Austin 7 RN Saloon

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Launched in 1922, the Austin Seven was an unprecedented success that not only saved the Austin Company but wiped out most other small cars and cyclecars of the early 1920s.

Simply yet brilliantly engineered by Herbert Austin and his young protégé, Stanley Edge, at Austin’s Lickey Grange home, it quite literally put Britain on the road. Occupying barely more tarmac than a motorcycle and sidecar, it still had all the comforts of a family saloon and boasted such luxuries as four-wheel drum brakes and (from 1924) an electric starter.

Built around an A-frame chassis, it was powered by a 10bhp 747cc four-cylinder sidevalve engine mated to a three-speed manual transmission. Suspension was by a transverse-leaf spring at the front and quarter-elliptics to the rear. Available in numerous different body styles, it remained in production until 1939. Tough, easy to maintain and huge fun to drive, it has long been the backbone of the pre-war car movement.

This well sorted example was first registered in April 1932 to Mr Herbert Garrard of Portslade, West Sussex. Its subsequent history is unknown until 1966, at which point it was registered to Mr Tobar in London W1 according to the accompanying log book. Originally painted maroon with black wings, the body is now blue, a colour which suits the car well although we are advised that the top sides have suffered somewhat, the car having been parked under a Eucalyptus tree at some time which has damaged the finish.

The original engine was substituted with one from a slightly earlier car (M125076), the unit that was removed having now been refurbished and rebuilt (M154481) and which is included in the sale, ready to be reinstalled if a future owner wishes to do so.

The vendor describes the interior as nice and original, although both driver’s and passenger’s seat bases have been retrimmed. He has carried out a great many improvements since acquiring the car in 2013 including fitting new kingpins, track rod ends and a new steering arm – an important addition as the original 80-year-old items are known to harbour potentially dangerous cracks. As a further safety related item, the wheels have had new spokes fitted and modern indicators added.

The brakes have been relined and new cables fitted, along with a new battery, exhaust and a thorough oil service which included removing the sump and cleaning the mesh strainer below the crankshaft within the last 50 miles. The ignition was also treated to a new coil, condenser and points. Finally, the vendor has managed to get the original sunshine roof to work and has found a rare and correct ‘Rist’ horn to bring the car back to original condition.

This well cared for RN Saloon is ready to use immediately and comes with the potential to refit its original and already rebuilt engine at some time in the future.