Austin Seven Opal

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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, its 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. Drive an Austin 7 today and you will receive more waves and smiles per mile than in any other car.

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.

Further improvements came in 1936 with the launch of the £112 New Opal. Innovations included a 4-speed gearbox with synchromesh on 2nd, 3rd and top and a 3-bearing crankshaft which enabled a higher compression head to be used increasing power to 16½bhp. A conventional Borg and 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 and this made a significant improvement.

This charming 1937 example was restored some years ago and was purchased by the vendor from Anglesey in 2003. It was used and improved over the following years and around four years ago was treated to a thorough engine overhaul. This included new white metal for the big-ends, a skimmed head and a valve grind. We are advised that at some point in its life the original 3-bearing unit has been replaced with an earlier 2-bearing engine, a common enough transplant as the later engines were known to be troublesome.

Since then the car has proved to be very reliable and has been to many local events. Taxed until March 2015 and no longer requiring an MOT, it can be driven away from the sale and is only reluctantly being sold due to the advancing years of the vendor.