1938 Austin Seven Pearl Cabriolet

Lot details
Registration No: EUO 522
Chassis No: ACAZ86182
Mot Expiry: Oct 2011

Apparently inspired by the Peugeot Quadrilette, the now immortal Austin Seven was announced in 1922. It is amazing to think that its tiny splash-lubricated 696cc (soon increased to 747cc) engine was the design of an 18-year old draughtsman called Stanley Edge, and the Seven immediately became the smallest four cylinder-engined car on the British market. It featured four-wheel brakes, suspension by semi-elliptic transverse spring at the front, quarter elliptic units at the rear and steering was by a worm and wheel system. Taken to heart by the British public, the Seven remained in production from 1922 until 1939, during which time some 290,000 were produced; around 10,000 of which are still known to exist around the world. It was also manufactured under licence in France, Germany, Japan and America. As with any car whose running gear seems unbreakable, many examples were plundered by special builders (Colin Chapman's first Lotus was based on an Austin Seven) or simply run into the ground. The remaining cars are a vital element of the vintage movement. One of the most popular variants, the Ruby, was introduced in 1934. It boasted more modern styling than its predecessors, which included the previous exposed design of radiator being replaced by an all-enveloping cowl. Announced the same year, the Pearl was effectively a Cabriolet version of the Ruby. Both models were updated for the 1936 model year.

The right-hand drive Pearl being sold was manufactured in 1938. It is finished in Brown over Black with a brown hood and black interior. The vendor regards the coachwork, paintwork and gearbox as being "good" and the engine as "very solid". The front seats have apparently benefited from a recent retrim in leather, while the rear seat is said to be "good". Also recently renewed are: the tyres, battery, distributor and sparking plugs. The Austin is both MOT'd and taxed and comes complete with a large number of previous MOT certificates and tax discs etc. This delightful little Austin is thought to have had just six owners from new and is now ready to give pleasure to a new keeper. Period, wind-in-the-hair motoring doesn't come much cheaper than this.