Austin 7 Chummy

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The Baby Austin has held a place close to the hearts of literally millions of people. Its basic simplicity, cute looks and willing performance has ensured its place in motoring history.

The brainchild of Sir Herbert Austin, it took a great deal of persuasion and personal funding to get the original Seven into production, an achievement which probably saved the Austin company from financial ruin – and, thanks to a 2-Guinea royalty on each car, made Sir Herbert a very wealthy man.

It was not long after its launch in 1923 that this “big car in miniature” put the final nail in the coffin of the cyclecar industry. Such was its popular appeal (and bargain basement price) that very soon Austin would be producing in excess of 20,000 per year.

One of the most sought-after of all Sevens is the delightful Chummy. Small in size, but big of heart, they offer a practical and fun way to enter the Vintage scene. Parts are readily available, but truth is that the car is inherently so well made and designed, they will soldier on reliably for years and years.

This nicely restored example dates from 1927, was imported from New Zealand in 2014 and was sold by Brightwells in 2017. The document wallet includes a list of 'Warranty of Fitness' inspections dating back to 1995 and it was MOTd in the UK in 2014 when it was first UK registered BF 6905.

Unlike many New Zealand Austin Chummys, this one has correct steel wings which is always worth checking. It retains lots of original features, such as the dished steering wheel and also comes with some nice old NZ paperwork and a number of recent bills covering work done by its current engineer owner.

This includes fitting an original bronze up-draft carburettor, sorting out a reliable fuel supply and fitting a replacement gearbox and clutch – the sump was also removed at the time to check all was well and it looked ‘tickety boo’. More recently it has had indicators added for security and is running a 12v system.

On the button and ready for any adventure, be it ‘Chummy Ladies’, Light Car activities with the VSCC, trailing, touring or showing, this lovely Chummy has all aspects covered and looks very tempting at the guide price suggested.