Vehicle Description
The Swallow Sidecar Company was founded in the early 1920s by
William Walmsley, who soon after establishing his business,
partnered with a young designer named William Lyons. As the name
suggests, the firm built side cars for motorbikes, which were
always quite attractive and of excellent quality. Lyons suggested
they expand their operation to offer coachbuilt car bodies
alongside their sidecars, and Walmsley agreed. Their first car body
was built on a Talbot chassis which was quite well received. They
went on to build bodies for Standard, Fiat and Swift, however it
was their work with the cheeky little Austin 7 that really put the
company on the map. 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. 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. Swallow's first design for the Austin 7
was a "saloon coupe"; an attractive body that lent the 7 a more
grown-up and sophisticated appearance. One marvel of Walmsley and
Lyon's designs was their ability to make such a tiny car appear so
elegant and upmarket. On the success of their saloons and coupes,
they soon added a variety of beautiful little roadster to the mix.
Not only were Swallow bodies attractive and well built, but they
were remarkably affordable. With Swallow selling well, Walmsley and
Lyons began to experiment with building their own cars based on
Standard chassis. Swallow Sidecar Company morphed into Swallow
Coachbuilding Company and eventually S.S. Cars, with their
sensational SS1 debuting in 1931. As hostilities in Europe ramped
up later in the decade, it was wisely decided that S.S. was not a
marketable trademark so the company was renamed "Jaguar", and at
the risk of speaking in clich�, the rest is history. Wearing a rare
and attractive Swallow Beetleback Roadster body, this 1929 Austin 7
is a nicely restored example, ready for enjoyment. And the
enjoyment comes from just looking at this delightful (and
exceedingly rare) little two-seat roadster body style, of which it
is believed only two others are known to exist. The car has been
restored to a good level of quality, with good sound bodywork and
attractive paint. Most Swallow bodies were finished in two tone
paint schemes and this car is no exception in its lovely dark green
over cream fenders and wheels.� There are plenty of interesting
details on this car; from the alloy running boards to the split,
pivoting windscreen. The spare wheel is hidden behind the seats for
a sleek and sporty appearance. The cockpit is trimmed in cream
leather with green carpets to complement the body and once you slip
into the driver's seat you are greeted to a handsome wood dash an
array of period instruments. The detailing is good and there is a
full top and side curtain set should you get adventurous and tour
with the tiny Austin. Beneath the bonnet, the four cylinder engine
is in good condition, tidy, clean and well detailed. Overall, this
is a pretty and usable example. The exceptional rarity certainly
adds desirability to this already endearing little motor.
