a new battery, new starter bushes, new head gasket and decoke set. As you can see it remains in exemplary condition throughout, having been always kept garaged and used for local trips in fine weather only. Indeed it won an award at a local show in 2015 in recognition of its “outstanding condition” and “special historic interest”.

Complete with a full set of weather equipment (hood, sidescreens and hood cover) and a useful set of period tools, it is without doubt one of the nicest Sevens we have seen and comes with the aforementioned invoices and past MOTs, a buff logbook from 1962, current V5C and an original owner’s handbook.