A chance to buy a bucket list car has seen me make another decision I may regret.....
Offered for sale my fabulous Austin 7.
If you like cars with history and patina, my fabulous Austin Big 7 is definitely one to consider. Bought new by a Mr Chantry in March 1938 just 18 months before the outbreak of the Second World War, it remained in his ownership, enjoyed, used and maintained for a staggering 65 years! Passing to it's second owner in 2003, it continued to be loved, cherished and enjoyed, eventually coming to the point where some minor remedial work was warranted. The engine and gearbox were removed before events took a sinister turn, at a time when the health of the owner was also deteriorating. Eventually resolved, but with the owners health now poor, he made the sad decision to offer 'Sophie' for sale, partially dismantled but reportedly complete and now having been off the road a few years.
Less of a sale and more of an interview, I was the one chosen to become the little Austin's third owner on the understanding that I returned her to the road. And this is exactly what I did, with utmost sympathy to preserving the history and character of the car as it stood. There was much work to do and by this stage repairs were necessary to the bulkhead and battery tray, undertaken to the highest possible standard. Beyond that the little Austin had a comprehensive 'oily rag' restoration of the running gear, with the engine and gearbox stripped and inspected, all ancillaries fully rebuilt, new engine mounts, clutch, gaskets, an overhaul of fuel tank and system and anything else needed to have the car running as it should, plus work to the suspension and cable operated brakes as required. New tyres and a new period correct Exide 6v battery saw the little Austin running beautifully and with the electrical systems similarly renovated, the Austin returned to the road once more.
I have used it simply for fun, the odd school run and whenever I fancy putting a smile on my face - something it has never failed to do. It really is a most excellent thing to pilot! Nestled in the little bucket seat with the windscreen opened and the sunroof cracked, listening to the dinky little 885cc four chuntering away up front, the one thing I never cease to be staggered by is the ride! It's simply amazing, presumably as a result of being made in an era when metalled roads were less widespread. It soaks up bumps and bounds down the lanes with such character and charm that it's a real delight to drive.
Whilst the appearance is weathered, the car is on the button and ready for immediate use. The engine starts easily, shows excellent oil pressure hot or cold and there is no water pump or thermostat to worry about as it runs a thermosyphon cooling system, as standard. The gearbox is a four speed, with synchromesh on 2nd, 3rd and 4th, whilst the brakes are cable operated. Clutch action is direct, but everything is conventional and one quickly gets used to the controls - for a pre-war car its all reassuringly easy. The sixlight body is fabulously time worn... it's well patinated throughout, had work in the past with evidence of historic restoration and there is some repaired collision damage to the passenger door which is revealing itself. The body could be further improved whilst retaining it's character if desired. The 'boot' is just big enough for the spare wheel, the lid folding down to provide a platform upon which to stack and strap down picnic baskets or suitcases. The rear lights flap down when the boot is lowered to remain visible. Direction indication is done by B-pillar mounted illuminated semaphores / trafficators, which work nicely and are a regular talking point!
The interior is similarly time worn with the original leather upholstery to the seats and compliments the condition of the exterior perfectly. All instrumentation, such as it is, is working correctly. This plucky little 7 has reached the point where even the historic restoration work is now time worn and everything has mellowed together beautifully - it just oozes character from every angle and I felt it would be wrong to undertake extensive restoration of it's appearance without good reason. The car comes with 2 large box files of history detailing historic work and expense, owners manuals and books, plus correspondence and history that helps tell this remarkable little survivors story.
It pains me to offer this for sale, I know I will never find another pre-war car as characterful and usable as this, but the opportunity to tick one of the biggest wants off my bucket list has produced a quandary ..... I can't keep both this and the object of my childhood desire...
This fabulous little Austin is on the button and ready for immediate use - pretty impressive for an 83 year old car! You just never see old cars in this condition any more, particularly ones that are instantly usable and it's an absolute honey pot at any car gathering - drawing crowds of admirers whilst the shiny exotica are overlooked. It's huge fun to both own and drive - an immersive window into motoring from a distant era. As usual, I'll give the RR community first dibs before advertising more widely - drop me a PM if you want to know more....
