Lot 007: 1931 Austin Seven Box Saloon

From 1925 until well after WWII, the Austin 7 was one of the most familiar sights on British roads, and this iconic model has charmed its way into the hearts of more than one generation of owners. The attraction of the Austin 7 today remains as strong as ever, and many are the enthusiasts who are sufficiently affluent as to be able to afford far more upmarket classic cars, but who find that the practicability, cleverness and general appeal of the Austin 7 fulfils their desires. Within the VSCC, the Austin 7 has a strong following of enthusiasts of all ages, and importantly the younger age group. Within the last 12 months, standard Austin 7s made between 1930 and 1934, as this lot, have been admitted into the Club's 'Post Vintage Thoroughbred' category and now are eligible for all suitable VSCC events. A runaway success from its introduction in 1923, the Seven was much the most effective of several attempts to market a large car in miniature, quickly saw off many other makes of light and economy cars, and alone was responsible for the genocide of the cyclecar breed. So familiar is the specification that it barely needs further repetition: four cylinder 750cc side-valve engine in unit with a 3-speed centre change gearbox, and the 'A' frame chassis was suspended by a single transverse leaf spring at the front and two quarter elliptics at the rear. Braking initially was by hand on the front wheels and foot on the rear, linked from 1930. 'DG 3629' was allocated to this RN longer chassis car late in 1931, and it is one of 16,934 saloons made that year. The car remains in largely unaltered condition and it is finished in an original colour scheme option - black with green below the waistline, and green wheels. The dashboard appears unaltered and the upholstery possibly the original. There is a sun roof. Recent work includes replacement brake linings and radiator matrix, a new battery and five new tyres on repainted wheels. The vendor describes the car as being in "good overall" condition, and states that this Seven is "very usable, and can be driven away".