Lot 412: 1929 Austin 7 'Chummy'

Considering the enormous success of the Austin Seven, it is ironic that Sir Herbert Austin had to personally finance its development in the face of opposition from the Austin board; the company had, though, after a peak of £10m turnover through armaments production during World War I, been forced into receivership in 1921 due to labour problems, strikes and a failed share flotation. With the Seven, however, Austin became a pioneer of the light car, producing a model for the masses that was well-built, reliable and cheap to buy and run. This same formula was continued throughout its long life until production ended in January 1939.The Seven first emerged from Longbridge in July 1922 and by 1929 over 100,000 had been built; between 1926 and 1932 it was Austin's best seller. By 1939 it had appeared in many guises, including racing models, and proved popular in amateur motorsport. One of the last changes came in 1936, the Seven then available in no less than six versions ranging from Ruby saloon to 23bhp Nippy sports. Engine capacity and power had now risen from the 698cc/l0bhp of the first Seven to 747cc and 17bhp at 3,800rpm, 5bhp up on the 1935 car. Breathing through a single Zenith carburettor, the side-valve four cylinder engine was mated to a four-speed gearbox and could propel the little car to over 50mph. Suspension was transverse leaf spring at the front with quarter elliptic leaves at the rear, while brakes were now hydraulic rather than cable operated drums. Part of a small collection of cars, this splendid example typifies all that the Austin 7 represents; spirited performance, simplicity and value. Priced well below current Chummy prices, this example has been restored in Australia some years ago and more recently used just to visit the Post Office. Complete with full weather equipment and thermostatic radiator cap, this is one of the last coach built Austin 7's before the move to a more streamlined production line process. A more attractive and engaging introduction to classic car ownership would be hard to find.