Location:- Newbury
Price:- SOLD
Offered for sale my fabulous Austin 7.
If you like cars with history and patina, my fabulous Austin Big 7 is definitely one to consider. Bought new by a Mr Chantry in March 1938 just 18 months before the outbreak of the Second World War, it remained in his ownership, enjoyed, used and maintained for a staggering 65 years! Passing to it's second owner in 2003, it continued to be loved, cherished and enjoyed, eventually coming to the point where some minor remedial work was warranted. The engine and gearbox were removed before events took a sinister turn, at a time when the health of the owner was also deteriorating. Eventually resolved, but with the owners health now poor, he made the sad decision to offer 'Sophie' for sale, partially dismantled but reportedly complete and now having been off the road a few years.
Less of a sale and more of an interview, I was the one chosen to become the little Austin's third owner on the understanding that I returned her to the road. And this is exactly what I did, with utmost sympathy to preserving the history and character of the car as it stood. There was much work to do and by this stage repairs were necessary to the bulkhead and battery tray, undertaken to the highest possible standard. Beyond that the little Austin had a comprehensive 'oily rag' restoration of the running gear, with the engine and gearbox stripped and inspected, all ancillaries fully rebuilt, new engine mounts, clutch, gaskets, an overhaul of fuel tank and system and anything else needed to have the car running as it should, plus work to the suspension and cable operated brakes as required. New tyres and a new period correct Exide 6v battery saw the little Austin running beautifully and with the electrical systems similarly renovated, the Austin returned to the road once more.
I have used it simply for fun, the odd school run and whenever I fancy putting a smile on my face - something it has never failed to do. It really is a most excellent thing to pilot! Nestled in the little bucket seat with the windscreen opened and the sunroof cracked, listening to the dinky little 885cc four chuntering away up front, the one thing I never cease to be staggered by is the ride! It's simply amazing, presumably as a result of being made in an era when metalled roads were less widespread. It soaks up bumps and bounds down the lanes with such character and charm that it's a real delight to drive.
Whilst the appearance is weathered, the car is on the button and ready for immediate use. The engine starts easily, shows excellent oil pressure hot or cold and there is no water pump or thermostat to worry about as it runs a thermosyphon cooling system, as standard. The gearbox is a four speed, with synchromesh on 2nd, 3rd and 4th, whilst the brakes are cable operated. Clutch action is direct, but everything is conventional and one quickly gets used to the controls - for a pre-war car its all reassuringly easy. The sixlight body is fabulously time worn... it's well patinated throughout, had work in the past with evidence of historic restoration and there is some repaired collision damage to the passenger door which is revealing itself. The body could be further improved whilst retaining it's character if desired. The 'boot' is just big enough for the spare wheel, the lid folding down to provide a platform upon which to stack and strap down picnic baskets or suitcases. The rear lights flap down when the boot is lowered to remain visible. Direction indication is done by B-pillar mounted illuminated semaphores / trafficators, which work nicely and are a regular talking point!
The interior is similarly time worn with the original leather upholstery to the seats and compliments the condition of the exterior perfectly. All instrumentation, such as it is, is working correctly. This plucky little 7 has reached the point where even the historic restoration work is now time worn and everything has mellowed together beautifully - it just oozes character from every angle and I felt it would be wrong to undertake extensive restoration of it's appearance without good reason. The car comes with 2 large box files of history detailing historic work and expense, owners manuals and books, plus correspondence and history that helps tell this remarkable little survivors story.
It pains me to offer this for sale, I know I will never find another pre-war car as characterful and usable as this, but the opportunity to tick one of the biggest wants off my bucket list has produced a quandary ..... I can't keep both this and the object of my childhood desire...
This fabulous little Austin is on the button and ready for immediate use - pretty impressive for an 83 year old car! You just never see old cars in this condition any more, particularly ones that are instantly usable and it's an absolute honey pot at any car gathering - drawing crowds of admirers whilst the shiny exotica are overlooked. It's huge fun to both own and drive - an immersive window into motoring from a distant era. As usual, I'll give the RR community first dibs before advertising more widely - drop me a PM if you want to know more....
Location:- Newbury
Price:- SOLD
