Austin Seven 2-seat tourer

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.

By 1933, the basic 2 seater tourer was the cheapest car on the market. At £100, it was priced to undercut the Morris Minor and Ford 8, but despite its popularity at the time, it is now one of the rarer models of Austin 7. Perhaps the comfort of the saloon coupled with its rear seats meant a higher survival rate. Shortly after this one was built, the factory announced the arrival of the Ruby with the new fangled cowled radiator – although the two seater models at the bottom of the range continued with the chrome shell for some time to come.

This matching numbers example was built in late 1933 and was registered in January 1934. Spending most of its life in Scotland, it has only come south of the border in the last year or so and has subsequently been fitted with a new hood frame and a pair of Blockley triple stud tyres at the front. Restored some years ago, a large number of invoices are on file totaling more than £1,500 along with some photographs of the restoration. This PD model tourer is fitted with the correct 4 speed crash gearbox and the engine sounded particularly sweet when maneuvering for the pictures. “On the button”, and MOT’d until July 2011 it can be driven away from the sale by the new owner.