Vehicle Description
Many view the Austin 7 as Britain's equivalent to the Ford Model T.
Of course, the 7 came along a fair bit later than the Ford, in 1922
to be exact, but it nonetheless put Britain on wheels like no other
motorcar before it. Inexpensive but reliable and easy to drive, the
7 replaced virtually all other competitors offering compact
automobiles and cyclecars. The 7 was tiny at just 6 foot, 3 inch in
wheelbase, 40 inches wide and weighing in at a paltry 794 pounds.
Comparatively, it was about half the size of a model T but it was
perfectly suited for navigating the city streets and narrow country
lanes of the British Isles. Sir Herbert Austin performed much of
the design work himself, and patented many of the designs he used
in the car. The engine was a 696 cc side-valve unit with detachable
head, cast cylinder block and alloy crankcase. The plucky little
unit was rated at 7.2 horsepower, giving the Austin plenty of power
considering the light weight. Production lasted for 16 years, with
about a quarter million of all types sold. Much like the Model T in
America, the Austin 7 inspired a great many a tinkerer who sought
to make their car lighter, faster and prettier. The influence of
the 7 can still be felt today, as it was the seed that spawned
Britain's great automotive "cottage industry" of race car builders.
Bruce McLaren of McLaren Cars and Colin Chapman of Lotus both got
their start building Austin 7 specials. Investigation into the
early history of this car started when the UK-based Bryan Norfolk
posted photos of the roadster with its PL7846 British number plates
on the Austin Seven Friends Forum, asking if anyone knew of its
fate. His father had come across this car many years earlier, when
it had been shipped to the US in 1965. An earlier owner, Denis
Hopkin, weighed in; the car had been in his possession from 1958 to
1963. He'd sold it to Miss May O'Boyle, who'd exported it to Texas
in 1965, where it reportedly ended up in a museum. Days later the
current owner soon joined the discussion, revealing that this
special Austin still lived in Texas, as he had purchased it in 2006
from Alfredo Brener of Houston. While in Brener's collection, this
car was in prodigious company amongst rare coachbuilt and
significant competition Maseratis, as well as other European
marques. Sent as a bare chassis to H. Taylor & Co. of London for
custom coachwork, this sporting roadster body was fitted. With its
unique V windshield, Kamm tail, and suicide doors, it is believed
to be one of three examples of this type bodied by the firm. The
beneficiary of a full nut-and-bolt restoration about fifteen years
ago, this unique Austin comes with the original owner's handbook, a
comprehensive shop manual, top bows, tuning and maintenance book,
and a "list of parts" booklet. The joy of the Austin 7 is that it
delivers outsized fun in a tiny package. The coachbuilt body adds
not only style, but tremendous value from this fascinating, history
rich marque. Offers welcome and trades considered For additional
details please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7695-1931-austin-seven-roadster/
