1930 Austin Seven 'Chummy' Tourer

Lot details
Registration No: TFO 549
Chassis No: M250006
Mot Expiry: None

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. 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. Through all its variations and evolutions, it is perhaps in the guise of Chummy Tourer that the model is most fondly remembered. Continuing spares availability and a plethora of enthusiastic clubs mean 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).

The 1930 example being offered is finished in blue with black wings and has a black coloured interior. It has the 747cc engine coupled to the early three-speed gearbox. We are told that TFO 549 was restored a number of years ago prior to being placed in long term storage. We understand it has since benefited from a new hood and interior trim and, while it runs and drives, does require some further recommissioning.

Produced in Tourer, Saloon, Cabriolet, Sports, Coupe and Van form, the Seven was all things to all men between the two world wars and beyond, and rightly reserved its place alongside the Model T Ford, Volkswagen Beetle and Morris Minor as one of the most popular cars ever produced. It would be nice to think this venerable Chummy can find a suitable new home.

PLEASE NOTE: We have been unable to find the chassis number listed on this lot's V5C registration document on the vehicle itself. We have found what we believe to be a chassis number stamping on the nearside chassis rail in the vicinity of the rear engine mount. This stamping is somewhat indistinct but appears to read 129766. If this stamping is the number of the chassis then it would indicate that the chassis was manufactured in circa 1931. The engine currently fitted to the Seven carries a different number to the one listed on the lot's V5C registration document and would seem to date from late 1931 or 1932. Due to the lack of paperwork on file, we do not know whether this Austin Seven began life as a Chummy or whether it has subsequently been rebodied in the style of a Chummy.