Austin 7 Ruby

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Launched in 1922, the Austin Seven was an unprecedented success that not only saved Austin but wiped out most other small cars and cyclecars of the early 1920s. Simply yet brilliantly engineered, it quite literally put Britain on the road.

Built around an A-frame leaf-sprung chassis and powered by a 10hp 747cc four-cylinder sidevalve engine, it came in numerous different body styles and remained in production until 1939, going through a bewildering number of variants along the way encompassing saloons, tourers and out-and-out racers.

Introduced in 1934, the Ruby was an addition to the existing saloon range with a longer bonnet with hinged vents at the side, cowled radiator and downswept tail with enclosed spare wheel.

Nothing much is known about this particular Ruby which has been languishing in a shed behind a detached house in Kidderminster for many years. The owner (recently deceased) had always meant to restore the car but, as is so often the case, too many other projects got in the way and ultimately he never got round to it.

Still bearing its original Worcestershire number plate, it is thought to date from around 1934 but comes with no documentation. Being sold here at no reserve, this cute little 7 undoubtedly requires a lot of work but is by no means a basket case and its restoration will keep someone out of mischief over the coming winter months.