1939 Austin Big Seven 'Forlite' Saloon

Registration No: JM 3869
Chassis No: CRW9210
MOT: Exempt

• Last on the road in 1990
• Still recorded on the DVLA / HPi databases under its original Westmorland registration number
• Appears to be substantially complete
• A potentially rewarding and straightforward restoration project

Unveiled by Lord Austin at Longbridge on July 13^th 1937, the Big Seven was intended to bridge the gap between the marque’s Seven and Ten models; a niche the Morris Eight was filling all too readily. Based around a ladder frame chassis equipped with all-round leaf-sprung suspension and four-wheel drum brakes, the newcomer was powered by an 885cc four-cylinder sidevalve engine allied to four-speed manual transmission. Available in four-door ‘Sixlite’ or (from March 1938) two-door ‘Forlite’ saloon guises, the Big Seven remained in production until March 1939 by which time some 20,171 had been made. As of August 2023, the Big Seven Register knew of just 153 surviving ‘Forlites’.

First registered in Westmorland on April 19^th 1939 (or so its ‘JM 3869’ number plate would imply), chassis CRW9210 has been farm stored and off the road since the early 1990s. Last changing registered keepers on July 1^st 1988, the Austin appears to be substantially complete. A notably late example of the Big Seven, the four-seater would seem an ideal candidate for an ‘oily rag’ restoration. The engine turns freely and it is hoped but not promised that ‘JM 3869’ will be running and driving by the time of the auction. Offered for sale with registration document and HPi report.

PLEASE NOTE: The buff logbook which accompanies this lot was issued in 1958 and gives the Austin's year of first registration as 1938 (and not 1939 as printed in the catalogue and shown on the DVLA and HPi databases). The successful buyer will need to apply for a new V5C Registration Document.

For more information, please contact:
Damian Jones
damian.jones@handh.co.uk
07855 493737

Condition Report

PLEASE NOTE: The buff logbook which accompanies this lot was issued in 1958 and gives the Austin's year of first registration as 1938 (and not 1939 as printed in the catalogue and shown on the DVLA and HPi databases). The successful buyer will need to apply for a new V5C Registration Document.