1930 Austin Seven Chummy Tourer

Lot details
Registration No: BF 5001
Chassis No: 103007
Mot Expiry: None

"One of the immortal designs in motoring history is the Austin Seven, for upon its introduction, it rendered the cycle-car obsolete, set a high standard for the economical car, and made motoring possible for the first time for thousands of families. It is surely no exaggeration to say that it was as great an advance in its own sphere as were the 1901 Mercedes and the 1907 Rolls-Royce in theirs, capturing the imagination as few cars have done before or since" (Cecil Clutton, The Vintage Motor Car)

Arguably the forefather of mass motoring 'giants' such as the Volkswagen Beetle, Citroen 2CV and BMC Mini, the Austin Seven 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). Though, it is perhaps in the guise of a 'Chummy' tourer that the model is most fondly remembered. Continuing spares availability means that owning a Chummy in the 21st Century is still a practical proposition as well as being a great entry into the Vintage Sports Car Club. As with any car whose running gear seems nigh-on unbreakable many Sevens were plundered by post-WW2 'special' builders or simply run into the ground.

According to the vendor this particular example pleasingly and unusually retains its "original chassis, body, engine and transmission". Reportedly resident in Suffolk for many years before being acquired by its previous keeper, Professor Hills, during 1978, the Austin remained in his care until recently. Treated to thousands of pounds worth of fettling in the late 1990s, the Chummy is understood to have attended the Churchill Run from 2000-2004 and even to have graced the pages of a local newspaper. Benefiting from attention to its front axle and brake system not to mention the fitting of a new hood and sidescreens prior to being laid-up during 2004, we are informed that the diminutive four-seater "starts and runs" but nevertheless requires "some minor recommissioning". Though, Professor Hills chose to retain its initial registration number ('GC 3516'), this delightful Chummy is offered for sale with an original stamped / dated logbook, period parts manual, sundry bills / invoices and the aforementioned sidescreens.