Lot details
Registration No: GJI855
Chassis No: 224435
Mot Expiry: May 2011

Brainchild of Herbert Austin and Stanley Edge, the Austin Seven looked almost impossibly small when launched in 1922. Occupying the same 'footprint' as a motorcycle and sidecar combination, it nevertheless boasted all the advantages of a 'full-size' motor car. Responsible for helping motorise Britain while simultaneously sounding the cyclecar industry's death knell, the baby Austin was brilliantly yet simply engineered. Based around an 'A-frame' chassis equipped with all-round leaf-sprung suspension, four-wheel drum brakes and a spiral bevel back axle, it was powered by a sewing machine-esque 747cc sidevalve four-cylinder engine allied to three-speed (later four-speed) manual transmission. An evolution of the Type EB '65' which itself had been inspired by the legendary Type EA Sports 'Ulster', the Type AEB 'Nippy' arrived during 1934. Visually near identical to its immediate predecessor with the same low-slung stance and distinctive rounded tail, the newcomer was predominantly bodied in steel over an ash frame (though, early cars utilised the same aluminium panelling as the Type EB '65'). Powered by a tuned engine allied to four-speed manual transmission and benefiting from a lowered centre of gravity, the Type AEB 'Nippy' proved an amusingly brisk and chuckable sports car. Phased out in 1937, total 'Nippy' production is thought to have amounted to just 682 cars.

We are informed that this particular example has undergone various modifications such as the installation of a later Reliant engine. The replacement aluminium alloy OHV unit (itself derived from the Austin Seven's four-cylinder design) will doubtless have boosted performance and in the vendor's words has made 'GJ1855' into "a very reliable, fun piece of kit". Reportedly "used for 100-mile round trips on a regular basis", the two-seater is further understood to be "very presentable but by no means a show car". Judged by the seller to possess "lots of original 'Nippy' characteristics" and to be capable of "conversion back to original specification if so desired", the Seven boasts "good chrome" and a recently renewed "hood and tonneau cover". Treated to routine engine servicing, this non-standard but charming 'Nippy' is offered for sale with MOT certificate valid until May 2011.

PLEASE NOTE: Since the catalogue went to press Mr Neville H. Barr of the Pre-War Austin 7 Club, Derby has kindly contacted us with the following correction: "Your description of this lot states that the Reliant engine fitted is derived from the Austin 7 engine. This would refer only to the earlier side valve Reliant engine - the OHV unit is a totally different design and has no relation to the Austin Seven".