Lot 031: 1927 AUSTIN SEVEN VAN

One of the friendliest cars ever conceived and arguably forefather of mass motoring 'giants' such as the Volkswagen Beetle, Citroen 2CV and BMC Mini, the Austin 7 was launched in 1922. An extremely versatile design, its simple but well executed A-frame, leaf-sprung chassis played host to a bewildering range of derivatives from Brooklands single-seaters to two-speed tractors (all powered by the ubiquitous, four-cylinder, sidevalve 747cc engine). Throughout a lifetime of continual revision and development, the 7 never lost its charm. Finished in blue over black with black leather upholstery, this particular example is described by the vendor as being in "excellent overall" condition. Said to have been "professionally restored to a very high standard", chassis 47773 also boasts "an authenticity certificate issued by the Pre War Austin 7 Club". Apparently issued with an age related number plate by the DVLA because "all its history was lost prior to the refurbishment", the 7 has recently been recommissioned by Dave Williams at Austineers of Bradford upon Avon. Riding on a new set of Blockley tyres / tubes, the pint-sized commercial is judged by the seller to be "a very desirable asset" that "will give pleasure just by looking at its quality". Utterly charming in the way that only an Austin 7 can be, it is offered for sale with sundry paperwork and MOT certificate valid until December 2008.